With the map in hand, the journey went smoothly. After avoiding many traps, they reached the deepest part of the chamber, where a pool of flowing silver liquid lay beneath a round stone platform in the center. Atop a pillar on the platform sat an exquisite wooden box.
Feng Guang asked Xue Ran, “How do we get over there?”
The silvery liquid looked dangerous.
“Let’s see first.” Xue Ran picked up a pebble and tossed it into the water. Before it even touched the surface, the liquid seemed to come alive, engulfing the stone noiselessly and pulling it under.
Feng Guang grabbed his hand and took a step back. “This is dangerous!”
“Don’t be afraid.” Xue Ran squeezed her hand reassuringly. He examined the notes on the map, then picked up another stone. This time, he threw it toward the box in the center, using his inner strength to make it strike the box, causing it to shift slightly.
Suddenly, the ground trembled, and from the silver water rose a stone bridge, connecting both sides. Feng Guang stared in awe at the sight, then looked to Xue Ran, who smiled and led her onto the bridge.
The box on the stone platform wasn’t locked. Feng Guang stroked her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe… we could open it and take a peek? Surely the old Madam Tang wouldn’t mind?”
“Don’t touch it.” He caught her hand just as she reached out. “It could trigger a trap.”
Feng Guang quickly withdrew her hand. “But… there’s no other way forward, and this box sitting here definitely feels suspicious.”
Xue Ran thought it over, then took a pair of silver gloves from his coat and put them on. Noticing her curious look, he explained with a smile, “These are silver gloves. They can block any sharp object and protect against any toxins. Most items from the Tang Clan are poisoned, so it’s dangerous to touch them with bare hands.”
She nodded in understanding.
Xue Ran extended his gloved hand and opened the box. To his surprise, no traps were triggered immediately. Inside, there was a plain-looking casket. He was about to pick it up when he sensed something amiss. Quickly, he pulled Feng Guang behind him as the wooden box unfolded on all sides, revealing countless small holes. From each hole, a silver needle shot out with incredible speed, leaving no room to dodge!
Feng Guang watched as Xue Ran moved gracefully. With his silver-gloved hand, he deflected or caught each needle, his swift, elegant motions giving him an almost godlike appearance. Even in the face of danger, he exuded a sense of beauty that she couldn’t help but admire.
She marveled at herself for still being able to swoon at a time like this…
Soon, the ground was littered with silver needles. Feng Guang, who had been safely behind him, was completely unharmed.
Xue Ran turned to her. “Miss Xia, are you alright?”
“I’m fine…” Feng Guang nodded, but suddenly noticed sweat on his forehead and a trace of blood on his chest. “Xue Ran, you’re hurt!”
Xue Ran pulled a silver needle from his chest and managed a faint smile. “It’s nothing…”
With that, he collapsed to his knees.
Feng Guang knelt beside him, supporting him. Seeing the strange color of the blood, she gasped, “The needles were poisoned!”
“So… this must be the ‘Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needles’—truly never missing its mark.” Xue Ran could feel his strength quickly draining, but in front of Feng Guang, he tried to maintain his composure. “The Tang Clan’s weapons are all poisoned but don’t worry. You’ve forgotten I can neutralize any poison, haven’t you?”
Tears of worry welled up in her eyes. “But we’re trapped here now! How will you cure it?”
Loveguy On CFRFGC Chapter 12