Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups
Chapter 382 - 248_2

Chapter 382: Chapter 248_2

Lord Bao squinted slightly, his expression showing a hint of helplessness as he explained:

"This is his lifesaving technique, originally not intended to be used so easily, but now look, more and more people are coming. If we drag it out any longer, this treasure will really fall into someone else’s hands."

Ah San received the command, and immediately stepped forward, reaching out to push aside the few people still trying to fiddle with the door lock.

Many teams on site had specially brought professionals skilled in unlocking to deal with situations like this.

Unfortunately, despite everyone’s efforts, they couldn’t move this iron door even an inch.

At this moment, all eyes were focused on Ah San.

He fixed his gaze on the keyhole, took a deep breath, and then slowly stretched out his right index finger.

It seemed like something alive was surging under his finger’s skin, and the fingertip softened and deformed at a visible speed,

In a moment, it became as soft as a kid’s modeling clay.

Then, he simply inserted his finger directly into the keyhole.

Ah San concentrated, like a surgeon performing a delicate operation.

As soon as he probed inside, a slight friction sound quietly emerged, and his finger dexterously twisted inside the keyhole, occasionally producing a "click" sound.

After a few twists and turns, with another crisp "click" sound echoing.

As if announcing success, the heavy iron door slowly moved inward, emitting a low "creak" sound.

In just a few seconds, this iron tiger that had everyone at a loss was finally breached.

Everyone present immediately held their breath, their eyes unblinking, staring at the scene inside.

Once the door opened, the first thing that came into view was a long, deep passage.

The walls were made of bricks and stones, with the passage of time leaving mottled traces, and moss growing wildly in the crevices, adding a sinister green tint to the passage.

It seemed to trigger a sensor, as dim yellow light spilled out from lamps arranged at intervals at the top of the passage.

The light was very faint, as if it could be swallowed by darkness at any moment, casting eerie shadows on the ground and the walls.

On both sides of the passage, there were carved patterns of various fierce beasts, either glaring or baring their teeth and waving their claws, as if guarding some unspeakable secret.

The crowd’s eyes widened, their hearts instantly ignited by greed, like hungry wolves seeing a fat lamb, rushing forward desperately.

For a moment, shouts and shoving intertwined, turning into chaos.

They had eyes only for the treasure beyond the door, too impatient to thank the one who picked the lock, or to consider any hidden dangers inside, they eagerly rushed towards the depths of the passage.

"Go!"

Lord Bao gritted his teeth, swung his arm, and gestured for Fang Cheng, Black Wolf, and the others to follow.

Using his fat body, he rudely pushed a few people in front of him aside, creating a "golden avenue" for himself, causing a flurry of curses around him.

Although others were red-faced with anger, due to the sworn oath made earlier, they couldn’t punch this damned fatty, and could only mumble their dissatisfaction under their breath.

Standing outside the door, Li Dingjian watched the crowd surge in and couldn’t help but ask softly:

"What now?"

Professor frowned slightly and replied in a deep voice:

"Follow them in, adapt to the situation."

With that, he also unhesitatingly joined the large group heading inside.

At this moment, about thirty to forty people had entered the underground vault, which was roughly half of all the treasure hunters.

To have so many people successfully reach this point in such a short time.

Apart from Fang Cheng and Nail Head playing a leading role with their fearlessness, Professor and Li Dingjian also contributed greatly.

Previously, they had been running around, assisting other teams in suppressing guards and breaching defenses, which took quite a bit of time, so they arrived a bit late.

The crowd proceeded in a winding path along the downward-leading passage, their steps hurried yet cautious.

This underground vault containing treasures was set with many traps and devices to ward off thieves.

But among these treasure hunters with special abilities, who wasn’t skilled and daring, battle-hardened?

They relied on either exquisite skills, sharp intuition, or information gathered beforehand, easily dismantling all the lurking dangers one by one.

Step by step, as they ventured deeper, they drew closer to their long-desired goal.

Peering into the distance, they could vaguely see a tall arched door, with faint light flickering inside.

It seemed to entice them endlessly to quicken their pace and move forward.

..................

