Chapter 2381: Chapter 2284: This Is...

This isn’t without evidence. The tomb chamber is sealed for years and contains many chemicals, over centuries, it’s easy to form toxic miasma.

Many tomb raiders, after prying open the chamber of an ancient tomb, hurry inside to search for gold without guarding against the toxic miasma, which eventually leads to them suffocating and dying.

Moreover, some toxic gases are deliberately left in the ancient tomb by the tomb chamber’s owner to ensure tomb robbers don’t leave the tomb alive.

Some poisons are colorless and shapeless and, if infected accidentally, can cause a series of diseases.

Ancient Egyptian pyramids have legends of Pharaoh’s curses, supposedly anyone who enters the pyramids is hunted by Pharaoh’s ghost, ultimately killing them.

However, after an autopsy examination of those who died after entering the Egyptian pyramids, scientists discovered that their bodies were infected with a peculiar toxic gas, and the reason for this infection is the long-term sealing of the pyramid.

Many ancient tombs inspected by Zhou Shitao were often already looted by tomb raiders, allowing smooth airflow, so there was no concern in this aspect.

But this tomb here, other than some oil rats, no one else seems to have visited. What’s behind these stone doors is unknown to everyone.

Because they’ve remained unopened for centuries, Zhou Shitao is cautious, fearing something might go wrong. He repeatedly warns everyone to gear up and stay away from the auricle chamber while the unlocking expert is preparing to open the stone doors.

Thankfully, there’s plenty of space in this outer chamber, allowing everyone to retreat to a safe distance without any issue.

Once everyone has retreated, the staff member takes a deep breath and nervously unlocks the combination lock.

The combination lock from over a thousand years ago, of course, doesn’t use today’s Arabic numeral decoding but employs the Qiankun Bagua, the complexity of which is beyond Huo Sining’s understanding as a layperson.

All she understands is that after the specialist fiddled with the bizarre lock for a while, there’s a sudden click and it opens.

Behind this stone door awaits an alchemist’s world from over seventeen hundred years ago, an unknown world that may bring tremendous impact to historical civilization.

Several male archaeologists step forward to help, placing their hands on the stone door, pushing it open. The stone door creaks and slides in its slot, slowly moving to one side.

A tomb chamber slowly appears before everyone’s eyes. Under the miner’s lamp on their heads, they see a sacrificial altar placed inside the chamber along with various living supplies and equipment hanging on the walls.

These objects are obviously used by Ge Hong back in the day; the tomb chamber is even filled with a strong life atmosphere.

Huo Sining even suspects that this tomb chamber was used by Ge Hong before he achieved immortality; the alchemist might have lived in this tomb for years.

It’s not impossible; after all, even Xiaolongnu managed to live in the Zhongnan Mountain Ancient Tomb for years. For Taoists, these things ought to be less of a concern.

Those who devote themselves to practicing Dao often disregard the notion of "the body being a gift from parents," as they don’t value their physical form, ready to abandon it upon enlightenment.

So living inside an ancient tomb would likely not be an issue for them.

The ancient tomb opens, excitement overwhelms everyone, even Su Qingqing and others waiting outside are thrilled, continuously talking with Huo Sining over the walkie-talkie, while watching the monitors and inquiring about what’s inside.

Huo Sining quietly explains to Su Qingqing while keeping a close watch on Zhou Shitao’s actions.

After about ten minutes of ensuring the toxic gases inside have mostly dissipated, Zhou Shitao finally steps into the auricle chamber.

Similar to the outside space, this chamber is about three to four meters high, covering an area of only forty to fifty square meters, but is fully equipped with living utensils, even items for relieving oneself.

These objects remain in their original position, not organized, as if someone lived here but hasn’t returned in a long time, now covered in dust.

Zhou Shitao, experienced as he is, immediately warns everyone:

"Nobody touch anything inside. Director He, tell your people to handle these items before touching them!"

Upon hearing Zhou Shitao’s command, Director He promptly instructs two staff members behind him: "Go quickly!"

Instantly, two staff members carrying strange sprayers step forward and spray all the items inside the tomb chamber.

A strange mist wets these objects; puzzled, Huo Sining can’t help asking: "What is this for?"

Huo Sining has previously been involved in excavating the Yunling Ancient Tomb, but it’s her first time witnessing the detailed work post-excavation of an ancient tomb, finding the staff’s actions peculiar.

Standing aside, Zhou Shitao takes a glance at Huo Sining and explains:

"This is the first task in opening an ancient tomb. The artifacts here have been isolated from outside air for too long, essentially being in a low-oxygen state, which is a key factor for their long-term preservation."

"But similarly, once unearthed, air quickly infiltrates, causing environmental conditions to change drastically, accelerating oxidation reactions, turning them to ashes rapidly."

"Therefore, before this happens, we must find ways to prevent these artifacts from being oxidized and eroded. The most effective way is to spray a layer of silicon dioxide protective film on these artifacts that don’t affect their properties."

"By spraying this substance, these artifacts can completely isolate from air, preserving their original appearance upon excavation."

Upon hearing this, Huo Sining nods approvingly. Shortly after, the spraying of the protective film concludes.

Several professors begin engaging in the intense task of artifact consolidation. It’s a massive project, and Huo Sining joins the rest of the staff who entered the tomb in this intricate work.

While everyone is cataloging and sealing items in the auricle chamber, suddenly Shi Qingyun’s voice of surprise rings out:

"Old Zhou, come over here quickly!"

Zhou Shitao, puzzled, walks over to Shi Qingyun: "What’s up?"

Before Shi Qingyun is a wooden box, now open. Shocked, he points at the box’s content, too excited to speak.

"This... This is..."

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