Chapter 72
Gabriel patted Gunther on the shoulder and said, “We have to discuss this with our tour guide Isaac.”
They had not explicitly told Isaac about their destination before the trip. They merely told him that they
planned to enter the mountain.
Gunther coughed twice, took a tissue to wipe his mouth, and found that the tissue was covered with
blood.
Gabriel looked at him worriedly. “Gunt!”
Gunther smiled bitterly and said, “Gabriel, there’s nothing to worry about. What else can I worry about
now since I’m already in this state? It’s a last-ditch effort, anyway. Gabriel…”
Gunther stopped and said to Oliver, “Oliver, please invite Isaac here.”
Oliver nodded and went out.
Seeing Oliver go out, Gabriel whispered to Gunther, “Gunt, just say what you want.”
Gabriel had been friends with Gunther for many years, so he knew him very well.
Gunther wiped the blood from his mouth once more and then spoke. “Gabriel, we have been friends for
many years, and I can’t bear to involve you in this mess. Take Hailey with you. I entrust her to your
care.”
Gabriel went silent.
Gunther added, “Gabriel, don’t try to reason with Hailey. She’s stubborn and won’t leave willingly. Just
tell her that you need her assistance in purchasing a new set of equipment. We’ll leave immediately.”
Gabriel was silent momentarily before saying, “Gunt, can you find someone else to handle this? We’ve
been friends for over two decades. You should know my character well. My entire life has been
dedicated to identifying genuine and valuable cultural relics and historical artifacts. Henry’s Tristar
Treasure is my final and greatest aspiration. Please don’t push me away. And besides… Despite my
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtage, there are still many things you can’t do without me. No one else on this team has the same level
of experience I have. Can you afford to go without me?”
Gunther remained silent, acknowledging the truth in Gabriel’s words. He knew that the ancient tomb
was filled with intricate traps, carefully designed in accordance with ancient culture, and interconnected
with one another.
Having a seasoned professor of archaeology like Gabriel on the team would significantly enhance their
chances of success. While it would not guarantee a 100% success rate, it would undoubtedly increase
their likelihood of success by at least 50%.
Although Oliver possessed impressive identification skills, his young age and limited knowledge could
not compare to Gabriel’s expertise.
Gunther wanted to say something more, but the doorbell rang.
Gabriel went to open the door. Oliver and the tour guide, Isaac, came in.
In his early forties, Isaac possessed a sturdy build and tanned complexion, suggesting he was
accustomed to the outdoors and the sun’s rays.
“Isaac, please have a seat.” Gunther waved his hand and motioned for Oliver to sit down as well.
After Isaac sat down, he told Gunther, “Mr. Fox, I don’t think you look well. It’s not easy to go up the
mountain. You… might need to reconsider your decision.”
Gunther waved his hand again and said, “Don’t worry. I asked you here to discuss our route plan later.”
Isaac nodded and asked again, “Where are wo
going?
is
main purpose?”
Gunther presented the map marked by Oliver to Isaac, fixing his gaze upon the latter as he spoke.
“Isaac, our destination lies here. If you guide us to this place, your mission will be fulfilled.”
Isaac carefully looked at the map and the point where.
a circle
drawn.
-After a while, he raised his head and said to Gunther, “Mr. Fox, where are you going? Enchanting
Hollow?”
“Yes, we are going to Enchanting Hollow!” Gunther said openly to Isaac.
He could hide the destination from anyone, but not from Isaac, as the tour guide was the one who was
going to lead them
later.
Isaac’s expression changed. He was silent for a while before shaking his head. “Mr. Fox, I’m sorry. I
can’t take this job!”
Gunther said nonchalantly, “Isaac, there’s no job that can’t be taken. I know you have concerns. Your
uncle, grand-uncle, and great-grand-uncle entered the Enchanting Hollow but never returned. You’re
afraid that the same fate awaits you once you go in.”
Isaac’s face flushed suddenly, and his fists clenched tightly, causing his knuckles to crack.
Gunther continued, “Isaac, have you ever wondered what happened to your ancestors inside? Are they
still alive, or have they perished? Moreover, your youngest son is struggling with osteochondrosis, and
the medical expenses are astronomical. If you guide us through this journey, I will offer you 2 million
dollars, with an upfront payment of 1 million dollars. This is to ensure your son’s treatment and secure
a better future for your family. Take some time to reconsider your decision.” Isaac’s heart was in turmoil
after listening to Gunther. He rubbed his head and pulled his hair in frustration. After a long time, he
looked up with red eyes and said, “I want 4 million dollars, and you have to make a full upfront payment
of 4 million dollars first.”
Gunther was silent for a while before he smiled and said, “Okay. I promise you, Isaac. I appreciate your
willingness to give everything to your family. Here is a check for 4 million dollars. You have five hours to
deal with family affairs. We’ll leave in five hours.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“Okay!”
Isaac took the check and went out without saying another word.
He went to the bank and cashed out the check for his family. He left a message to his family, saying
whatever he needed to say. Even if he could not return from this journey, at least his family would not
have to worry about their daily expenses and his son’s medical bills.
Isaac had been to Enchanting Hollow before.
He was also the only one who had entered Enchanting Hollow and came out alive.
However, no matter who asked Isaac, he would not tell anyone about his experience in Enchanting
Hollow.
Gunther looked at Gabriel and Oliver, took a sip of tea, and said slowly, “Oliver, I want to be honest with
you. The real motive behind our expedition to Enchanting Hollow is that I have been searching for a
slim chance of immortality. It’s not that I desire eternal life, but rather, I simply want to postpone my own
death. I haven’t witnessed Hailey getting married or having children yet, and that’s something I long to
experience. That’s why I insisted on keeping my daughter away from the dangers of Enchanting
Hollow, and I couldn’t fully explain the perils involved this time. I believe that you care for your girlfriend
deeply, and while I was disappointed that you didn’t consider my suggestion, I still advise you to
cherish the young lady and not let her embark on this perilous journey.”
Oliver recognized Gunther’s kindness, but he refused without thinking. “Mr. Fox, thank you for your
kindness, but I must take her to Enchanting Hollow. She’s cursed with Blood Malediction and only has
70 days to live. We believe Tristar Treasure holds the key to a possible cure, so I must take her there!”
“Blood Malediction?”
This was the second time Gunther and Gabriel heard Oliver mention “Blood Malediction.”
Last time, they had assumed it was a casual remark of Oliver and had no idea there was a profound
story behind it.
Oliver then told the story of how Sienna was cursed with Blood Malediction after solving the case and
revealed to them that Eye Sculpture was the last third of the Tristar Treasure map.
Gunther and Gabriel were both stunned.