Located over ten meters underground, within an arched hall.

Only a few wall lamps emitting dim yellow light strive to dispel the darkness, making the entire space shadowy and indistinct.

At the center of the hall, an ancient stone platform stands silently like a guardian.

On the stone platform is placed the Golden Benba Bottle, which everyone covets and dreams of obtaining, regardless of the cost.

This bottle is only thirty centimeters tall; though small, it seems to contain limitless power, with an implicit force of towering might.

Its long and slender neck and thick round belly are adorned with auspicious cloud patterns.

The cloud patterns unfurl layer upon layer, resembling billowing auspicious clouds at the horizon, evoking a dreamy, surreal feeling.

Engraved with various patterns such as Dharma Conch, Wheel, Treasure Umbrella, and Lotus, it adds a touch of spiritual energy with a Buddhist flair.

The bottle appears to be made of pure gold, shimmering with a dazzling golden glow.

Several gemstones are inlaid within, the amber is translucent, the coral bright, and the lapis lazuli deep as the night sky, like scattered stars, further embellishing the Golden Benba Bottle with unparalleled elegance and nobility.

Making it radiate a unique brilliant light in this dim hall, appearing extraordinary, mysterious, and weighty.

At this moment, four black-robed figures are encircled around the stone platform.

Their figures are gaunt, their sleeves wide.

All four have their hands clasped and heads bowed, standing solemnly.

Seemingly immersed in some mysterious ritual, oblivious to the faint sounds of shouting, killing, and gunfire from outside.

Upon closer inspection, strange incantations are painted all over their faces.

The incantations seem alive, writhing like tadpoles over their skin, exuding an uncannily threatening aura.

Suddenly, one of the black-robed figures slowly opens his eyes, his gaze deep and muttering:

"Faster than expected..."

He pauses, then turns aside, his tone carrying a hint of dissatisfaction:

"Lu Tao, the guards you trained don’t seem up to the task."

As the words fall, a burly man steps forward hurriedly.

He wears a gray uniform, accentuating his robust physique.

Facing the frail black-robed figure, seemingly about to collapse with a gust of wind, he appears extremely respectful, promptly bowing his head:

"Response to Second Elder, it’s my incompetence."

Speaking with an apologetic expression on his face, a thin layer of sweat quietly appears on his forehead.

He hastily raises his hand to gently wipe it with his sleeve, fearing that this slight breach of composure would be noticed by the Second Elder, whose back was turned, and promptly adopts an even more submissive demeanor.

He can’t be blamed for being so cautious,

Because the elderly figure before him, seemingly on the brink of death, is the rumored deceased for over a decade Second Elder of the Lu Family, besides the Family Head, the one with the highest power and authority—Lu Shihua.

This person has been in retreat within the family secret realm for years, rarely appearing, and suddenly emerged half a month ago to fully oversee this operation.

Lu Tao, acting under orders, has always revered him, never daring to neglect.

Lu Shihua pondered for a moment, then issued an order:

"Now go out, temporarily stall for a while, wait for me to complete the sacrificial ritual, then retreat with me."

"Yes, Second Elder."

Lu Tao responded quietly, hesitated, and asked: "What about the remaining guards?"

Lu Shihua’s eyes flashed with a chill instantly, his voice devoid of warmth:

"As Lu Family guards, they are nurtured by the family, adhering to their duties, now during a critical moment, sacrificing for the family, they die gloriously, it is the highest honor."

With these words, he slightly tilted his head, his gaze filled with unyielding determination.

"Years of planning, all efforts focused here, tonight is the moment to close the net, I will tolerate no mistake, do you understand?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Tao felt a chill sweep through his heart, involuntarily shivering.

He hastily bowed his head even lower and loudly responded:

"Understood, I will do my utmost, without the slightest error, rest assured, Second Elder."

Lu Shihua stopped paying attention, promptly closed his eyes, murmuring archaic blessings.

The black robe around him trembled slightly, faintly surrounded by a mysterious force.

At this point, the Golden Benba Bottle on the stone platform glittered, appearing increasingly dazzling, seemingly resonating with this mysterious ceremony.