Treasure-hunting: Into the Unknown

Finally, after passing through the area for several agonizing days, a strange building formed out of solidified lava resembling a fiery red giant tree materialized before Zachary and his two other companions.

"Is this the Martial Fire Tomb?" The three of them stopped to gaze at the one hundred-meter-tall strange-looking building just upfront. They all marveled at the sight as the Martial Fire Tomb looked similar to a natural giant rock tree that nature had inherently created.

"The tree shadow’s mirror image on the ice lake before turned out to be the Martial Fire Tomb’s reflection. No wonder it could accurately pinpoint us to the tomb’s exact location. But I’m confused about how it could be possible." Although Zachary still had many puzzles, it no longer bothered him after seeing the Martial Fire Tomb right before his eyes. It had not much bearing anymore to the task ahead.

It didn’t take long for the three of them to get close to the Martial Fire Tomb. However, because the tomb’s construction seemed bizarre with such an elaborate design, no one could find the gate’s entrance. Thus, Zachary swapped doubtful glances with his companions.

"Perhaps you can try using the Five-God Compass to confirm the entryway?" Sophie glanced at Zachary and asked.

Zachary immediately took the Five-God Compass and studied it for a moment. Seeing that the compass did not respond, he shook his head.

"Looks like we have to find it ourselves. Let’s split up and look around," Sophie instructed.

Soon, the three of them spread out in search of any means to access the Martial Fire Tomb.

"The tomb's design seems to be enclosed. Normally, no outsiders are allowed to step foot in it, but there will still be a doorway left. But it might be hard to spot this portal in plain sight, and only the Dragon Fire Bead can open it," Zachary analyzed patiently. Then he ascended into the air and scanned the Martial Fire Tomb’s entire surroundings.

Soon, he noticed that although the tomb's facade appeared odd, with a closer look, it was like a giant divine weapon, protruding straight into the ground and looking high-and-mighty.

'The Dragon Fire Bead is a supreme treasure with metal and fire elements. If the Martial Fire Tomb resembles a divine weapon, then it must be the Dragon Fire Bead that's missing to draw the finishing touch on the weapon.' With this realization in mind, Zachary instantly directed his attention to the Martial Fire Tomb’s upper levels.

After studying i

es that blocked more than half of the hall, leaving only a gap big enough for one person to pass through.

Just as Zachary and Sophie were nearing the two bronze statues, the entire hall suddenly started shaking. The next minute, the two beasts' bodies moved abruptly as if they were alive. Then, they opened their mouths and spewed out two flames, stretching tens of centimeters in diameter, interlaced with each other. It covered the surrounding area and swept across the three of them, preventing them from getting near, as if the statues did not want to let them pass.

Zachary and Sophie saw the situation and dodged sideways first. None of them wanted to suffer being burnt. The two flames directly passed through them, leaving two deep scorch marks in an instant.

"I’ll cover for you. You both need to go across first."

Alisa made a quick decision. Suddenly, she stretched out her petite body and rushed toward the two beast statues in a split second. As the golden light enveloping her body rose, she shouted at once, "Water Dragon Seal!" In no time, two water dragons shot out from her arms. Then they grew larger, racing straight toward the two beast statues and entangling their mouths to stop them from spitting out flames. "Alisa?"

Zachary’s eyes became focused and worried. However, Sophie pulled Zachary in and rushed through the gap between the two beast statues.

After making their way through the hall, a building like an altar emerged in front of them. Its steps were thirty meters high, like a staircase to the sky, and were almost forty-five degrees upward.

Right on top of the altar was a seemingly transparent stone coffin.