Marshall Malone scratched his head in frustration. “No, although the treasure is likely near Fort Salisbury, we don’t know the exact location. All factions are searching blindly.”
“Without a target, it’s no good,” Leo shook his head.
Ripley sighed, “We’re at a loss unless we get lucky.”
Leo thought for a moment and then smiled, “I have an idea.”
Marshall Malone, who had been lying on the sofa, sat up immediately. “What idea? Tell us quickly.”
Ripley and Bonnie Hale also perked up their ears.
Leo smiled and said two words, “Divination.”
“Divination?” The three of them looked at each other in disbelief. “Will it work?”
“Why not?” Leo smiled confidently. “My divination skills are quite strong.”
“Really?” Marshall Malone was still skeptical. “What tools do you need?”
“A copper coin will do.” Leo took out nine copper coins from his pocket. “As long as the treasure is here, I should be able to find its trace.”
“Let’s give it a try,” Marshall Malone shrugged indifferently. “We have no other options anyway.”
Leo noticed their skepticism but didn’t say much. He stood up, activated his Spiritual Power, and tossed the nine copper coins into the air.
Immediately, the nine copper coins magically stopped mid-air, emitting a dazzling golden light.
Marshall Malone and the others were stunned.
Leo chanted, “Heavenly stars and gods, grant me the power of foresight, reveal yourselves!”
As soon as he finished speaking, the nine copper coins started spinning rapidly, buzzing like bees, and the golden light grew brighter.
With the strong Spiritual Power, the nine spinning copper coins aligned to form a mystical pattern of the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams.
Leo closed his eyes to meditate, feeling the power of divination.
After a long while, the golden light suddenly dispersed. Leo opened his eyes and caught the nine copper coins in his hand.
“How did it go?” Marshall Malone asked anxiously.
Leo’s face was serious and astonished. “What kind of power is blocking me?”
The three looked at each other in confusion-did the divination fail?
Leo explained, “Everything was going smoothly until a powerful force suddenly covered the clues, making my efforts futile.”
“What!?” The three were shocked.
Ripley speculated, “Could someone have already found the treasure?”
Leo shook his head decisively. “No, The Hexagram shows that the treasure is still hidden and hasn’t been discovered.”
“Then what’s going on?” Marshall Malone was puzzled.
“There’s only one possibility,” Leo said slowly. “A powerful organization is guarding the treasure.”
“A guardian for the treasure!?” Marshall Malone was startled and then recalled something. “Historically, those who searched for The Reich’s Treasure often met untimely deaths. It’s rumored that a hidden force of The Iron Guard protects the treasure.”
Ripley added, “There must be some force protecting the treasure. That’s probably why no one has found it all these years.”
Marshall Malone sighed, “Without clues, it’s useless.”
Leo smiled mysteriously. “Who said there are no clues? That powerful force couldn’t completely block my divination.”
Marshall Malone understood Leo’s meaning. “You know where the treasure is?”
Leo nodded. “I’m certain it’s within fifty kilometers of us. According to the divinatory signs, it should be hidden in the vast mountains east of Fort Salisbury.”
“Great,” Bonnie Hale said happily. “Let’s search the mountains east of Fort Salisbury; we should be able to find it.”
Marshall Malone nodded in agreement. “If the divinatory signs are accurate, we’ll have a much better chance of finding it first.”
“Don’t worry; the signs are accurate,” Leo said confidently. “Do you know of any special places east of Fort Salisbury?”
“Latzburg!” Marshall Malone and Ripley said simultaneously.
“Latzburg? What’s that place?”
Marshall Malone thought for a moment. “Latzburg is a small town about forty-five kilometers from here. During World War II, it was one of The Iron Guard’s last strongholds and a strategic point highly valued by The Fuhrer.”
“There are many legends about The Reich’s Treasure being buried near Latzburg, and parts of the treasure have been found nearby.”
Leo pondered for a moment and nodded. “The treasure should be near Latzburg.”
Marshall Malone rubbed his hands excitedly. “When do we leave?”
“The sooner, the better. Let’s leave tomorrow morning. Get some rest tonight,” Leo suggested.
Bonnie Hale agreed. “I’ll prepare dinner; it won’t take long.”
“Wait,” Leo gestured for Bonnie Hale to sit down. “Do you have a map of Latzburg?”
Marshall Malone quickly took out a small device and projected a 3D map on the table.
He swiftly located Latzburg on the map and zoomed in.
Leo examined it and said, “Latzburg is in the center of the Alps, surrounded by numerous mountains and two large lakes nearby. This geography is perfect for hiding treasure.”
The three nodded in agreement.
Bonnie Hale added, “I’ve heard there are many natural caves near Latzburg, some extending for dozens of kilometers. Could the treasure be hidden in one of them?”
They all smiled at each other, feeling they were close to finding the treasure.
The next morning.
The four of them set out with their prepared mountaineering gear and bought additional supplies from a nearby camping store before heading to Latzburg.
An hour later, at ten in the morning, they arrived at Latzburg.
After checking into a quiet inn and having a simple lunch, they drove to the nearby mountains.
Getting out of the car and looking at the rugged mountains ahead, Marshall Malone took a deep breath. “Is everyone ready?”
“Let’s go,” Leo said after exchanging glances with the others.
They entered the mountains where there were no more flat roads, only rugged paths or no paths at all.