The entrance to the Burial Pit was lit up, and the group followed the steps down into the underground, entering the ancient tomb. They finally stopped before a huge ancient coffin.
In an orderly queue and in complete silence, they approached the ancient coffin. Carson Flores, following the instructions, leaped into it. He began to fall, enveloped by a strange buoyant force that made his body feel unusually light, as though he were a feather floating down.
After a while, a glimmer of light appeared before Carson, and his feet were firmly planted on the ground. The crowd ahead had reappeared in his view.
"All right, each exploration team may now move independently. The exploration time is ten days; after ten days, all private exploration teams must leave the premises. Should anyone wish to leave before then, you need only return to this spot, but I must remind you, once you leave, you forfeit the right to re-enter,"
"Good luck to you all."
Silently, the numerous exploration teams each took out their lighting equipment; one by one, the teams turned into specks of light, heading toward the distant Underground City.
Carson Flores and the four Great Grandmasters from the Howell Family proceeded some distance, and, after parting ways with the rest, Garrett Howell, the Howell team leader, stopped.
"Carson, before we go any further, there are a few things that we need to get straight."
Carson nodded calmly, "Go ahead."
Garrett Howell’s gaze fell coldly on Carson’s face, "You’ve joined the Howell exploration team on Jaiden’s recommendation. To be frank, we in the Howell Family do not approve of his decision. I know your medical skills are excellent, but Uncle Seven’s are not much different, and even though they may not match yours, they are more than adequate for the normal treatment and healing required in this force-dominated operation."
"Jaiden made a considerable effort to discover this Underground City, and therefore holds significant influence over this matter. However begrudgingly, we cannot defy his recommendation. But regardless, now that you’ve joined us, there have to be rules."
"I am the team leader, so the Howell exploration team will follow my orders, agreed?"
Carson smiled slightly, "I have no objections."
Garrett continued, "During the search, any artifacts found that can be transcribed or replicated, my Howell Family will need a copy of the transcription or replication. If it’s a consumable such as elixirs or other unreplicable items, the items are yours, but my Howell Family reserves the right to be informed."
Carson frowned, but still offered no counter, "Fine!"
Garrett spoke seriously, "This expedition may involve combat; in the event of a fight, you must consider yourself as part of the Howell Family and fight with all your might, no slacking."
Carson responded with a smile, "Of course. We’re acting together; if any of you find trouble, I can’t escape unscathed either."
Seeing Carson comply with everything, Garrett’s expression softened slightly as he pointed to the other three and introduced them, "Uncle Seven, Jeffrey Howell, Josie Howell, Ruben Howell... Don’t take Josie’s displeasure with you personally; originally, the fifth slot was meant for her brother, Kendrick Howell."
Carson now understood. No wonder the others looked at him as if he were an outsider, slightly displeased, but this elderly woman’s gaze was filled with hostility, as if looking at an enemy—she saw someone who had taken her brother’s place.
Josie Howell did not hide the animosity in her gaze, "My brother has a fatal illness, his days are numbered, and he was counting on this expedition to the Underground City in hopes of finding something to extend his life. But you’ve taken his place. Jaiden has really disappointed us... Kid, let me tell you, if you find anything capable of prolonging life, no matter what it is, you must give it to me."
Carson’s eyes grew colder, and he blinked, "If you care so much about your brother, why not give him your spot?"
As soon as Carson spoke, the other three members of the Howell Family also showed subtle expressions on their faces.
Josie immediately reddened with anger and embarrassment, "If I come across something that can prolong life, I will naturally give it to my brother."
Seeing their reactions, Carson had a rough idea and said calmly, "I’ve already agreed to all the conditions that Captain Howell just listed. Beyond that, I’m afraid I can’t comply!"
Josie’s face was full of rage, "If it wasn’t for Jaiden, you wouldn’t even have the right to be here."
Carson replied calmly, "Yes, judging by your attitudes, you definitely would not have agreed to my joining. This is all thanks to Mr. Jaiden Howell’s strong recommendation. Thus, my thanks should go to Mr. Jaiden Howell, not any of you."
Josie said with a sneer, "Garrett, look, why should we have someone so ungrateful in our Howell team?"
Carson asked flatly, "Have you done me any favors?"
Josie was left speechless, her anger turning into fury, "Don’t think we can’t do anything to you just because you’re in. You believe I can’t have you thrown out right now?"
Carson smiled faintly, "You can try."
Seeing Carson’s lack of respect, Josie felt as if she’d been slapped across the face and immediately became furious, "This is infuriating, kid, you’re asking for it..."