The more terrifying thing was that the mechanism of the Sky Treasure Dragonfire Top had also been breached by the flood, and now the Dragonfire oil inside was burning. However, the chamber was already filled with water, so the oil fire only burned on the surface of the water for a short while before extinguishing. This showed just how perilous the situation inside was.
According to the diver, it was pitch black inside, and even with extra-powerful light bulbs, one could only see about a meter ahead. Additionally, various debris kept falling. If it weren’t for the guide ropes indicating the way back, he feared he might not have made it out.
The diver reported the situation inside to the swarm of journalists with lingering fear in his heart. Christine felt some concern but maintained a calm demeanor. She knew Leo’s capabilities and had confidence that Leo could bring Chloe and Domingo out alive.
At this moment, the entire Western Xia Treasury camp was in chaos. The diver was about to say more but was taken away by the rescue staff. The journalists tried to follow but were stopped by Sergeant Woods. Sergeant Woods had been busy all night without rest, and his voice was almost too hoarse to speak. He forced out a sentence from his throat: “Dear media friends, please follow the rescue order on site. We will hold a press conference about this rescue shortly, where you can ask any questions.”
Hearing Sergeant Woods’ words, the journalists dispersed, exchanging information in small groups.
Deep within the underground palace.
“I found the exit!” Leo suddenly shouted, startling Chloe and Domingo who were standing nearby. After speaking, Leo began calculating with his fingers as he walked. Chloe and Domingo, trusting him despite his odd behavior, followed behind.
Leo would stop every few steps to observe the surroundings, often walking ten steps east only to return eight steps and then proceed east again, almost making Chloe and Domingo dizzy. Moreover, Leo walked along the walls, occasionally knocking on them.
Seeing Leo’s strange actions, Domingo couldn’t hold back any longer. He gently tugged Chloe’s sleeve and asked, “Chloe, what is he doing? Has he gone mad?” The dimming light and numerous items in the underground palace, including some human-shaped clay figures that seemed to come alive, made Domingo’s heart race. Leo’s bizarre behavior only added to his fear.
“It’s okay; he might be calculating the direction of the exit.” Initially skeptical of such mystical practices, Chloe had come to trust Leo after he helped her solve several problems in the Western Xia Treasury.
Leo stopped again in front of a large wall that was smooth and obviously cleaned and polished. However, it didn’t seem different from other walls in the underground palace. This time, Leo stayed longer. He knocked on the wall several times, producing dull sounds.
Chloe couldn’t stand it anymore and said, “This wall is clearly solid; there’s no need to knock.” Leo didn’t respond but pressed his ear to the wall and knocked again. Chloe shook her head helplessly. She knew Leo suspected there was a hidden chamber here, but her years of archaeological experience told her that the sounds indicated a solid wall with no hidden chamber.
“Boom!” Leo suddenly punched the wall. Chloe and Domingo jumped back in surprise. Leo continued punching left and right, shaking the entire wall.
“Leo! What are you doing?” Chloe thought Leo was frustrated from not finding an exit and was venting his anger.
Leo smiled and said, “Listen.” He punched the wall again. This time, Chloe heard a faint hollow sound as if there was space behind it.
“There’s space behind it?” Chloe exclaimed. Leo felt around and then leaned against a section of the wall about a third of the way up. Suddenly, he threw himself against it like a bear against a tree.
With a “boom,” the wall opened! Chloe and Domingo stared in shock at the opened wall. After a while, they realized it was a door disguised with bricks to look like part of the wall. Without Leo, no one would have discovered this secret chamber.
Leo entered first. A foul odor wafted out from the chamber. Chloe and Domingo waited outside until the smell dissipated before entering. The chamber had small holes that let in some light but remained dimly lit.
Using his special ability to see in low light, Leo scanned the entire chamber. In the center was a smooth White Jade stone with a redwood outer coffin on top. The redwood outer coffin was well-preserved compared to other wooden coffins outside.
To the left was a shelf with a long piece of white cloth hanging from it, remarkably well-preserved despite its age. Such material would have been considered precious in ancient times but is common now.
To the right was a row of kneeling human figures that looked like they were ready to strike from the shadows. Chloe and Domingo saw these figures too and were so frightened they couldn’t move.
Leo stepped closer and saw that they were just human-shaped clay figures, exquisitely crafted with lifelike expressions as if cast by real people.
“They’re just clay figures,” Leo said. Chloe and Domingo saw they were indeed clay figures but still didn’t dare get too close.
Domingo said disappointedly, “There’s no exit here?” He had lost interest in exploring the tomb and just wanted to leave as soon as possible.
Chloe stepped onto the White Jade platform and said to Leo, “Help me out.”
“Are we opening another coffin?” Leo asked instinctively. Although this outer coffin likely contained a body, opening it could cause rapid decay due to its good preservation.
Chloe understood his concern and explained, “Not opening it; just moving it.”
Leo nodded and went to help. There were a few items on the White Jade stone. Leo placed his hands on the outer coffin and applied force. The outer coffin made creaking sounds as it moved.