King of Tomb Raiders

Chapter 130

Suren patted the paper lightly, revealing her complete disbelief.

I nodded with a wry smile: "Yes, I know the strength of the Japanese navy, and I should add that such a massive underwater base couldn't have been built in less than twenty years. If Russia has a large-scale underwater construction project, it's impossible to keep the news completely secret. The Pentagon's spies would have plenty of time to uncover it. We shouldn't dismiss anything lightly. Please contact Xiaoyan immediately; I need internal Russian military information to determine what the underwater structures are."

Hearing is unreliable, seeing is believing. Suren only heard my personal account, so of course she wouldn't blindly believe it. If she did, she wouldn't be the Suren I like and admire.

Suren flipped through my records, her brows furrowing deeper and deeper. There was a new bloodstain on her left cheek, two centimeters long, just scabbed over, looking particularly glaring. Although it wasn't disfigurement, it was still incredibly heartbreaking.

"Sulen—" I called softly, trying to make my voice as gentle as possible.

"Mmm," she replied, her gaze never leaving the words on the paper.

"Can we temporarily put the search for the Epang Palace on hold and focus all our efforts on uncovering the secrets of the 'Tower of the Dead'? I believe there must be a secret passage through space within the tower. Whatever that underwater structure is, it must be related to the legendary 'Underwater Tomb,' don't you think?"

I hope Suren can stay and work with me to unravel the secrets of the "Tower of the Dead".

Suren laughed, the tiny bloodstain trembling slightly. "Alright, assuming your account is entirely true, we might be able to break through the spatial constraints and get in there using the same method. The key is, if that underwater structure is a military facility, going down again might cause unnecessary trouble."

She picked up a desk calendar from the table and pointed to the numerous numbers circled in red: "Brother Feng, take a look. These fifteen circled days are the time interval between when you disappeared from the top of the tower and when you miraculously reappeared the day before yesterday. Fifteen days is beyond the limit of human survival without food and drinking water. Can you explain how you did it?"

"I can't explain it, but I believe in the facts. The fact that I'm still alive is the best explanation." I need more time to think about everything I've experienced in order to unravel all the mysteries. Right now, I'm completely confused, knowing what happened but not why.

Suren tossed aside the calendar and added the following sentence to the last page of the record sheet with a pencil: "Fifteen days missing, how did they survive beyond the limits of human survival? Could we conduct further X-ray examinations of the missing person's digestive and oxygen supply systems?"

As Suren made that gesture, I looked at her hair and suddenly felt a deep sense of melancholy: "Perhaps she doesn't understand that I like girls with long hair? Or perhaps it's just for convenience when traveling in the deep forests of the Sichuan-Tibet border?"

In short, the short-haired Suren shattered all my previous positive impressions of her, and I even had the illusion that I had never loved her at all.

A sudden, piercing pain shot through my temples, and I broke out in a cold sweat. I felt incredibly agitated, so I quickly threw off the covers, got out of bed, and walked to the door, taking deep breaths of the fresh air outside.

“Brother Feng, there’s one more thing, um… I spoke with the tycoon on the phone, and he asked me to take good care of Miss Guan. He also transferred a large sum of money to Xiao Xiao’s account yesterday as Miss Guan’s living expenses in the local area. In addition, there is a reward of thirty million US dollars, which is for you personally. The tycoon is very grateful to you for finding Miss Guan.”

Suren's words were clearly tinged with jealousy.

The wind was so cold, but when I thought of Guan Baoling, a secret warmth suddenly welled up inside me.

"Should we go check on her now? She's right next door, within ten steps—" Xiao's jealousy was even more obvious. Her report to Su Lun was extremely detailed, and she had given a very thorough description of her whereabouts in Hokkaido.

Within ten steps, there must be fragrant grass. Guan Baoling is more than just "fragrant grass".

I shook my head vigorously: "Su Lun, you misunderstood. Miss Guan and I were just in trouble together. We didn't intentionally break into that mysterious space to save her. It was all just a coincidence." Indeed, if I had known that the situation was this bad, I wouldn't have acted rashly.

Suren stood up and strode out, hastily tossing out, "No need to explain. Since the tycoon trusts me so much, why should I worry?"

The withered grass in the courtyard trembled in the wind. This long and narrow courtyard was prepared for tourists who came to Fengge Temple to burn incense. It had been idle for half a year, and Guan Baoling and I were probably the first group of guests this year.

The wind chimes are tinkling again, and the wind is getting colder and colder.

