As the exploration work at the entrance area concluded, the archaeology team members noticed something amiss. This site was peculiar, with hidden mechanisms they hadn’t fully discovered. Even the ones they had found were clearly designed as traps to confine intruders.
Moreover, unlike Фэн Юань, with their deep understanding of human capabilities across various eras, they could accurately determine that even during the same period, these mechanisms were unlikely to trap intruders for long. Could it be that the Golden Feather Dynasty had deployed a large force here?
The suspicion was short-lived and quickly dismissed by the team itself. If a large force had been deployed, it would have left more traces; however, up till now, they had barely managed to locate the place using only the hints Фэн Юань discovered. If many people had lived here, it should have left more traces.
An archaeology team member cautiously asked the archaeologist referred to as Captain Wei. Wei Xue thought for a moment and replied, frowning slightly
"That possibility can’t be ruled out, but if it’s true, it could be quite troublesome."
Фэн Юань contemplated and asked Veronia. She looked surprised but smiled and nodded.
"Understood, but wouldn’t you consider asking me instead?"
"Specialization is the key; I assume you’re not particularly skilled in this aspect. But if Long Boduo isn’t available, I’ll trouble you instead."
"Ha, don’t you think your words are quite hurtful? Never mind, it seems Long Boduo has some time now, but you’re sure it can come here directly?"
Veronia glanced around. The palace complex was situated in a unique space that even shielded the influence from the Область данных; she couldn’t guarantee Long Boduo could open a gate from the Netherworld.
"Let’s go outside first to bring it in. Brief Long Boduo about the situation here, um, there and there..."
Фэн Юань pointed out the traps the team, along with his classmates, had failed to discover. As Фэн Юань and Veronia left the way they came, Ци Чэнь humorously remarked
Dour expression filled with concern, Dou Yanlan said gravely. The place was exceptionally special, having associations with multiple dynasties. The underground palace that had undergone centuries without much change was unnatural.
Even for Призрак Series Духовные звери, this place might house beings far from ordinary. Призрак Series Духовные звери excelled at hiding themselves, much more so for the more peculiar ones, and if they were to hide, they might not be easy to find.
"Trapping without follow-up means, what is this place used for?"
Hand on chin, Dou Yanlan mused to herself. She wasn’t the only one with this doubt; even other archaeological teams couldn’t comprehend the non-lethal mechanisms or their purpose for being set up.
Was it to prepare it as a living area? During that period, there were better means, like increasing patrol teams or employing Духовные звери skilled in vigilance, which would surpass those ambush mechanisms.
Although someone proposed activating the traps to see any changes, the suggestion was ultimately vetoed. Nobody knew what consequences such action might bring, and if a chain reaction occurred leading to dangerous changes in the site, it would be trouble.
After a while, Фэн Юань returned to the front of the palace with Long Boduo, who sniffed the residual air, stamped its hoof, and the Gate of Netherworld and Path of Netherworld appeared in this space. Фэн Юань was stunned for a moment at the scene and said
"This place actually doesn’t restrict the Netherworld passage? Isn’t this too weird?"
"It seems it’s not just the Netherworld forces affecting here. I can sense a higher-order rule interfering; originally, the Path of Netherworld shouldn’t have opened but was successfully activated under the rule’s influence."
Long Boduo flicked its mane and remarked; it wasn’t clear what exactly this rule was or who initiated it; after all, Long Boduo had never seen such a rule before.
"I see, I overlooked that. But in that case, perhaps there aren’t any Призрак Series Духовные звери here?"
"There shouldn’t be any, at least I haven’t sensed their presence. Moreover, if there were any, the Gate of Netherworld would likely react."
Glancing at the Gate of Netherworld hanging in mid-air, Long Boduo stomped lightly, letting both the Gate of Netherworld and Path of Netherworld gently disappear into the atmosphere. Keeping such things open wasn’t good; Netherworld’s forces and aura would invade this space through present-day channels. This area was grounded in Rock Peak forces, creating a Subspace.
With the invasion of Netherworld aura, Фэн Юань wasn’t sure what the Subspace might become.
Relieved by Long Boduo’s response, Фэн Юань breathed a sigh of relief. Although he wasn’t incapable of investigating with his own means, he preferred not to do so. Turning to the grand hall, Фэн Юань invited Long Boduo
"Since you’re here, what do you say, want to explore the site together?"
"Well...sure, wait, let me change into a more convenient form."
Long Boduo said as it transformed into human form, stretched leisurely, and remarked
"I’ve been busy with Netherworld affairs lately, haven’t come to enjoy earthly gourmet much. Uh~ Not quite used to this form."
Since everyone knew Veronia was a Божественный зверь, seeing Long Boduo transform into human form only sparked mild curiosity among the group.
"Actually, your original form wouldn’t be affected here, no necessary forceful transformation."
With a smile and shake of the head, Фэн Юань commented, Long Boduo gave no explanation. Under Фэн Юань’s guidance, the group proceeded to the central palace. Treading the long stone steps, everyone instinctively walked with light steps. The palace’s grandeur was surprisingly empty.
Though the decor on the building was quite complete, everyone sensed a slight discordance inside; the decor pursued too much simplicity and ruggedness, contrasting sharply with the exterior’s exquisite appearance.
"Could this be Kastantos’ style?"
Unable to resist asking Veronia, Фэн Юань inquired, and she shook her head, perplexed at the vast interior space.
"No, they wouldn’t be so tasteless. Not even Starlotte the Little Crocodile is so peculiar. Though they might disregard everyday life, their human followers indeed have artistic pursuits."
Veronia turned towards the main entrance and said
"At least such an interior and exterior style discrepancy didn’t exist during the Mythical Era, nor the strange patterns that are bizarre rather than primitive; it’s tough to pinpoint a possible country. At least among the ones I know, none employed such a style."
"Then it’s odd. If so, then what’s going on here? Looks like it hasn’t been decorated, primitive human style?"
Rubbing his chin, Фэн Юань humorously remarked at the stark surroundings. In the main hall, beyond wall paintings, there wasn’t even furniture.
A glance showed an empty interior with no furnishings, paired with decor seemingly reminiscent of civilization’s inception, and Фэн Юань couldn’t shake a peculiar feeling.
Moving around the sides’ doors traced to the rear, spotting the massive floating rock, Veronia froze in place.
"This thing... Looks a bit strange."
Rubbing his chin as if recalling something, Фэн Юань said
"This thing resembles a Resonance Stone?"
"It’s not just resembling, it is a Resonance Stone."
Veronia glanced at Фэн Юань and commented; she hadn’t expected to see one here, scratching his head, Фэн Юань puzzledly asked
"Resonance Stone? Wait, are you suggesting that Resonance Stone was also created by Kastantos?"
"No, I see now, the Great Stone refers to the Holy Stone, whereas the Resonance Stone, corresponds to Starstone."
Stowing away her parasol, Veronia gazed at the enormous floating rock, and commented with an inexplicable expression.

Comments

Loading...