Chapter 69: The Trapdoor Mechanism

I know that in ancient times, some emperors would have their generals and guards buried with them after death, but this place belongs to Loufan—a small, obscure nation in history. Despite its formidable fighting strength, its cultural heritage was barely established, so there weren’t many elaborate rituals. Frankly, if tomb robbers entered here, they’d find little of value; almost nothing worth taking. I picked up a wine cup—it bore no ornate carvings or decorations, looking utterly plain. Its worth was questionable, but since I wasn’t here to rob the tomb, I had little interest. Black Sunglasses, however, stuffed a few items into his backpack, saying he had to make a living. I found it odd; he didn’t look like someone with a family to support.

We didn’t open the coffin in this side chamber. It appeared quite ordinary, likely holding little of value. Besides, any secrets would hardly be hidden among the concubines buried here as mere companions.

We continued down the passageway. Black Sunglasses remarked, puzzled, “The structure in here is truly strange. Many parts imitate the architecture of central plains tombs, but some places don’t. Normally, the main tomb should be nearby, but look—there’s another burial corridor beyond this. It’s built so haphazardly, I can’t make sense of it.”

I thought perhaps they’d made their own modifications. After all, imitation can only go so far. Still, we proceeded with caution. The scent of blood was growing thicker, signaling that Old Ghost and the others might be close. Since there were no gunshots, it seemed they hadn’t engaged the blood corpse in further combat.

Suddenly, a guttural roar echoed through the chamber—so hoarse it barely sounded human. Black Sunglasses' face changed instantly. “That must be the blood corpse. Damn, it’s near.”

As he finished speaking, the stench of blood intensified, becoming nauseating. Before I could say a word, Black Sunglasses clamped a hand over my mouth and gestured for me to switch off my flashlight. With both lights out, darkness enveloped us.

Cautiously, we shuffled backward, step by step. The oppressive atmosphere was suffocating. Just as I was about to nudge Black Sunglasses, he covered my nose and whispered, “Hold your breath.”

I didn’t know what was happening, but followed his lead. Soon, I heard slow footsteps approaching, the bloody odor thickening. The darkness was absolute—I could only sense that something was coming our way.

Pressed tightly against the corner, holding my breath, I realized it was the blood corpse. The shuffling footsteps came right beside me, the stench almost unbearable.

I shut my eyes tightly, listening as the footsteps halted. Instinctively, I wanted to open my eyes—just a sliver. Through that tiny gap, I saw the blood-red silhouette looming close. Black Sunglasses beside me was utterly silent. The oppressive air and the sickening stench made me feel ready to explode; I desperately wanted to flick on my flashlight, draw my dagger, or lift my submachine gun and finish off the terrifying creature before me.

My palms grew damp, and sweat soaked my back. Just as my patience was about to snap, the blood corpse moved again. Its steps echoed with immense force.

Feeling it had finally left, I exhaled deeply, realizing my entire body was drenched in sweat. Glancing at Black Sunglasses, I saw he was in no better shape.

“Escaped with our lives,” he muttered. “If that thing even touched you, it’d be over.”

I asked cautiously, “Isn’t there anything that can restrain it?”

He shook his head. “Maybe, but I don’t know. You’ve heard of zombies, right? Whether they really exist, I can’t say—I’ve never seen one. But blood corpses and things full of deadly energy are real enough, though not as mystical as legends claim. Their brains are probably infested with parasites, controlling their bodies’ shells by instinct. That’s why blades and bullets don’t work—they’re already dead. But blood corpses are the most dangerous. Their bodies are venomous and incredibly strong. Unless… unless you chop off their heads. That’s where the controlling parasite resides. That’s the only method I know.”

After his explanation, we switched our flashlights back on. The blood corpse seemed to have gone far, so we relaxed a bit. The corridor floor was littered with blood-stained footprints, a terrifying sight.

We walked on, turned a couple of corners, and I noticed flashes of light up ahead—it was Old Ghost and his crew. Perhaps they’d been hiding from the blood corpse, too.

That seemed likely. Black Sunglasses and I crept along the wall and found them studying something in a side chamber. I could tell it was a side tomb because it was so bare and its location could never be the main burial chamber.

Oddly, there were only three people; the others were missing. Voices drifted from inside:

“Sixth Brother, haven’t figured it out yet? Old Ghost and the others must be in the main chamber by now. They’ll scoop up all the loot, and we’ll get nothing!”

“Quit rushing me. I’m working on it. I’ve found a pattern. That flipping board must have been triggered by something we touched. Let me check again.”

“Why not just use explosives? That’d be straightforward,” said a voice, rough and honest.

Sixth Brother replied, “Don’t be stupid! If we use explosives, what if the blood corpse comes? And think for once—you’ve been in enough tombs to know this! Use explosives underground and you risk collapse. You really are thick-headed.”

They continued talking. Listening to their exchange, Black Sunglasses and I pieced together the situation. It seemed Old Ghost and his group had accidentally triggered some mechanism and been taken to another space, leaving these three behind to figure out how to activate it again.