Following the light, after a moment of focus, Wang Guan suddenly found the area before him open up dramatically, as a vast cavern space immediately materialized beyond the narrow passageway. Wang Guan harbored no doubt that the cavern was situated within the massive mountain wall, and within this space were countless intersecting tunnels leading to unknown destinations.

Yet, one could easily surmise that something highly confidential was hidden within this cavernous realm. “What is this place?” Yu Feibai looked around with an expression subtly mixed with surprise and delight.

“A secret base belonging to the state.” Unexpectedly, Elder Hou answered forthrightly, “It houses some ancient treasures and also serves as a research facility for them. Your Zitan Yinchenmu beads, Wang Guan, along with items like the Holy Grail, have all been sent here for study.” “Really?” In an instant, Yu Feibai’s face showed a jumble of joy and surprise.

Wang Guan beside him felt much the same; although he had somewhat expected this, hearing Elder Hou confirm it brought a measure of happiness, prompting him to examine his surroundings with greater scrutiny. The cavern was spacious and outfitted with numerous lighting fixtures, making it appear as bright as day.

Simultaneously, several people emerged to greet them; seeing Elder Qian and the others, they showed no surprise whatsoever, instead offering smiles and warm welcomes. “You all carry on with your work; we’ll take them on a brief tour,” Elder Hou waved his hand, acting as if he were the master of the place.

Then again, Elder Hou did command a certain authority here, and upon hearing his instruction, the welcoming staff discreetly withdrew. “East, West, South, North…” As he spoke, Elder Hou pointed toward several tunnels branching off within the cavern, then turned back with a smile, “You choose a direction.” “East,” Yu Feibai pointed without hesitation.

“We started from the West, so naturally, we must first look East. Then we should proceed sequentially through Southeast and Northwest to complete a full circuit.” “Right.” Wang Guan also felt a spark of anticipation; the starting point was irrelevant—what truly mattered was what they would see.

“Heh, getting eager?” Elder Hou chuckled and immediately took the lead. “Then follow along…” Under Elder Hou’s guidance, Elder Qian and his group strolled at a leisurely pace, engaging in light conversation.

It was Wang Guan, Yu Feibai, and even Beiye who maintained a sense of keen curiosity. While keeping pace easily, they noticed the tunnels had been meticulously maintained, clean and tidy, even tiled, resembling the corridors of a modern building.

If they hadn't known they were deep within a mountain cavern, they might have mistaken it for the hallways of a high-rise. Regardless, after proceeding through the corridor for a short while, they arrived at another space: a room elegantly appointed, with bright windows and impeccably clean surfaces, though containing few items—only two or three pieces.

However, these few items were enough to make Wang Guan and the others’ eyes blur with awe, leaving them momentarily speechless. “These things…” At this point, Yu Feibai couldn't suppress an exclamation.

“This is too extravagant.” Wang Guan and Beiye, hearing this, wholeheartedly agreed. The items displayed in the room were few, but one was an incense burner standing three feet tall, featuring four doorways, supported by four miniature bridges, and intricately carved with vivid depictions of flowers, flying birds, heavenly beings, musicians, Qilin, phoenixes, and white cranes.

Moreover, the main body of the burner was inlaid with pearls, agate, coral, and other precious stones around its circumference. At first glance, especially under the direct illumination of the lights, the entire incense burner shimmered with a dazzling array of jewels, truly overwhelming the eyes.

Beside the incense burner lay two other magnificent objects, which proved somewhat surprising: they were two garments—dresses belonging to ancient noblewomen. As is widely known, ancient clothing was far more complex than modern attire.

Formal court dresses (shīnǚfú) might have been common in antiquity, but viewed through a modern lens, they were unequivocally high works of art. Wide sleeves, crossover collars, long skirts, and draped silken chénbó—the myriad small components, combined through clever arrangement, created ever-changing, opulent tapestry effects.

Take the two dresses before them: it was impossible to tell what material they were woven from, yet the colors were dazzlingly vibrant, possessing a bright luster that created a smooth, graduating effect. From the front, they showed one color; from the side, another hue emerged.

Under direct light, one shade appeared; in shadow, yet another variation manifested. Most miraculously, no matter the viewing angle, the skirts displayed patterns of hundreds of birds.

Cranes, sparrows, egrets, and larks—all the flying creatures were rendered with lifelike detail, possessing a dynamic, three-dimensional quality. Seeing such exquisite and marvelous garments, even Beiye, who generally held luxury items in less regard, showed a flicker of wonder in her eyes, a trace of awe breaking through.

This was understandable, as Wang Guan and Yu Feibai were similarly affected, their gazes filled with the look of covetous appreciation, a desire to claim possession. At the same moment, Elder Qian asked with a smile, “Wang Guan, seeing these objects, do you feel any sense of familiarity?” “Familiarity?” Wang Guan snapped back to attention, thought deeply, and then suddenly exclaimed in shock, “Princess Anle’s Hundred Birds Skirt?” “Princess Anle?” Yu Feibai hadn't processed this immediately.

“Which Princess Anle?” “The Princess Anle from the Tang Dynasty,” Wang Guan explained. “The daughter of Emperor Zhongzong Li Xian—the one rumored to have poisoned her father with her mother Empress Wei, only to be executed later by Li Longji during his coup.” “Ah, that one!” Instantly, Yu Feibai recalled.

