Chapter 112: The Secret of the Freemasons
It took them half an hour to meticulously clean up the map. At that moment, they discovered that these two pieces of lead should form a single map.
Evidently, someone had drawn a map on a sheet of lead foil, cut it into halves, and then fused the patterned part together, forming the bottom of this box.
However, a significant issue arose. Even though they identified the target points marked with red dots on the map and observed the surrounding environment, they had no idea where this place was.
"The only thing we can confirm is that this lead map is indeed left by the Freemasons because we can see a special Freemason symbol in the corner of the map," Pierce pointed out, gesturing to the bottom right corner of the lead pieces.
In the bottom right corner of the map lay a design of a compass and a ruler. Judging by the craftsmanship, it seemed to have been stamped with a steel die.
"Judging from this stamped trace, the Freemasons back then should have been an organization with a relatively high degree of organization. Otherwise, there would be no need to use such a method that could mass-produce these traces," Lewis remarked.
"Which means, this place might actually be empty," Pierce reacted swiftly after hearing Liang En's words. "After all, an organization with high organization wouldn't lose its treasures willingly."
"Yes, that's a plausible possibility." Liang En nodded with a hint of disappointment, then perked up. "But it's not absolute. If the inheritance was systematic, why would they engrave this map on a lead plate and hide it?"
"You make a valid point." Dulis, who had been silent until now, chimed in. "Concealing it within a box using this method itself is a means of hiding. It doesn't align with the idea of preserving the legacy."
"So, this thing is indeed worth a visit, but the problem is, where is this place?" Liang En, feeling helpless, used an 【Appraisal (N)】 on the map.
【A map drawn by a member of the Freemasons in the 19th century, concealing an internal secret.】
【As the Church was always the biggest enemy of the Freemasons, this member intended to leave the Freemasons and return to religion. Hence, he decided to hide this secret.】
【This former Freemason had been torn between the Church and the Freemasons throughout his life, thus, before dying, concealed this secret in a box, leaving the resolution to a higher power.】
"It seems like the cards aren't all-powerful after all," Liang En sighed after reading these words. They did reveal a portion of the item's secrets, but they didn't disclose the crucial evidence of the hidden location.
Fortunately, with the map completely cleared, the details on it brought relief. Aside from the contour lines, this 19th-century map also indicated elevations, scale, and surrounding water systems.
After a quick conversion between 19th-century and modern contour lines, they swiftly began searching through a smart program using this set of maps. This program was developed jointly by several museums in the UK and multiple universities. It utilized AI to reconstruct ancient maps or even describe terrains based solely on language and then compare them with the existing topography on Earth.
Of course, this tool had its accuracy issues. It could either show nothing or present a dozen potential areas at once. Still, it beat aimlessly flipping through a pile of data with just a broken map in hand.
Due to the map's detailed data, within just a dozen minutes, the system filtered out multiple locations. Soon after, Liang En and the others swiftly pinpointed the target location.
The destination lay within a mountainous area northwest of Dundee in Scotland. From the satellite map, the area appeared entirely wild, devoid of any human settlements or even roads.
"How should we get there this time?" After comparing with the modern map, Fan Meng raised a very practical point. "Simply walking might take several days to cover the 20-30km distance in the mountainous area."
"But I see the terrain in that area isn't too steep, and the topography isn't particularly rugged. If we have a suitable mode of transport, we can directly reach the valley about 3km from the target location—"
"That's simple. We can take public transport to Dundee first, then rent a few all-terrain motorcycles to reach our destination," Liang En suggested after pondering for a moment.
Thus, on the early morning of the following day, while the sky was still dim, Liang En and Fan Meng boarded a coach headed north. Ten hours later, they arrived at this small city near the coast in the eastern part of Scotland.
As the fourth-largest city in Scotland, the city housed only 150,000 people. Yet, it boasted the best sunshine in the entire region, along with a higher average income and lower prices than the UK average.
More importantly, it hosted several educational institutions, so finding vehicles like all-terrain motorcycles wasn't particularly challenging for tourists or students. Hence, they easily rented the necessary transportation.