Suren is definitely angry; she treated my disappearance as a life-or-death rescue operation. If I were in her shoes, I'd be furious too, not knowing who to vent my anger on.

A figure flashed by the moon gate on the left side of the courtyard. Judging from the sound of his footsteps, I already knew who he was and shouted, "Xiao Lai, is that you?"

Xiao Lai strode over, hands in his pockets, his face full of vigilance, looking around as he walked.

“Mr. Feng, how are you feeling? You’ve been missing for so many days, which has worried Mr. Hawke and Mr. Zhang a lot. Mr. Sun Long has also called several times to inquire about the situation. As arranged by Brother Thirteen, from now on, I will be your personal bodyguard, never leaving your side.”

Thinking of Wang Jiangnan's predicament and utter embarrassment, I couldn't help but laugh. Compared to tycoons, the likes of Wang Jiangnan are nothing but insignificant ants. His overestimation of his abilities only placed him in a perilous situation, constantly in danger of death. Who knows how that stalemate in front of Fengge Temple would have turned out if I hadn't stepped in?

Xiao Lai misunderstood my loud laughter and showed a shy expression: "Mr. Feng, I know that my martial arts skills are weak and I am not smart enough, but as long as you say the word, I will go through fire and water without blinking an eye."

I patted him on the shoulder: "Xiao Lai, I'm not laughing at you. I'm honored to have a brother like you."

The door next door creaked open, and someone hurried out. I heard the rustling sound of the booklet in the person's hand being blown by the wind.

"Xiao Xiao—" I tried calling out, but the wind was strong and my hearing was greatly impaired.

"It's me, Mr. Feng. Is there something you need?" Xiao Ke's cold reply was hesitant, and she didn't come over immediately. The setting sun cast her shadow on the threshold in front of me; the booklet was hidden behind her back.

Su Lun had mentioned that Guan Baoling lived next door, and I wanted to know about her recovery. However, Xiao Keleng's strange behavior aroused my suspicion: "Xiao, what are you holding? Are you hiding something from me again?"

I've always felt that Xiao Keleng and Su Lun have a very close relationship. She often reports everything to Su Lun in great detail, without hiding anything. But now she's hiding something from me, so of course I have to find out. If the secret is related to Guan Baoling, I need to know the truth even more.

Xiao Keleng strolled over and helplessly showed me a stack of white paper. On the paper were clear and neat drawings. At first glance, I saw those huge and strange gears, arranged one by one in order, and they were carefully depicted with delicate shading with fine brushstrokes.

These drawings are hundreds of times better than the simple sketches I drew for Suren.

I gave Xiao Ke a cold smile: "I didn't expect you to have such a high level of painting skills, to be able to paint the scene so realistically from other people's descriptions?" There seems to be nothing to hide about these things, so why is she hiding them?

Xiao Keleng bit her lip and smiled shyly, "It wasn't me, it was Miss Guan who drew it."

I couldn't help but exclaim "Ah!" and reached out to take the sketches, quickly flipping through a few pages. The glass box, the rock walls, the schools of fish, the seaweed—everything was vividly depicted, including the shape of the pagoda we saw after the seawater disappeared. Turning the page further, we saw Reeseka, soaking wet. Guan Baoling's brushstrokes were incredibly delicate and realistic, perfectly capturing the subtle expressions of extreme excitement on Reeseka's face, making it far more lifelike than the meticulously detailed comic books sold in the market.

I never imagined Guan Baoling had this special talent. If I had known, I wouldn't have had to go through all that trouble drawing for Su Lun.

"Sister Su Lun said that by comparing your description with Miss Guan's, the result is the true situation after the two disappeared. She is already contacting Xiao Yan, and the information will be sent over soon. I have to go there first."

Xiao Keleng retrieved the drawing and hurriedly left through the moon gate.

I leaned against the door frame, frowned and pondered for a few minutes, then waved my hand and ordered Xiao Lai: "Follow Miss Xiao and see who else she contacts besides Miss Su Lun."

Xiao Lai raised an eyebrow and followed without saying a word.

The sound of the bell from Maple Temple drifted on the wind, and the "Tower of the Dead" emerged from the southeast corner of the courtyard, silently piercing the sky.

Without a doubt, my journey of disappearance began at the top of the tower, and my return also ended there. Could it be that the portal to the strange space is not on the first floor of the tower, but at the top?

A long, drawn-out sigh came from next door; it was Guan Baoling's voice. Then her shadow was cast at my feet, her long, fluffy hair bouncing around.

