Grovel

*Cough*

"Alright, in you go," the grand priestess moved aside, allowing Princess Ceni and Hao Xuan to walk inside in that order.

Hao Xuan turned around to ask for exact instructions since she had still not given any, "What do we-" but the grand priestess waved her smoking pipe and closed the alter and the only exit.

Thankfully, her voice echoed in their ears a moment later.

'Just keep moving forward at a normal pace and you'll come out on the top. But whatever you do, do not walk backwards. It could leave you buried anywhere deep underground and you would have to crawl your way up, if it is even possible.'

Hao Xuan who was about to walk back froze midstride and carefully pulled back his foot.

"Well...thank you for letting us know, you old hag!" he muttered out loud thinking she wouldn't be able to hear it but a ghostly "You are welcome, youngin," was carried into his ears, startling him.