"I wonder why Mr. Murphy didn't come?" After leaving the city, Fan Meng, driving a rented truck with two motorcycles, asked Liang En with a hint of confusion.
"He has some important business to attend to today, so naturally, he couldn't come along," Liang En replied. "Besides, this is just about a Freemason member hiding a secret; there's no need to make a big fuss."
"Come on, it's the Freemasons we're talking about." Upon hearing Liang En's explanation, Fan Meng immediately retorted. "The alleged big boss controlling the world behind the scenes."
"According to the books I've read before, the Freemasons are rumored to have originated from ancient Babylonian stone-worker guilds or the builders of Solomon's Temple. According to the Masonic constitution, they are descendants of Cain and were established 4,000 years ago—"
"Hey, Meng, maybe we should read a little less of the street literature." After Fan Meng rambled on with a bunch of rumors about the Freemasons, Liang En shook his head helplessly.
"According to your account, after the emergence of such an organization 4,000 years ago, enduring 6,000 years of storms, countless wars, famine, plagues, undergoing the collapse of numerous empires and dynasties, even witnessing the millennia-long Roman Empire becoming a mere record in history—"
"And then this lineage, inheritance, transfer, and even internal changes spanning 6,000 years didn't leave a trace in history until suddenly appearing in the 18th century. Doesn't that seem extremely absurd?"
"Uh, you have a point there." After Liang En pointed this out, Fan Meng realized the impracticality of such an organization.
After all, this wasn't a fantasy world with deities or magic. It was hard to imagine how, after so many years of turmoil, an organization composed of ordinary humans could persist until today.
Table of content
Chapter 113: Freemasonry
The deepest researcher into the Freemasons, in fact, happens to be their greatest enemy—the Church. As early as 1738, just 19 years after the modern establishment of the Freemasons, Pope Clement XII condemned this organization.
His successor, Benedict XIV, even summarized six threats posed by the Freemasons to the Catholic Church.
According to the information Liang En had previously gathered, over the 300 years since the modern establishment of the Freemasons, the Church had consistently equated them with the devil Satan. This deep-seated hatred had persisted to this day.
Fortunately, understanding that the one who knows you best is often your enemy applied universally, Liang En had gathered some fundamental knowledge about the Freemasons from the materials left by the Church.
For instance, the Freemasons claimed direct descent from the Knights Templar. Especially, the Scottish Freemasons asserted that shortly after the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, De Molay, was executed, some of his most loyal followers fled from France to Scotland.
Verifying such claims proved challenging. When the papacy disbanded the Knights Templar in 1304, Scotland was embroiled in chaotic civil war, rendering it incapable of enforcing this order.
What's more, many elite warriors belonged to the Knights Templar, and Scotland, being the weaker side in the war against England at the time, needed their aid.
Consequently, a significant number of Knights Templar sought refuge in Scotland, even managing to maintain their organization intact.
An extreme example occurred during the Glorious Revolution of 1688 when supporters of the overthrown Stuart dynasty incited a rebellion in Scotland. After a fierce battle, a Templar cross was found on the body of a Scottish nobleman, Claverhouse, an item dating back to before 1307.
In essence, at least 400 years after the downfall of the Knights Templar, some remnants of this organization still operated in Scotland in some capacity.
This wasn't an isolated case. For instance, the Portuguese branch of the Knights Templar underwent a mere formality of a trial, renamed themselves the Order of Christ, and persisted until the 16th century.
The renowned explorer, Vasco da Gama, was a member of this organization, and the red triangular cross used on his ships was the symbol of the Knights Templar.
Considering that the original Knights Templar were elite figures of medieval European society, holding significant status in administration, commerce, and culture, their legacy endured even in exile.
Though with the passage of time, the descendants of these knights no longer possessed the fervor of their ancestors, the deep-seated hatred for the betrayal by the papacy surely lingered among a few.
