Saving the Heartthrob Frenemy-Chapter 193: "Yunning looks like she wants to stab me in the back."

The four exchanged glances, excitement dancing in their eyes. Jolie glanced at Yunning with glee in her eyes. She had been quite vocal that they weren’t going to find anything but a few minutes later they had found a secret passage so yes, Jolie was going to gloat to her heart’s content.

Yunning saw that gloating look on Jolie’s face and her resentment grew. She couldn’t comprehend why no one else saw Eling for what he truly was.

Without hesitation, Qie Xieling stepped into the secret passage, leaving the King’s Chamber behind. The air grew cooler, carrying a faint scent of dampness as he descended the narrow stone staircase. Jolie wasn’t comfortable with him being in front so she tapped him on the shoulder and whispered, "Don’t you want me in front just in case there are traps ahead." Qie Xieling was more worried about the danger behind him than the unforeseen danger in front.

"No. Yunning looks like she wants to stab me in the back. I would rather take any chances in front," he said and Jolie glanced back. Sure enough, Yunning, though behind Boran was glaring in this direction her hatred evident.

"Fine, just watch your steps," she said and Qie Xieling nodded his head. He really appreciated Jolie being here with him otherwise he would have been dead already.

Each step they took caused the medieval wall sconces to spring to life, casting an ethereal blue glow that illuminated their path.

The stairs seemed to go on forever, spiralling deeper into the bowels of the palace. Time lost its meaning as they descended further into the unknown, their hearts pounding with anticipation. The blue flames flickered and danced, casting eerie shadows on the stone walls.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached the bottom of the staircase. Their breaths came in ragged gasps as they surveyed their surroundings, hoping to find something extraordinary. But to their dismay, they were met with a solid, unyielding wall. It appeared to be nothing more than a dead end, dashing their hopes.

Disappointment filled the air, but Qie Xieling refused to accept defeat. Unfortunately for him, Yunning was already prepared to say something negative. Her dark heart was long consumed by jealousy.

"Tsk... what a waste of time. It’s obviously a dead end. This is the reason why we shouldn’t be following the lead of this treasonous good-for-nothing betrayer. Boran, let’s go. Get King Luo from him and we will wait till he wakes up," she said but Boran didn’t move. He remained standing there watching Eling’s every move.

Qie Xieling moved closer to the wall, running his hands along its cold surface. He had no idea why but he seemed drawn to it.

Suddenly his fingers slipped into the wall and out of fear he withdrew his hand. He clenched his fingers as he exhaled deeply. He moved his fingers forward again and without any resistance his hand passed through and he was sucked in.

Jolie tried to grab him but Qie Xieling just vanished before her very eyes. She tried to do exactly what he did but the wall was as solid as rock preventing her from passing through. Panic began to set in when Qie Xieling’s hand peeked through from the other side. Jolie grabbed his hand but instead of pulling him out she was pulled in and as she was dragged forward Boran grabbed her hand.

Boran thought with his body size he could pull Jolie back but instead, he was dragged forward. He hastily grabbed Yunning’s arm and pulled her along.

Gasps of astonishment escaped their lips as they appeared on the other side. The passage stretched out before them, its secrets beckoning them forward. The air grew heavier, charged with the energy of the unknown.

They found themselves in a secret underground vault filled with all kinds of splendours. Their eyes widened in awe having haven’t seen something like this before.

The chamber was bathed in a soft golden light, emanating from countless treasures that adorned every surface. Glittering jewels, polished gems, and precious artefacts were scattered throughout the room, casting a kaleidoscope of colours that danced in the air. It was a sight that would make any treasure hunter’s heart skip a beat.

But they had a specific goal in mind. They were not here for the riches that surrounded them. Their search was focused on one particular item, the nine stranded whip, a legendary artefact that could finally end Xedian’s plight.

With determination etched on their faces, they spread out, combing through the treasure in search of any sign of the fabled weapon.

Qie Xieling carefully made his way through the piles of sparkly riches. His eyes darted from one glittering treasure to the next, his fingers skimming over the artefacts. And that’s when he saw a small, intricately crafted replica of a baby dragon, nestled amongst a stack of silk robes.

Qie Xieling’s smile grew bigger as he picked up the miniature figurine. The crystal dragon was a marvel to behold, its translucent wings delicately carved and its eyes shimmering with an otherworldly glow. It was a captivating sight, the embodiment of both beauty and power.

He marvelled at the craftsmanship, cradling the baby dragon in his palm. Its presence seemed to emanate a warmth that touched Qie Xieling’s heart. For a moment, he forgot about their mission, lost in the enchantment of the tiny creature before him. But with a deep breath, Qie Xieling reminded himself of their purpose.

Gently placing the crystal dragon back among the robes, he refocused his attention on the task at hand. The nine stranded whip was their priority, and they could not afford to be distracted by the allure of the treasures surrounding them.

He rejoined the others as he continued his search, his eyes scanning each nook and cranny of the treasure vault. They moved with purpose, the allure of the riches fading into the background as they focused on their shared goal.

For once Yunning was pulling her weight searching as well but no one was paying attention to her. As she was looking through the luxurious jewellery she noticed a crown perched upon a pedestal resting on a cushion in the light.

Her eyes dazzled by its splendor she walked over to take a closer look. The longer she stared the stronger the urge she had to pick it up and put it on.