"Miss Guan, how are you?" Back in the real world, under the watchful eyes of everyone, the distance between us seemed to stretch infinitely further. I am Feng, a tomb raider from Cairo, and she is still Guan Baoling, the tycoon's woman. Two strangers who can never be together, occasionally sharing a boat, but ultimately going their separate ways.

"It's alright, I'm just still a little shaken. One terrifying experience is enough, I don't want to be forced to relive it again and again." Her voice had recovered somewhat, but it was still a little hoarse.

I stepped out the door, turned to the side, and focused my gaze on her neat, long hair.

The desire to have long hair is a common obsession for almost every man—Guan Baoling's long hair was once the focus of attention for so many male movie fans around the world. It's really hard to imagine what a terrible thing it would be if she cut her long hair.

The Sixth Sea God Plaque

— Chapter 7 — Biologist Schiller —

“Mr. Feng, thank you.” Her long eyelashes trembled, casting captivating shadows on her cheeks. She had long since changed out of her black dress and was now wearing a moon-white silk cotton robe, loosely tied at the waist with a matching belt that accentuated her slender figure.

Guan Baoling's beauty is always captivating and mesmerizing; only after escaping her predicament did I have the peace of mind to appreciate this perfection.

"What are you thanking me for? We're all in the same boat. Our escape wasn't thanks to anyone, but... it was just that heaven opened its eyes." I didn't dare to take credit. If those huge gears hadn't worked and caused the stone walls on top of the glass box to peel away layer by layer, we would still be in that strange tunnel right now.

“I have described all my experiences. I don’t know if it will be helpful to Miss Suren and Miss Xiao. Miss Xiao has been asking whether the object emitting a dazzling red light could be the legendary ‘Wrath of the Sun God.’ What do you think? Could it be a gem from mythology?”

"Hehehehe—" I couldn't help but smile.

Xiao Keleng's conjecture was undeniably far-fetched. Of course, any scientific research requires "bold hypotheses and careful verification," but I'd much rather that the underwater structure was a secret Russian base, unrelated to our current exploration. Everyone wanted that gem, especially Sun Long of the Sharpshooter Society, who was absolutely determined to get it. If he knew we had seen the gem, he'd probably fly to Fengge Temple immediately to begin his operation to seize it.

Guan Baoling and I were both exhausted and had no energy to deal with these things, let alone lead everyone through space.

"What are you laughing at?" Guan Baoling raised her dark, delicate eyebrows, her large, watery eyes shimmering, and the corners of her bright red lips curled up slightly, making her incredibly charming.

I met her gaze and couldn't help but take a step forward, as if I might accidentally fall into that captivating smile.

"I'm laughing. We finally escaped, but there are so many people who are eager to get in there. They're willing to risk their lives for a mere gem." Regardless of what others think, I'm tired and need to rest for a while before talking about anything else.

"The tycoon said he hopes we can go to his vacation villa on Hong Kong Island to recuperate. He's very grateful to you, and he's left you the key to the villa as a reward." Guan Baoling smiled frankly, clearly having no ulterior motives; it was just a trip for good friends.

I smiled calmly: "No need for him to worry. If you want a vacation, my villa in Cairo is always vacant. If you like, I can invite you there to watch the sunset over the pyramids anytime. I just don't know if I'll have the honor?"

Villas and US dollars are insignificant to a tycoon. If I make other material requests, he will probably agree unconditionally, but I will not touch a single penny of his money.

I will do everything he did for Kwan Po-ling, and do it even better; he will never have the chance to repeat what I did for Kwan Po-ling. I hope that I am irreplaceable in Kwan Po-ling's life, including the tycoon. At least, on a spiritual level, I have far surpassed the tycoon.

Guan Baoling suddenly sighed, her brows furrowed with worry: "Feng, I... I have some things I want to talk to you about alone, but I don't know how to bring it up. Perhaps we still need an opportunity to be alone together, like in the glass box. Would you be willing to listen to me start from the beginning?"

I nodded without hesitation: "Of course I'm willing, I'm all ears."

Just then, Xiao Lai stepped in, neither too early nor too late, causing Guan Baoling to lose her will to continue speaking. She turned and walked into the room.

“Mr. Feng, something is strange. Miss Xiao secretly answered a phone call. I’ve already ordered the brothers from the Sharpshooter Society to investigate. The call came from North Korea, and it was from a very confidential military department.” Xiao Lai looked terrible, panting heavily from running all the way.

Among Asian countries, North Korea is a country with a very peculiar system. It is economically closed off, politically devoid of freedom of speech, and has no contact with its neighboring countries. Its military is directly under the command of the president, who also serves as the chairman of the Central Military Commission, thus firmly grasping military power.