Therefore, when the Freemasons proclaimed themselves descendants of the Knights Templar, the real descendants were easily drawn in, turning the boastful stories into reality.
In modern times, most secret organizations first build a façade through boasting, then attract elite figures to manipulate social opinion, turning some of these boasts into reality.
These organizations include, but are not limited to, the Hsüan-shan secret society, the Kabbalah, the Rosicrucians, the Elders of Zion, the Golden Dawn, and the Illuminati.
However, as these fabricated tales became increasingly surreal, these organizations gradually became enigmatic and unattainable in the eyes of ordinary people, surfacing in various movies, novels, or legendary stories.
Fan Meng happened to be a victim of such a legendary story, which was why he viewed any potential treasure left behind by this Freemason member as exceedingly important.
"I think I understand. You're trying to tell me not to have too much hope for these things, right?" After listening to Liang En's brief summary of confirmed opportunities for information, Fan Meng sighed, appearing somewhat disheartened.
For him, what Liang En had just revealed was akin to shattering a childhood fantasy about Ultraman not existing. Fortunately, he wasn't a child anymore, so he quickly adjusted.
"I've just thought of something." Fan Meng drove the car through the bumpy ranch roads, turning to Liang En. "We've only brought two backpacks this time. What if the treasure is more substantial—"
"Don't worry, it shouldn't be much," Liang En assured, having previously used tarot cards to survey the situation of the lead plate map. Of course, he knew this reasoning wouldn't likely convince his friend, so he had a suitable excuse prepared.
"Think about it, we found this hidden thing at the bottom of a lead box. That means the other party most likely did this in secret from their own organization." After organizing his words, Liang En continued.
"So, the other party probably just privately concealed something. Considering the transportation at that time, how much 'stuff' do you think someone could carry on horseback?"
"That's true, and if it's just a hidden secret, the other party probably wouldn't stash any valuables," Fan Meng said helplessly. "Now, we can only hope that whatever that secret carrier is becomes valuable after a couple of centuries."
As the two neared the mountainous area, the road became increasingly challenging. The paths previously used for transporting livestock or cultivating grass gradually disappeared, leaving behind only a gravel-strewn valley.
Observing this, Liang En and Fan Meng parked the car at the nearest herder's residence, then rode motorcycles along the edge of the valley, bouncing on the cobbled terrain as if riding on air.
"We shouldn't base decisions solely on maps next time," Liang En grumbled an hour later as he got off the motorcycle in a crab-like manner. He felt another few rounds of this might jeopardize the happiness of his remaining years.
"You're right. Although I've had some training in the past, I've never experienced this level of road wreckage," Fan Meng also expressed helplessness. His situation seemed slightly better than Liang En's, but only marginally.
After exchanging a few complaints about the horrendous road, they arrived at a small pond in the valley.
This was a small pond nestled within the mountains, about the size of a basketball court. At the other end of the pond, a waterfall cascaded down from the hillside, pouring into the pond.
Obviously, the person they were after wouldn't have hidden anything near the pond; it was too damp, unsuitable for preserving any items.
Liang En and Fan Meng had come here because the map utilized this pond as a landmark, marking the location of their destination.
"The stone by the pond... I think that's it." After a brief comparison between the map on his phone and the surroundings, Liang En led them quickly to a rock on the other side of the pond, about a person's height.
Evidently, the other party's choice of a landmark was distinctive. For instance, this rock had a pattern resembling the Arabic numeral eight.
Soon enough, beneath the rock, Liang En found a cross symbol, then followed the longest arm of this cross towards the rocky wall at the edge of the valley.
Table of content
Chapter 114: The Reason Behind the Message
Arriving at the stone wall, Liang En and Fan Meng immediately pulled out small shovels to clear the attachments on the rock. Soon enough, a section of the wall, notably distinct from its surroundings, emerged.
"This seems like cement," Fan Meng remarked, studying the smooth surface on the stone, curiosity gracing his face. "But isn't cement a modern invention?"
