Chapter Seven: The Perilous Quest for Treasure and the Quiet Onset of Hardship

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Sun Mousse and I crouched low, studying the treasure map carefully under the faint moonlight. The lines on it twisted and turned like earthworms had crawled across it, making my eyes blur.

"This... this treasure location, could it be..." Sun Mousse’s voice trembled slightly. I followed his finger and sure enough, the marked spot was the abandoned palace next to the Cold Palace!

That place was infamous for ghost stories—no one dared approach it even during the day.

But money makes ghosts work, and for treasure, I was willing to risk it all!

The night was dark and windy, perfect for...

No, not a crime, but a treasure hunt.

Sun Mousse and I slipped out stealthily, each carrying a small lantern. The flickering flames cast eerie shadows that sent chills down my spine.

The abandoned palace was just as ominous as its reputation—gloomy, shrouded in mist, with strange noises echoing intermittently, making me nearly mistake Sun Mousse’s arm for a chicken leg to bite out of fear.

He wasn’t much better, his face paler than paper, muttering, “Fortune favors the bold, fortune favors the bold...”

Finally, following the map’s guidance, we reached what looked to be the treasure’s location.

Just as we were about to uncover the secret, suddenly, “whoosh whoosh whoosh,” a squad of guards emerged from the darkness, encircling us completely.

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Leading them was the stern-faced Guard Zhao.

He wore a serious expression, as if we had stolen his chickens: “This area is palace restricted ground. No one may enter without permission!”

My heart skipped a beat.

What now?

Was my treasure dream about to be crushed?

No way!

I, Lu Wan’er, was not someone to give up easily!

Taking a deep breath, I reached into my bosom...

“Guard Zhao, look at this.”

I pulled out the string of Eastern pearls the Emperor had gifted me before, waving it mysteriously before his eyes. “Guard Zhao, this is a royal gift from the Emperor himself. He has authorized us to come here to seek... seek something important.” I deliberately spoke vaguely—treasures were best kept secret.

Guard Zhao remained expressionless, like a wooden post: “Without the Emperor’s decree, no one may enter here. That is the rule!”

I cursed silently—rules?

Are rules not meant to be broken?

Sun Mousse quickly stepped forward, adopting a concerned, patriotic demeanor: “Guard Zhao, we suspect something unusual about this abandoned palace. It concerns the security of the palace. We cannot afford any delay! If anything goes wrong, can you bear the responsibility?”

Guard Zhao remained unmoved: “Without the Emperor’s order, I cannot let you in. If something happens, the Emperor will take responsibility!”

Great, this guy was as stubborn as a mule!

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I felt my treasure dream was fading...

Just as despair was about to take hold, a familiar voice called from behind: “Guard Zhao, it’s me.”

I turned around and saw He Yunsheng!

He held the young prince’s token, his face serious: “I vouch for them. If anything happens, I take full responsibility.”

Guard Zhao hesitated noticeably when he saw the token—this young prince was not someone to cross.

In the end, he stepped aside but warned us sharply: “You may enter, but do not damage anything!”

We hurried inside the abandoned palace. The moment we took a step in, a “click” sound echoed. I thought to myself: here it comes!

Carefully, I lifted my foot off a hidden trigger and looked around—the place was no palace, but a labyrinth of traps!

I swallowed hard. This treasure...

Was definitely not going to be easy to claim...

“This... this is...” Sun Mousse’s voice trembled as he pointed toward a shadow up ahead...