At that moment, Hu Ming suddenly said to everyone, "Everyone, turn off your lights. Turn off your camera flashes too, and don't make too much noise."
Everyone nodded.
The blue light was coming from the Nine-story Demon Tower. Fire Ladybugs folded their wings and clung to the bodies hanging upside down from the tower, their bodies emitting faint blue light.
"Heavens, how many Fire Ladybugs are there?"
The Fatty gaped. If anyone had told him there were countless treasures in the demon tower, he wouldn't have dared go after them. They hadn't even gone inside, and the Fire Ladybugs surrounding it could already burn them to death. Who would dare go in? "Huh, what's this?"
Sa Dipeng spotted a human-shaped patch of charred ash and, curious, walked over to inspect it. He casually took a picture. This time, he really did turn off the flash.
He wasn't stupid. He knew he had to be careful around the Fire Ladybugs.
"This is the ash left after someone was burned to death by the Fire Ladybugs." Hu Bayi had been uneasy ever since they arrived. He came over and said sternly to Sa Dipeng, "Xiao Sa, remember: don't disturb the Fire Ladybugs. Don't shine your headlamp directly at them."
"Professor, I don't think any of the Nine-story Demon Towers we've found before were this intact. This one must be the best-preserved demon tower in the world, one of a kind."
"It's only been preserved so well because it was buried deep underground and never visited by tomb robbers!"
Several members of the archaeological team chatted in amazement, marveling at the sight and forgetting all about the danger.
"Professor Chen, we need to leave as soon as possible. This is too dangerous." Hu Bayi had pleaded with him again and again.
"Xiao Hu, we're willing to give our lives for archaeological research. We've only just arrived—how can we leave?"
Chen had grown tired of Hu Bayi's nagging and didn't even want to answer him. Yang Xueli glanced at Hu Bayi, finding him just as irritating. He was so long-winded. If he was afraid of danger, why had he come here? She walked slowly forward, drawing closer and closer to the Nine-story Demon Tower.
Just as Hu Bayi was about to try persuading them again, Lin Xuan stopped him and shook his head.
"Yang Xueli, what are you doing over there? Get back here!" When he saw Yang Xueli walking toward the Nine-story Demon Tower, Hu Bayi grew frantic. If they woke the Fire Ladybugs, everyone would die. This American woman was so selfish.
"Don't worry about me. You can go on ahead." Yang Xueli glanced at the two men, then continued forward.
"Mingzi, look—Shirley Yang's trying to get herself killed. What do we do?"
"We haven't even been paid yet. If she dies, all our work will have been for nothing."
The Fatty came over too. "No way. I have to protect her, or our money will go down the drain."
Seeing the Fatty eagerly heading toward the demon tower, Hu Ming knew exactly what he was like. If he wanted to find treasure, he should just say so. Protect Shirley Yang? Sure.
A long trench, over a meter deep, ran beneath the demon tower. It was piled with bones, mostly from cattle, sheep, and other livestock, though there were human bones too. All the flesh had rotted away, leaving nothing but bones.
"Xiao Chu, look at that sacrificial pit with the living victims. It's invaluable for understanding the Demon Country. Make sure to take detailed notes and photographs."
Hao Aiguo went to the edge of the pit and leaned over to look at the bodies. His eyes lit up. These were all treasures! Heaven be praised for letting him witness this scene from antiquity.
"Be careful, Professor." Chu Jian, a notebook in one hand and a camera hanging around his neck, hurried over to make sure Hao Aiguo didn't get hurt.
Gawa and the burly man stayed close to Professor Chen, protecting him at all times.
Hu Ming and Hu Bayi exchanged a glance. Then Hu Ming said, "Let's have the Fatty follow that American woman. We should stay here and keep an eye on Professor Chen and the others."
Hu Bayi hesitated before saying, "They're all such a handful. I'm starting to regret coming here."
"Ah, I've been thinking about it these past few days. I shouldn't have taken this job in the first place."
Hu Bayi frowned. "What's wrong?"
"Ah, as far as I know, anyone who enters Jingjue Ancient City will be cursed." Hu Ming glanced at Hu Bayi, but still told him the truth.
Hu Bayi was startled. "How could that be? Why didn't you tell me before?"
"Ah, who knew these people would be so..." Hu Ming said awkwardly. He knew he was in the wrong.
Hu Bayi frowned as he looked at Professor Chen and the others, then slowly asked, "Is there any way to break the curse?"
"There is," Hu Ming said firmly.
Hu Bayi nodded, then sighed. "Don't tell anyone about this for now. Let's wait until we find Jingjue Ancient City. Besides, we might not even find it."
Hu Ming nodded, then continued, "All right. Let's go take a look too, Old Hu. We can see if there's anything good to take back. That way, even if we quit, this trip will have been worth it."
Before you continue