"In fact, in 1824, British builder Joseph Aspdin invented the first modern cement, Portland cement, and obtained a patent. Not to mention the volcanic ash cement used by the ancient Romans," Liang En remarked while inspecting the cement layer on the rock face and surveying the surroundings.
"If I'm not mistaken, they used the natural crevices on the stone wall and coated it with cement to create a hidden space," he added.
"Then let's dig it out quickly." The brothers exchanged a glance, retrieving chisels and hammers from their backpacks to start excavating.
They carried such tools because prior research indicated that the mountainous terrain in this area primarily consisted of rock formations, prompting them to bring along specific stonemasonry tools.
"Have you realized how fitting what we're doing is?" Fan Meng suddenly remarked amid the clinks and clatters of chipping away the cement from the rock surface.
"Think about it—Freemasonry has this term called the Free Masonry Organization. And what we're doing now is stonework, isn't this a coincidence?" he pondered.
"You're not wrong, but real free masons probably aren't as amateur as we are in this." After vigorously chiseling away a palm-sized chunk of cement, Liang En wiped the sweat from his brow.
The individual who constructed a secret chamber here used volcanic ash cement, ensuring its durability even after over a hundred years next to this water source.
Fortunately, the cement area wasn't extensive. Under the relentless pounding of the two strong men, pieces chipped away, revealing a dark cavity inside.
"This shouldn't be too deep." Fan Meng inspected the cave with his flashlight and tapped a metal can inside, about the size of a powdered milk can.
With each tap, a dull sound echoed, indicating it was filled with something.
"Let's get this thing out first; who knows what else they might have hidden in there," Liang En pushed to widen the hole, chipping away at the cement blocks.
Luckily, the round can was wedged relatively shallow in the crevice, barely forty centimeters from the opening. After widening the gap, Fan Meng, wearing gloves, carefully extracted the metal can.
"This thing's heavier than I thought." After taking out the can, Fan Meng gasped heavily. "It feels packed, and there's something metallic inside."
Once both confirmed no other items were hidden within the previously cement-encased crevice, Fan Meng instructed Liang En to stay put while he meticulously examined the metal can behind the stones.
Fan Meng, having received professional training in a foreign legion, understood that inspecting containers from the gunpowder era was his responsibility. Otherwise, Liang En wouldn't need to pay a high price to hire him as a laborer.
Yet, he wasn't particularly anxious now, as containers from the gunpowder era had likely lost their explosive properties. It shouldn't pose much danger.
Soon, he pried open the lid, glanced inside, and shouted, "Boss, the danger's gone. This blasted can is filled with cursed lead plates!"
Despite not expecting to find anything valuable on this trip, other than acquiring new cards, Liang En felt somewhat disappointed at seeing the can's contents.
Inside were thin, greyish-white lead plates, separated by charred and ground charcoal powder.
Evidently, the person who buried these lead plates hoped to preserve this secret for an extended period, employing various means to safeguard these lead plates used as recording media.
Undoubtedly, using lead plates was an excellent idea for ordinary people aiming to preserve information in the long run. Once oxidized, lead forms a dense oxide film on the surface, preventing it from turning into complete waste in a short time.
Compared to sturdy steel, stone, or expensive gold and silver, lead, as a metal, naturally suited as a medium for ordinary people to leave messages for future generations.
"Could this be cursed lead plates?" Watching Liang En meticulously clean the charcoal powder from the can and retrieve the lead plates with special tools, Fan Meng recalled their findings from the previous excavation in Bath.
"No, it seems to be merely some form of records," Liang En assured after clearing the charcoal. He finally emptied the twelve unevenly sized lead plates, proceeding to examine the inscriptions.
Thankfully, this time, the document didn't feature ancient texts but rather plain English, akin to modern-day writings.
Soon, following the Arabic numerals on the lead plates, Liang En thoroughly read the letter containing nearly 2000 English words, simultaneously acquiring three cards.
Among these cards were one "Legendary Power (N)," one "Repair (N)," and one "Detection (N)." Through these cards, Liang En somewhat understood how to enhance his legendary power.
