"How could this happen? What’s going on? Professor, what should we do?" The assistant supporting Professor Wu trembled with fear in her voice and eyes.
"Don’t panic!" Professor Wu said sternly, "Stay calm, this might be an illusion. We don’t know when we fell into another illusion again!"
The assistant paused, thinking carefully, the strange scene before them indeed seemed most likely explained as an illusion.
So, when did they fall into the illusion again?
At this moment, Que Qiu was alone, moving forward, completely ignoring the treasure trove of burial jewels. His eyes were resolute, and his steps steady. Finally, he used One Line Tie again, pushing open a stone door that was neither unfamiliar nor familiar.
A male voice rang out immediately as he pushed the door.
"Why are you coming back! Did you forget what you promised me?"
The voice was very urgent and angry.
"I never promised you anything." Upon hearing this voice, Que Qiu’s usual indifference changed to a smile, and he said softly, "I said I’d come to take you home. Now, I’m here!"
"I can’t go back! Don’t you understand yet?" The voice continued, "I beg you, could you just leave now!"
"Let’s go back together, I said I’d return to take you home." Que Qiu insisted.
"Leave quickly! Otherwise, if you disturb the king, he won’t let you go this time." The voice said anxiously.
"No, you’ve reminded me many times, haven’t you? You know you can’t stop me, I want to take you back." Que Qiu stepped inside.
A huge force pushed against him, preventing him from moving forward. He stood straight, staring at the air before him, yet seemed to see someone through the air.
From beyond the air emerged a person in armor, iron-clad with face covered, nothing visible, but Que Qiu knew it was the person he was seeking.
"Wei Ya!" Que Qiu moved forward but was pushed away.
"I don’t want to see you, nor do I want to go back with you. Leave quickly before the king discovers you. Why don’t you listen? I’ve stopped you so many times, why did you still come? Why are you still so stubborn!" Wei Ya shouted with anger.
Que Qiu said nothing, stepping forward to grab the armored hand, intending to pull him away, but did not expect the armor to be already weathered, a mere tug broke it, revealing the dried, shrunken arm within, completely desiccated and blackened, looking like a mummy.
The armor suddenly retreated a few steps, speaking sharply, "I’m already dead, can’t you wake up? Leave quickly. All I wish is for you to return safely."
"No!" Tears had already formed in Que Qiu’s eyes, "I said I’m taking you home no matter what. I know, I know everything. But I absolutely won’t let you be alone here, guarding this cold and terrifying tomb. Why were you so foolish back then, why did you push me away and stay here yourself?"
"Because we’re best friends, aren’t we?! And now it turned out this way because of our mistake. I became the Tomb Guardian, this is penance." Wei Ya said urgently, "Leave quickly, if the king finds out you’ve come again, things will be terrible."
"No, I’m not leaving!" Que Qiu shook his head resolutely.
"Since you don’t want to leave, then don’t leave, stay together." Suddenly, a cold yet authoritative voice sounded.
"It’s the king!" Wei Ya’s voice was filled with panic.