Chapter Thirteen: A Behemoth Emerges from the Abyss, A Life-or-Death Brink

Before I could even finish my sentence, the ground began to shake violently, as if an earthquake had struck! I was so terrified that I nearly clung to He Yunsheng’s leg for dear life.

Then, a massive shadow emerged slowly from the depths of the treasury. Good grief, this thing was several stories tall, crafted entirely from bronze—it looked just like a giant robot! An ancient version of a Transformer! I was completely stunned. What was going on? Were we in a sci-fi movie?

As the giant beast appeared, Eunuch Li and Imperial Concubine Zhou’s faction were equally baffled. They even forgot to fight, their eyes widening, mouths agape wide enough to fit an egg. My heart sank—it was clear this thing was no ordinary foe. Sure enough, the behemoth began to attack us. With a single swipe of its claw, several guards were sent flying like ragdolls. He Yunsheng tried to engage it head-on, but the creature opened its maw and spat out a gout of flame, forcing him to retreat several paces. My goodness, it could breathe fire too! I panicked instantly; how were we supposed to fight this? We were completely outmatched!

The followers of Eunuch Li and Concubine Zhou were thrown into chaos, scrambling in every direction. In the confusion, He Yunsheng and I were separated. I was frantic—in this unfamiliar place, if I ended up alone, wouldn't I be crushed flat by that giant beast? I dodged the creature’s attacks while desperately searching for He Yunsheng.

I tripped over a rock and fell flat on my face! Cursing my luck, I tried to scramble up, only to find the sinister face of Eunuch Li looming over me. He grinned maliciously, his gaze like that of a hungry wolf eyeing a lamb. My heart plummeted—oh no! The old villain was trying to take advantage of the chaos! He inched closer, reaching out to grab me. I struggled with all my might, but I was no match for him. As his hand crept toward my throat, I found it hard to breathe. Just as I thought I was doomed at the hands of Eunuch Li, Concubine Zhou suddenly appeared...

At the critical moment, she actually showed up! She shoved Eunuch Li aside, her expression that of a mother hen guarding her brood. "Eunuch Li, you old fool! Is now the time for infighting? Let’s deal with this iron monstrosity first!" I thought to myself, well, Concubine Zhou still has her wits about her; she didn't lose her cool when it mattered. But she certainly had ulterior motives; who knew how she planned to use me next?

Suddenly, a figure in a black robe appeared from nowhere, standing before the beast. He held a staff and began to chant, sounding just like a rapper. I wondered, which deity had come to save us? Was he roleplaying as a mage? Believe it or not, this "magic" was actually effective; the giant beast’s movements slowed down visibly, as if it were being played at half-speed. He Yunsheng saw his chance and immediately rallied the guards to counterattack. The same guards who had been running faster than rabbits moments ago were now charging forward as if possessed. However, the beast was not easily defeated; before long, it adapted to the black-robed figure's "magic" and began to rage again.

It swung down a massive hand, and He Yunsheng, unable to dodge in time, was sent flying! My heart jumped into my throat. If this young prince died, my protector would be gone! Ignoring the danger, I rushed over to help him up. Just then, the beast swung another claw at He Yunsheng, and it looked like he was about to be flattened into a meat patty! A thought struck me—I noticed something unusual about the creature’s joints!

"Yunsheng! Aim for its joints! That’s its weak spot!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. He Yunsheng, worthy of being a young prince, reacted instantly. Enduring his pain, he lunged forward and plunged his sword into the beast’s joint! With a deafening boom, the iron monstrosity actually collapsed!

I let out a long sigh of relief. Thank goodness, my life was saved. Everyone finally regained their composure and began whispering about the mysterious black-robed figure. Why did he help us? What was his connection to the treasure? Meanwhile, Eunuch Li and Concubine Zhou hid in a corner, whispering and plotting some new scheme. Just then, the black-robed figure walked slowly toward us, and then...

He reached out and removed his hood...