Evidently, the legendary power depended on the significance of the relics and ruins he discovered in the natural legends. For instance, artifacts like the cursed lead plates were undoubtedly related, as was the Freemasonry.
Contrarily, Turing's treasure from the last expedition didn't involve any legendary connections, so Liang En didn't gain any legendary power from that venture.
"However, this should be good news for me," Liang En concluded. "After all, due to the differences between the two worlds, some relics related to legends in the previous world remain undiscovered in this one."
Unfortunately, these relics in Liang En's mind were beyond his immediate exploration capabilities. They consisted of large-scale ruins, far beyond his current financial, material, and manpower capabilities to undertake.
The lead plates and the secret map at the bottom of the box both came from the same person. The first half of the content detailed the initiation ceremony of the Freemasonry.
According to the records, the initiate, donning a particular robe and blindfolded, would be led to a locked door. They would then knock and enter, symbolizing isolation from external affairs, entering the Freemasonry's inner sanctum.
Next, they would answer questions about their commitment to the principles of the Freemasonry, vowing never to divulge the organization's secrets. A senior member would press the tip of a compass against the initiate's chest and ask, "What do you seek?"
The new member would ritually respond, "More light."
Subsequently, the blindfold would be removed, allowing the new member to see their fellow members for the first time—a highly symbolic ritual.
The reason this Freemasonry member turned toward the Church and left these notes was their belief that the Freemasonry didn't originate from the Knights Templar but was an entirely pagan organization.
Table of content
Chapter 115: The Next Location
Beside a cold and damp pool, Liang En and Fan Meng huddled together, their eyes fixed on the lead plates covered in inscriptions. The initial sheets detailing the Freemasons' initiation ceremony alone were enthralling for the duo.
After all, modern knowledge about the Freemasons' internal rituals and rules mainly stemmed from an anonymously published book in 1745 in the Netherlands. Determining the authenticity of these accounts remained a challenge.
Hence, encountering a genuine Freemason revealing these non-secret secrets now fascinated both Liang En and Fan Meng.
Presently, the content inscribed on these plates seemed to affirm the veracity of previous books and subsequent expert studies. At least, what these plates documented had minimal deviation from the publicly known information.
Among the records, the latter portion intrigued Liang En more. It delved into why this once staunch Freemason chose to depart.
It all traced back to his initiation ceremony into the Freemasons. Being one of the oldest branches of the Scottish Freemasons, their initiation held a heightened ceremonial significance.
According to the plates, they conducted the ritual in an ancient underground chamber within an old church. For this member, it solidified his loyalty to the Freemasons.
This loyalty endured for decades, coinciding with his transformation from a mere geological surveyor to a master figure in the field.
Certainly, his ascension owed partly to the support of his fellow members. Yet, more significantly, the immense demand for various minerals during the first industrial revolution propelled the growth of professions associated with mining, naturally benefiting individuals in such fields.
In all likelihood, this Freemason would have remained loyal until the end of his days. However, the world brims with surprises. In his fiftieth year, a surveying expedition altered everything.
The expedition, set in a Scottish mountainous region due to the industrial revolution's demand for coal, iron, and even copper, led this Freemason to explore a former copper-producing area.
"We used some explosives to blast open a cliffside, seeking traces of mineral veins. But after the explosion dislodged some rocks, I saw something that utterly shocked me," Liang En murmured, reading the inscriptions on the lead plates.
"Beneath a pile of rubble lay an ancient cave, identical in arrangement to the underground chamber where I had undergone my initiation. The only difference: instead of a cross in the chamber, an idol of an ancient deity stood."
"At that moment, I recalled another legend about the Freemasons and their association with ancient beliefs. Initially dismissed as a rumor, it seems the reality was more than meets the eye."
"After brief hesitation, I used the remaining explosives to trigger a minor landslide, concealing the site. Subsequently, after prolonged contemplation, I chose to return to religion for the salvation of my soul."