“The notoriously arrogant, dissolute, and ambitious princess who wanted to emulate Empress Wu Zetian and become female emperor…” “Precisely, that one,” Wang Guan nodded. “After the Shenlong Coup, Wu Zetian stepped down, and Zhongzong Li Xian was restored.

Princess Anle, spoiled by favor, wielded immense power and indulged in boundless luxury. Historical records state that her princess manor was built with stacked stones mimicking Mount Hua, featuring interlocking stone steps and bridges, winding streams, and artificial springs spurting water.

She also commissioned a precious furnace, carved with strange beasts and divine birds, inlaid with countless pearls, coral, and gems.” “Furthermore, there were two Hundred Birds Skirts, woven from threads made of the feathers, silk, and fine gauze of a hundred different birds. Gold thread was used to depict the birds, detailed as fine as a hair, yet large as a grain of millet, with eyes, beaks, and claws perfectly rendered—truly magical and incredible.

Upon completion, these skirts caused an uproar, and powerful nobles rushed to imitate them. For a time, the rare birds and exotic beasts of the forests and mountains were hunted relentlessly, stripped clean, meaning countless birds met their doom.” As he spoke, Wang Guan conjectured with astonishment, “With the precious furnace and the Hundred Birds Skirts both present, could it be that you’ve discovered Princess Anle’s tomb?” “Something close to that.” Elder Hou chuckled lightly.

“It’s not exactly a tomb, just some relics. Because these were treasures deliberately buried, aside from gold and silver, the most valuable items were these three things.” “However, when these items were unearthed, they were largely damaged.

After careful research by our teams, we managed to restore them to their original appearance.” At this point, Elder Zhou, standing nearby, interjected with a smile, “So, while they look exquisitely beautiful, they are essentially showpieces—meant only to be observed from a distance, not touched.” “Having them look this way is good enough,” Yu Feibai immediately laughed. “For antiques and treasures like these, appreciation is the primary purpose.

I doubt anyone would actually wear them to show off.” “That’s true…” The group nodded slightly and continued to observe the few items. In truth, only Wang Guan and his companions were truly watching.

Elders Qian and the others had likely seen these objects countless times, probably already studied them thoroughly, and thus held little interest. However, Wang Guan and his group knew restraint, realizing better things lay ahead.

After a brief examination, they urged Elder Hou to lead them deeper into the complex. Leaving that room and walking a short distance, they entered another space.

Compared to the previous chamber, this area was significantly larger, and several people were present within it, apparently engaged in research. “Elder Hou, Elder Qian…” Noticing the group entering, the individuals inside quickly stood up to greet them.

Taking this opportunity, Wang Guan’s party managed a glance around. This place appeared to be an armaments exhibition hall.

Along the walls surrounding the space hung various weapons of differing lengths. Some possessed ancient, restrained luster; others gleamed sharply, radiating brilliance.

In any case, the display was dazzling, possessing its own distinct aesthetic appeal. Whether cold steel or early firearms, weapons tend to stir a surge of spirit in any man who sees them.

Especially the simple, direct cold weapons, they are the source of the eternal dream of scholars and swordsmen, impossible to ignore. Although Wang Guan himself possessed several divine blades and treasured arms, he was acutely aware that the world held greater depths.

His possessions might be excellent, but others’ might not be inferior. Particularly in this mysterious location, everything displayed was guaranteed to be top-tier.

Facts spoke louder than words. Under Elder Hou’s guidance, Wang Guan and his group viewed the weapons displayed on one wall: a collection of long sabers—Imperial Treasure Sabers commissioned by the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty.

“This collection of sabers likely represents the final brilliance of Chinese cold weaponry,” Elder Hou remarked with a touch of melancholy. “The Qing Dynasty rose to power on horseback, and Emperor Qianlong, wishing to educate his descendants about vigilance even in times of peace, specifically ordered the Imperial Household Department’s Office of Manufacturing to forge ninety yaodao (waist swords) and thirty baojian (precious swords) for perpetual storage in the thirteenth year of his reign, reminding his descendants never to forget their ancestral customs and always respect military preparedness.” “Once these weapons were completed, they were individually cataloged using the characters for Heaven, Earth, and Man.

During the Emperor’s grand reviews, spring and autumn hunts, provincial tours, military commissions, and receptions for foreign envoys, they were often kept close at hand to demonstrate the Son of Heaven’s might. Because these weapons were imperial commissions, their quality was naturally guaranteed, representing the pinnacle of sword and saber craftsmanship during the Qing Dynasty’s zenith.” As he spoke, Elder Hou shook his head.

“But after this set of weapons, the Qing Dynasty began its decline, slowly moving downhill. By the mid to late Qing period, firearms dominated the battlefield, leaving no room for cold weapons to be employed.” Although the development of ancient Chinese weaponry generally showed a steady regression from one generation to the next, this was a broad comparison; it didn't mean the Qing Dynasty failed to produce fine arms.

After all, in the early Qianlong years, society was still relatively prosperous, and thanks to Emperor Yongzheng’s efforts, the national treasury held sufficient funds for Qianlong to indulge in expenditures. Under such circumstances, commissioning a set of weapons drawing upon the nation's resources, their quality could hardly be poor… (To be continued)