The Underground Wave and an Invitation from the Past

The discovery of the ancient bamboo scroll caused a seismic shock among the senior military leadership and historians. The entire Research Center was placed under the highest level of security. Top experts in ancient languages, history, and even geology were summoned to Hanoi.

They began a large-scale research project, cross-referencing the drawings on the scroll with other records, analyzing the material of the bamboo itself, and trying to decipher the location of the island marked on the miniature map.

Lam Minh, To Quyen, and Quynh Nhu, as the first to discover it, were also asked to remain in Hanoi to assist if needed. However, for the most part, they were not allowed into the main research area to ensure secrecy.

This, in turn, gave them an "involuntary" vacation.

"This is so boring!" Quynh Nhu sprawled on the sofa in the living room of the military guesthouse. "I thought finding a treasure would get us a big reward, but instead we're under 'house arrest' here."

"This isn't house arrest," To Quyen said, her hands still swiping across her tablet, reading related reports. "This is to ensure our safety. Haven't you noticed the security here has been increased several times over?"

Lam Minh, on the other hand, appeared completely at ease. He was sitting on the balcony, his eyes closed, but in reality, he was using his spiritual sense to perceive the fluctuations in the city. He could feel the presence of many hidden "masters," special forces soldiers with strong qi and blood, who had been silently deployed here.

"Looks like the bigwigs are taking this very seriously," he thought.

But what interested him most was still the ancient, tranquil aura at the bottom of Hoan Kiem Lake. Ever since the bamboo scroll was unrolled, he felt that aura seemed a little more "lively," like a giant stirring after a long sleep.

It seemed to be "paying attention" to him.

A few days later, Professor Lan Anh sought out the three of them privately. Her face looked tired but was filled with excitement.

"We have some initial results," she said in a low voice. "The material of the bamboo scroll dates back at least 4000 years, perfectly matching the Hong Bang period. The drawings of the terrain and astronomy also align with our research on the ancient Earth."

She paused, taking a deep breath. "Most importantly, we have almost pinpointed the location of the island on the map. It's in a sea area called the 'Dragon's Abyss,' a place with an extremely unstable magnetic field, inaccessible to conventional ships."

"So are we going there?" Quynh Nhu asked excitedly.

"Not yet," Professor Lan Anh shook her head. "That place is too dangerous, and we are not prepared enough. First, we need to solve another mystery."

She looked at Lam Minh. "Lam Minh, the symbol that looks like the Turtle Tower on the map... do you have any thoughts?"

Lam Minh knew this was a test question. He pretended to think for a moment then said, "I think, perhaps it's not just a symbol. Maybe... it's a key, or a guide to something hidden right here in Hoan Kiem Lake."

Professor Lan Anh nodded with satisfaction. "Very good. That's our speculation as well. The problem is, we've used the most advanced equipment to scan the entire Hoan Kiem Lake area, but we haven't detected anything unusual, no underground chambers, no energy signals."

"Perhaps it's something that can't be found with technology," Lam Minh blurted out.

This statement made both Professor Lan Anh and To Quyen ponder.

Just then, a liaison officer walked in and handed Professor Lan Anh a carefully sealed envelope. "Professor, this is a letter from the Hoan Kiem Lake Special Relic Management Board, addressed to 'consultant' Lam Minh."

"For me?" Lam Minh was surprised.

He took the envelope, feeling that there was something very strange about it. It wasn't paper, but a type of material that felt like a treated lotus leaf, emitting a pure fragrance. The seal was made of beeswax, imprinted with the image of a turtle.

He carefully opened it. Inside was a card made of the same material, with a single line of text written in brush calligraphy, the strokes both elegant and majestic.

"Tonight, at the Hour of the Rat, at the Turtle Tower, alone."

There was no sender's name, no signature. Just a brief invitation.

"What is it?" To Quyen asked curiously.

"It's nothing. Just some junk mail," Lam Minh said, quickly putting the card away. But his heart was in turmoil.

He knew this was no joke. This card emitted an aura identical to the one at the bottom of the lake.

This was an invitation. An invitation from the past. From the creature that had been sleeping at the bottom of the lake for thousands of years.

That night.

Lam Minh told everyone he was tired and went to bed early. But when the clock struck 11 p.m. (the beginning of the Hour of the Rat), he quietly left the guesthouse.

The city had fallen asleep. The Hoan Kiem Lake area was heavily guarded, inaccessible to ordinary people. But with the skills of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, bypassing the guards without being detected was a small matter.

He stood before The Huc Bridge. The gate leading to Ngoc Son Temple was locked. He didn't enter the temple, but walked along the shore, heading towards the point closest to the Turtle Tower.

The night air was cool. The lake's surface was as flat as a mirror, reflecting the bright moon and the ancient tower. The scenery was both peaceful and a little enchanting.

He stood there waiting, not knowing what was about to happen.

At the stroke of midnight, the calm surface of the lake suddenly rippled, even though there was no wind.

From the very center of the lake, right at the base of the Turtle Tower, a head slowly emerged from the water.

The head was as large as a small table, its skin rough and mossy like a thousand-year-old rock. It had two large eyes, as bright as headlights, staring straight at Lam Minh. There was no malice in that gaze, but it was filled with the wisdom and vicissitudes of time.

Lam Minh held his breath. Despite being mentally prepared, he was still deeply shaken.

It was a giant turtle. A true Divine Turtle.

Then, an ancient, deep, and powerful voice, not coming from its mouth, but echoing directly in his mind.

"Descendant of the Dragon race... at last, you have come."