"Of course, owing to the Freemasons' assistance over the years, I did not betray these secrets. But now, as my time nears its end, I hope to voice these matters and leave it to the divine judgment—may God forgive my soul."
Upon finishing the inscription, Liang En gently took the last plate. It detailed precise coordinates.
Upon searching with their phones, they discovered one location near Edinburgh, within an abandoned church that now served as a public Freemason lodge. The other lay amidst the mountains northwest of Falkirk.
"The Freemason lodge is self-explanatory; this should be where this member previously swore his oath," observed Fan Meng, glancing at the electronic map on his phone.
"However, the other location is intriguing. According to him, it's where an ancient worship site was found among the mountains, and he promptly concealed it."
"Indeed, that's what's written," nodded Liang En. "Considering these were penned before his passing for inner peace, these accounts are likely genuine."
"So, what's our next move, Liang?" At this point, Fan Meng shifted to a more friendly tone, addressing Liang En by his nickname to discuss their next steps.
"We've found what we came for. What now? Return to London directly or proceed to explore that ancient site?"
"No question, let's keep going," Liang En promptly decided after a moment's thought.
"After all, the final location isn't far from our current position—just a few hours' drive away. Since we're already here, might as well cover all the spots in this area. Avoids having to come back again."
"Agreed. Let's continue," grinned Fan Meng, his face lighting up. Following Liang En not just because he saw potential in his friend but also seeking a life beyond the ordinary.
For him, a life working in his family's restaurant would suffice. Yet, the allure of an adventurous life propelled him to take this path.
Soon, they retraced their steps back to Dundee. Considering the lack of urgency, they opted to spend a night in Dundee after obtaining their findings, setting off early the next day in their rented car.
The distance was a mere 100 kilometers, but the massive Firth of Forth bay forced them to take a detour, prolonging their journey.
In Scotland, February's average temperatures usually lingered in single digits. Thankfully, the flora on both sides of the road hinted at rejuvenation, guaranteeing a green scenery.
However, the biting cold outside led both Liang En and Fan Meng to tightly shut their car windows, with no intention of inhaling the fresh wilderness air.
"Finally, we're here. Let's grab something to eat." After parking at the nearest lot to their intended destination, Liang En stepped out of the car, discovering surprisingly well-equipped amenities nearby.
Such facilities were standard in China, where the population supported their operation. Yet, in the UK, especially sparsely populated regions like Scotland, many parking lots were merely open spaces with minimal amenities.
Thankfully, a nearby sign clarified his curiosity, indicating these facilities belonged to the Antony Wall travel attraction.
"A travel attraction?" Liang En raised an eyebrow. When he chose the parking lot, proximity to their target was his only consideration. He hadn't paid attention to what this particular lot offered.
Nonetheless, this turned out to be beneficial for Liang En. Rather than settling for random food, visiting these restaurants now seemed a better choice.
Table of content
Chapter 116: Others' Territory and Land Purchase
As an auxiliary service area for the Antony Wall travel point, the entire area wasn't vast. Compared to the more southern Hadrian's Wall, this travel area not only lacked many tourists but also consisted mostly of passersby stopping to visit.
This situation was straightforward. The wall took 12 years to build, only to be used for a mere 20 years before the Romans abandoned it, retracting their defense line back to the more southern Hadrian's Wall.
So, in contrast to the renowned Hadrian's Wall down south, this wall not only lacked fame but also suffered more severe damage due to its short usage and extended period of abandonment.
For instance, while remnants were visible across large areas of Hadrian's Wall, Antony's Wall had most of its man-made traces completely vanished, leaving behind land scarcely different from its surroundings.
Naturally, few were inclined to travel locally under such circumstances. Yet, fortunately for Liang En and Fan Meng, the place they had arrived at was one of the crucial attractions along Antony's Wall, sustaining enough visitors to support a few restaurants.
After some online searching, the pair discovered a well-rated restaurant around the parking lot. Consistent reviews praised the authentic Scottish dishes, providing a glimpse into local culture.
