Exploring the Illusory Tomb Part 1 [Ancient Times Version] - Chapter 4: Departure

Chapter 4: Departure

“This young lady, Shi Qingyi, is also a guest invited by this prince. She is a disciple of the famous Feng Shui master Kunlun from the Lingnan region. And she is proficient in the art of disassembling strange mechanical devices and the Eight Trigrams. Let her accompany the heroes on their journey.”

As I was thinking, the Prince suddenly changed the topic to me. It caused everyone in the room to turn their gaze toward me. I was both surprised and angry. I turned to glare at the Prince. However, I noticed that he was smiling faintly at the corner of his mouth. He seemed to be deliberately playing with something in his hand. I looked closely and realized it was the Qinglong Lapis Jade, which Kunlun never left behind. A wave of weakness overtook me. And I leaned back in my chair.

Kunlun.

A pang of pain struck my heart. Yes, Kunlun was still in his hands. And now it had become a weapon to threaten me, forcing me into a corner.

Reluctantly, I stood up and bowed to everyone present. I uttered my first words of the day: 

“I am honored.” 

After speaking, I shakily sat back down. My mind was in a whirlwind.

I couldn’t grasp the intent behind the Prince’s actions. He seemed to have a deep connection with Kunlun. What was he searching for when he infiltrated Kunlun’s Xuanhua Pavilion last night? And today, why did he force me to go to the ancient tomb in Botian County? Was it because I was skilled in Feng Shui and mechanical traps? In terms of formations, LAdy Luo Shen was clearly more capable than I was. Could it be that the ancient tomb was too dangerous, and he didn’t want to risk his trusted subordinate? So he sent me, a person without backing, to accompany the dead.

The Prince seemed pleased by my understanding and continued, 

“Then tomorrow’s journey to Botian is in your hands, everyone. I am feeling tired. So Luo Shen will handle everything. If any of you have questions, you can consult her.” 

With that, he stood up, played with the Qinglong Lapis Jade, and glanced at me meaningfully. Chang Wu then quickly approached him. And together, they walked slowly into the inner hall behind a curtain.

The old sword-carrying Taoist and the others respectfully saw off the Prince. They said, 

“Your Highness, travel safely.” 

They then walked quickly toward me.

The old Taoist smiled at me with his shriveled face. He nodded, saying, 

“I didn’t expect that Miss is a highly skilled disciple of Kunlun. I am Qing Songzi. You have a remarkable physique, unlike others.” 

I wasn’t interested in his polite praise at this moment. My fingers turned pale from the tension, and I simply nodded.

The other three introduced themselves.

“I am Cheng Yun.”

“I am Xie Long.”

“I am Xiao Jian.”

Xiao Jian was the young man who had been making faces at me in the hall. He now made me uneasy, while thinking about Kunlun. I turned cold and indifferent toward him.

Xiao Jian noticed this. He chuckled and said, 

“Master Qing, this young lady doesn’t seem too happy. Let’s not bother the lady, and head back so we can take care of important matters tomorrow.” 

Qing Songzi seemed to have noticed that the relationship between me and the Prince wasn’t as simple as host and guest. He didn’t dare to interfere. He merely nodded before the four of them walked out the door.

The hall suddenly became much quieter, with no sound at all. I sat in despair. My mind was a mess, unable to understand the situation. If Kunlun were here, how would she handle this? She certainly wouldn’t be as clueless as I was. I was lacking the means to navigate this situation.

While I was lost in thought, a refreshing fragrance suddenly reached my nose. I looked up to find Luo Shen standing in front of me. She was holding a delicate jade cup and offering it to me.

I took the jade cup, surprised. And she gestured for me to drink from it.

I held the cup up to my eyes. The liquid inside was clear and bright. It reflected my slightly pale face.

“Don’t worry, it’s not poison,” 

Luo Shen said with a faint smile at the corner of her mouth, noticing my doubt. It was as if she was mocking me. Unfortunately, her face was hidden behind a mask. It made it hard for me to read her expression. People were so unpredictable. And on top of that, she was hiding her face. It made things even more uncomfortable. These people seemed real and fake at the same time. And I couldn’t tell what they were calculating or hoping to gain. Right now, I felt like a chess piece, manipulated by others at will, completely helpless.

Seeing her expression, I was irritated. And in a fit of impulse, I drank the contents of the jade cup in one go. After drinking it, I flipped the cup over and stared at her. My gaze was forceful.

Now, it was just me. To see Kunlun again, I couldn’t afford to lose even an ounce of ground or let anyone see my weakness or fear. Even though I had never truly entered an ancient tomb before, I had read many books about tomb structures and their risks since I was young in Xuanhua Pavilion. If I truly entered an ancient tomb in the future, I would at least have some understanding and not be easily trapped.

However, I had to admit that the liquid in the jade cup was fragrant. And after drinking it, my body felt much lighter. It was like a cleansing spring had washed through me. It had a sensation of clearing the bones and marrow.

Luo Shen saw me finish the drink. The smile at the corner of her mouth briefly appeared before vanishing. It was making me anxious. She didn’t speak anymore, just stared at me. I instinctively touched my abdomen. I waited for a long time and felt no ill effects. I then let out a bitter laugh. Luo Shen seemed to enjoy watching my expression shift from fear to relief. I couldn’t stand her behavior anymore and frowned. I asked, 

“Luo Shen, do you need something?”

“Did I ever say this poison would take effect right away?” 

She replied with a slight flicker in her eyes. Her voice was calm and detached. Those words pushed me to the edge of the cliff.

“You!” 

I was startled, standing up. I realized her words contained mockery. When I looked up, I saw a smirk on her lips. My face burned with embarrassment as I realized I had been completely manipulated. While she remained calm and unaffected. In comparison, I seemed utterly ridiculous.

“Better poison me!” 

I angrily flung my sleeve and stood up to leave. I wanted to escape her presence. Fortunately, outside, the flower trees were beautiful. And the sunlight scattered in delicate pieces. It helped me break free from this temporary suffocation.

The night passed without further incident.