Chapter Eight: Where the First Radiance Emerges, Danger Looms Alike

Sun, the strategist, spoke with a trembling voice, pointing toward a shadowy figure ahead...

“Could it be... is it the legendary...?” I followed his finger and gasped sharply.

Good heavens!

A faint golden light shimmered within that shadow. My treasure-hunting instincts instantly kicked in, blaring alarms wildly!

Could this really be the fabled treasure?

We tiptoed cautiously, fearful of triggering any traps. This dilapidated place was far more thrilling than any escape room I had ever played.

True to his title, Sun, the strategist, discerned hidden clues and deftly led me through countless twists and turns, narrowly avoiding numerous pitfalls.

At last, we stood before a massive stone door.

“This is it!” Sun declared confidently.

I rubbed my hands together, excitement bubbling like it was New Year’s Eve. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the stone door open with all my might.

*Creak*—the door slowly swung open, and a dazzling light streamed through the crack, blinding me.

When my eyes finally adjusted, I was utterly stunned.

My goodness!

This was no mere treasure—it was a mountain of gold and silver!

Boxes piled high with gold, silver, jewels, and priceless antiquities dazzled my titanium-alloy eyes.

Ancient calligraphy and paintings of immense value swirled before me in a dizzying array.

I felt as if I had fallen into a heap of riches, overwhelmed with happiness to the point of fainting.

“We’re rich! We’re rich!” I whispered joyfully, aching to carry these treasures home and live in luxury.

Sun also began examining the hoard, occasionally letting out impressed exclamations.

He discovered some long-lost military treatises and precious medicinal herbs, claiming that presenting these to the emperor would surely earn us immense rewards.

Hearing this, I was overjoyed.

Rewards?

Who needed them?

With these treasures, I could become wealthier than any nation!

I could buy houses and land, travel the world—how wonderful that would be!

Just as I was lost in these delightful dreams, a sharp voice shattered the silence: “Who are you to trespass in this forbidden place?”

I turned around and my heart sank.

It was Eunuch Li!

He looked at us with a sinister expression, his eyes gleaming with greed.

Slowly approaching, he said coldly, “These treasures rightfully belong to my family!”

My heart skipped a beat. This old fox had sniffed us out!

But on the surface, I plastered on a flattering smile. “Ah, Eunuch Li, so auspicious to see you here! What a coincidence—we got lost and stumbled in by mistake.”

I frantically signaled Sun to come up with a plan!

Sun, ever the seasoned veteran, quickly responded, “Yes, Eunuch Li, we were just about to present these treasures to the emperor. Your arrival is timely; you can help guide us.”

Eunuch Li narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing us from head to toe. His gaze cut like a knife, sending chills down my spine.

“Present to the emperor? Hmph, I think you intend to keep these treasures for yourselves!”

I cursed inwardly—the old eunuch was truly cunning!

Still, I kept up the pretense of humility. “Eunuch Li, you jest. We would never be so bold. These treasures belong to the emperor; we are merely their custodians.”

I desperately tried to send a glance to Sun—this old fox wasn’t taking the bait!

Just then, He Yunsheng, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke with innocent curiosity: “Eunuch Li, Father said he would bring me to see the treasure. Where is it?”

I nearly spat out my drink. Brother, why bring up Father now?

However, He Yunsheng’s words reminded me, and I quickly feigned realization: “Oh! The prince is here too? That’s wonderful! We were just worried about finding our way.”

I nudged Sun urgently. “Quick, take the prince to see the treasure!”

Eunuch Li’s expression changed instantly. Though powerful, he dared not offend the prince.

After hesitating briefly, he slunk away with his men in defeat.

Phew, we had narrowly escaped disaster!

I let out a long breath, but before I could savor relief, Sun doused me with cold water.

“Miss Lu, Eunuch Li will not let this go so easily. We must move these treasures to a safe place as soon as possible.”

I nodded. That old eunuch was no fool; we had to act fast.

But how could we possibly move this mountain of gold and silver?

Just as I was at a loss, the ground beneath us suddenly trembled...

“Trouble!” Sun cried out. “Someone’s coming!”