Speaking of Scottish specialties, many immediately thought of haggis. This dish consisted of minced sheep's organs and fats mixed with oatmeal, spices, and cooked inside the sheep's stomach.
Traditionally, it paired well with mashed potatoes, turnips, and Scotland's local whiskey, ideally accompanied by a recital of Scottish poet Robert Burns' "Address to a Haggis."
However, in reality, this dish was niche within the UK. Very few across the country consumed it regularly, and even most Scots didn't favor their local specialty.
Moreover, due to its somewhat complex preparation, uncommon ingredients, and limited appeal, it wasn't something most restaurants offered.
Certainly, for Liang En and Fan Meng, being of Chinese descent, they didn't share the typical Western aversion to animal offal. Yet, the method of preparing haggis didn't align with their tastes.
Compared to haggis, Scottish fish soup and Scottish pies on the restaurant's menu were more suited to their palates. Consuming warm pies and seafood soup after the chilly winds outside was indeed comforting.
Once their meal was finished and they'd tipped the waiter, they inquired about the surroundings. Soon enough, they gathered specific details about the target location.
"According to the waiter, the hill we're seeking is situated in a small mound southwest of this place," Fan Meng stated, comparing the electronic map on his phone after the waiter had left with their tip.
"Based on the information I just found, it's on the southern side of Antony's Wall. Additionally, I stumbled upon news related to a site very close to this location," Fan Meng continued, turning his phone screen towards Liang En. Displayed was a local newspaper article from five years ago about excavating an ancient Roman town.
Interestingly, this town was within a straight-line distance of less than 3km from their final destination, hinting at a possible connection between the two ruins.
However, upon arriving at the excavation site of the ancient Roman town, courtesy of a group from Durham University conducting archaeological work there, they learned that land ownership in the mountainous region was highly convoluted.
"Mr. Liang, if you intend to excavate, it's better to first confirm the land ownership in the nearby town. Otherwise, various disputes could easily arise," cautioned Professor Brown, a middle-aged man with expertise in domestic archaeological work in the UK.
Realizing a flaw in their initial plan, Liang En expressed gratitude to the professor and promptly headed to the nearby town to investigate the ownership of the land housing their target.
The issue primarily stemmed from Liang En's limited experience in this regard. He had never dealt with private land archaeological matters before and hadn't realized the differences from his previous search efforts.
"Found it." Given the small size of the town, Liang En quickly located all documents related to the ownership of the land where their target was situated.
According to public information, the land belonged to a local businessman who owned multiple plots in the area. Moreover, this specific piece of land had been on the market for sale for the past two years.
For owners of private land in the UK, holding such land incurred hefty property taxes. Hence, for lands yielding no profit over extended periods, selling them was an excellent choice.
For instance, the current owner was inclined to sell. After driving over an hour to Edinburgh and meeting the businessman in his office, negotiations about the excavation permit ensued immediately.
Upon learning of Liang En's intentions, the businessman promptly presented two options: either purchase the land and excavate freely or leave.
Even after Liang En disclosed his identity as an archaeologist and the potential benefits of uncovering a treasure, the landowner remained adamant in his demand.
According to him, whether it was Antony's Wall or the ancient Roman town, what would be unearthed was either soil and stones or worthless metal scraps. Occasionally, a few coins wouldn't cover the labor costs for the dig.
Hence, the landowner viewed Liang En's "treasure" as a mere fantasy. He proposed that Liang En either buy the land or leave.
Liang En believed the term "pagan ruins" in the lead was overly broad. There was a high probability that it might be some wooden stakes adorned with cattle skulls or stones inscribed with certain runes.
While these items might hold historical value, they were financially burdensome. Considering the UK's property taxes, he preferred paying the landowner for permission, excavating the ruins, and leaving afterward.
Unfortunately, Liang En made a mistake during the negotiation by disclosing his academic status. Consequently, the landowner assumed he had enough funds to buy the land.
After over two hours of negotiation, Liang En ultimately prepared to settle. The landowner's attitude indicated a clear intent to sell the unprofitable land, showing no inclination to compromise.
