As the elevator descended, the air grew colder, sending shivers through those wearing light clothing, particularly Yoko. Finally, with a heavy thud, the elevator reached its destination.
"I was wondering why it took so long," Wang Kaixuan remarked, turning to face the group. His eyes widened in surprise as he noticed the massive archway towering before them, about six or seven meters high. Within it stood a stone door that was three or four meters tall, tightly sealed. Five levels of steps descended into darkness, covered in debris and dust, with many cracks visible.
The walls beside the archway were pocked with various recesses—some as tall as a person, others no bigger than a basin—leaving everyone puzzled about their purpose.
"Stop staring; let's blow the door open," Wang Kaixuan ordered loudly.
Startled from her thoughts, Ying Caihong glanced back at him, then at the stone door. Some workers stepped forward, setting up explosives.
"Will direct demolition jeopardize the stability of the tomb?" Ying Caihong asked, concern evident in her voice. Having lived in earthquake-prone Japan, she was sensitive to structural stability.
"It will, but we have no choice. The door is rigged with traps. Unless the original architect shows up, we can't open it any other way," Wang Kaixuan explained, pointing to the door.
Ying Caihong nodded, falling silent.
"Everyone, cover your ears!" shouted the workers, retreating as the explosives were activated.
In the confined space, the sound of the explosion echoed sharply, sending vibrations through the air. Dust and debris flew, and the steps beneath them crumbled, losing two entire levels and leaving the remaining ones in tatters.
After a couple of minutes, the dust settled. The workers returned, pushing the massive stone doors open. A gust of cold, foul air rushed out, prompting everyone to hold their breath.
Mark, previously unnoticed, stepped forward, brandishing an axe. Whether out of curiosity or a desire to assert himself, he ventured closer to the entrance.
Suddenly, a bizarre, colorful gaseous creature shot out from the tomb, accompanied by a shrill sound.
"Ah! Monster! Monster!" Mark screamed, retreating frantically while swinging the axe wildly.
Panic ensued among the workers, with some so frightened they lost control of their bladders.
"Stop flailing around!" Wang Kaixuan shouted, rushing to pull Mark back.
In a reflexive panic, Mark swung the axe at Wang Kaixuan, who dodged with ease. With a swift motion, he knocked the axe from Mark's grasp.
"Ah, it's you!" Mark gasped, realizing his mistake.
"That was just the result of thousand-year-old paint reacting with air. Embarrassing!" Wang Kaixuan scoffed, striding confidently ahead.
"You see, this is the difference between professionals and amateurs," Big Gold Tooth chimed in, following along with exaggerated enthusiasm.
As Wang Kaixuan moved ahead, he turned to Ying Caihong, his expression serious. "Keep an eye on your people. From now on, everything will follow my instructions."
Ying Caihong nodded slightly, but Yoko's annoyance was palpable beside her.
Suddenly, Big Gold Tooth, who had edged ahead, exclaimed, "There's a stone tablet here!"
Curious, Wang Kaixuan walked over to take a look but showed little reaction.
Big Gold Tooth, familiar with ancient artifacts, quickly recognized the text. "This is Khitan script, but I can't tell what it says."
Wang Kaixuan shrugged, casually quipping, "You can guess; it probably says, 'Grave robbers, die!'"
Big Gold Tooth chuckled, following him as they continued deeper into the tomb. Wang Kaixuan shone his flashlight on the walls, revealing vivid murals.
"Wow, these murals are over a thousand years old! If we can bring one piece back to the States, it could easily fetch a yacht! Then I can find a few American girls, and all the trouble will be worth it!" Big Gold Tooth marveled, admiring the artistry.