The mention of North Korea immediately reminded me of the last time the Chiyan Army appeared: "Could Xiao Keleng be connected to the Chiyan Army?"

"After receiving the call, Miss Xiao didn't go directly to Miss Suren's residence. Instead, she went alone to the courtyard where the 'Tower of the Dead' is located, circling the tower and muttering to herself. Should we report this to Brother Thirteen and the others?"

Xiao Lai's breathing calmed down, and his mind became much sharper. The Sharpshooter Society, aiming to conquer Asia, would undoubtedly be closely monitoring the movements of both the legitimate and criminal forces there. If the North Korean military was colluding with Xiao Keleng, the Sharpshooter Society would have to be on guard, and might even launch a preemptive strike.

I pondered for a moment before slowly shaking my head: "There's no need to make a fuss. Miss Xiao is Miss Su Lun's person. I'll ask her first before making any plans."

After I recover my strength, there are many things to do, especially with Tengjia. I need to know the secrets of the "Azure Heaven and Yellow Springs Sutra." If she is omniscient, I will tell her everything I felt after entering the mysterious space, and she can unlock the secret of that glass box.

As dusk settled over the courtyard, Xiao Lai tactfully went outside.

I stopped in front of Guan Baoling's door, raised my hand, and hesitated, unsure whether I should knock.

Suddenly, the carved wooden door was pulled open, and Guan Baoling, with her long hair flowing, stood in the newly turned-on lamplight, like a white water lily blooming gracefully on the water.

"Feng, please come in and talk," she said with a smile, a hint of cunning flashing in the depths of her eyes.

I took a deep breath and pointed into the yard: "It's stuffy inside, how about we take a walk in the yard? It's rare to have some peace and quiet like this."

The gray courtyard walls temporarily shut out the hustle and bustle of the world, leaving only the two of us in this little corner of the world.

Japanese temple architecture is more artistic than Chinese Buddhist temples. Upon closer inspection, it is in line with the famous Suzhou gardens in China, paying great attention to the combination of pavilions, terraces, waterside pavilions, and winding corridors. In the southwest corner of the courtyard, there is also an octagonal water pavilion, next to which a gently flowing stream flows quietly from the jagged rocks piled up beside the pavilion.

“Feng, let’s get straight to the point. After the ordeal with the glass box, I’m very grateful to you and I admire you greatly. Actually, I can tell that you like me too, but you’re holding back because of the tycoon, right?” Guan Baoling’s words were like a sharp thorn, piercing me deeply.

Once this thin veil is lifted, I no longer need to pretend: "Yes."

That single word seemed to weigh a ton on Guan Baoling, turning her face deathly pale. But it was an undeniable fact that no one could deny.

"What if there were no tycoons? Would you like me and pursue me?" She looked up, biting her lip, and clutched a few strands of hair that had fallen across her chest.

I suddenly became speechless, because many things don't have "ifs" and can't be assumed.

"Miss Guan, fate has brought us together by some twist of fate. Perhaps in the next life, we will meet earlier and become the best and closest of friends." I said with a long sigh, my heart twisting and aching.

Guan Baoling persisted, "You still haven't said whether you can or can't! I just want you to nod or shake your head—"

I thought of Su Lun. If I could only marry one girl in my life, who would I choose? Guan Baoling in front of me or the slender Su Lun?

"Are you hesitating?" Guan Baoling looked at me with disappointment and a complicated expression.

“Ms. Kwan, let’s be best friends!” Suddenly, I lost all desire to compete with the tycoon. The label of “the tycoon’s woman” had been attached to Kwan Po-ling for too long, and I was afraid I would never forget it for the rest of my life.

People make different choices in dire situations compared to peaceful environments. When I was in the glass box, I felt I would do anything foolish for Guan Baoling, including competing fairly with the tycoon. But now I'm in the real world, and I have to consider the consequences of everything I do; I can't just blindly rush forward.

In truth, my most important goal is to find my elder brother and to do everything in my power to uncover the whereabouts of the "Underwater Tomb" and the "Scripture of the Yellow Springs." Guan Baoling was just a passerby in my life, who vanished in an instant and disappeared without a trace.

"Heh, best friend? I see. Everyone admires tycoons, and no one dares to compete for what belongs to them. Feng, I misjudged you!" Guan Baoling's shoulders trembled rapidly.

I gave a helpless, bitter smile: "You're right. The reason I gave up was because I was afraid of the tycoon's power."