Fortunately, the landowner only wished to rid himself of the unprofitable land and wasn't seeking to extort money from Liang En. So, with a total of £23,000, including taxes, Liang En could resolve these issues.
As per the contract, the landowner sold the 9.2-hectare land, along with all its surface and underground resources, including the subterranean ruins, to Liang En for the agreed-upon price.
Since Liang En paid the full amount for the land in one go, the procedures were straightforward. On that afternoon, both parties completed the necessary formalities, finalizing the transfer of ownership.
Table of content
Chapter 117: The Beginning of Excavation
"The price they offered doesn't seem like a rip-off," Fan Meng remarked the morning after the lawyers from both sides concluded their negotiations and signed the documents, driving back to their previous location.
"You didn't see the sparkle in that guy's eyes when he heard you're a renowned historian. I thought he'd rip you off big time," Pierce commented.
"He wouldn't dare," Liang En chuckled. "Remember, he's a real estate developer. If this deal goes sour, his business could tank."
"Besides, I have a reputation too. Sure, he's adamant about me buying that land, but he wouldn't risk inflating the price too much," added Liang En.
"Imagine if someday I spoke about this deal to the media. He'd be done for in the business world. Nobody wants to deal with someone too driven by profit."
"And being a real estate mogul who's made a name in the UK, he's definitely playing it safe. For him, the priority is selling that land he's invested in."
Judging by when the other party bought the land, they likely aimed to capitalize on the Antonine Wall's tourist attraction. Little did they know, the place hardly drew any visitors, leading their investment to flop.
For Liang En, however, cards held more importance than money. With wealth at hand, spending tens of thousands of pounds for a high chance of encountering legendary power was unquestionably worthwhile.
"The value of land is indeed an enigma," Fan Meng sighed, gripping the steering wheel. "Factors like area, location, it's all beyond us outsiders."
"Take London's core area, a million pounds buys a 60-square-meter apartment. Yet here, we spent just twenty thousand pounds for land equivalent to over nine hundred acres in China."
"Not all lands are created equal," Liang En shook his head, smiling. "The land I bought is in the middle of nowhere, no roads even. Such land, no matter how vast, isn't worth much."
"If we were in the Sahara, barring minerals underneath, I bet this money could buy land ten times that size."
After addressing the pivotal land issue for their upcoming exploration, Liang En and company swiftly returned to their previous spot. After greeting Professor Brown and his students, Liang En and Fan Meng revved their motorcycles and plunged into the hills.
Soon, they located the positions recorded on the lead plates. Despite a century passing, traces remained from the Freemason member who dynamited the mountain, sampled, and concealed the cave.
The area blasted seemed roughly the size of two basketball courts. Over the years, vegetation had draped these scars with a verdant cover.
Having compared the surroundings from the gentle slope, Liang En ascended the rocky slope covered in gravel with Fan Meng, finally reaching a smooth stone wall piled below.
"Here it is." Liang En nodded in satisfaction after scraping off the moss-mingled soil on the wall with a spade. Before him lay a roughly carved Freemason emblem.
"We might not be able to open the entrance today." After a quick examination around the emblem, Fan Meng turned to Liang En. "The volume of earth is vast. It'll take us days to dig through."
"No worries, we'll start digging." Liang En pulled out a military shovel from his backpack and began excavating. "Tonight, we can camp at the ancient Roman town ruins below."
"Remember seeing temporary shelters around there when we came? Professor Brown and his students won't have enough space, so we might find a place to stay."
Fan Meng's estimation was accurate. Excavating loose soil demanded far more effort compared to solid ground, potentially extending the task to three or four days to clear the 4-5 square meter entrance from the lead record.
Naturally, there was no rush. As dusk settled, they packed their tools, descended the mountain, and headed straight to the Roman town excavation site.
Perhaps considering the ongoing excavation at the Roman town, apart from simple barriers, several two-story, eight-room activity cabins and several accessory buildings were constructed for the excavators' accommodation.
After receiving the keys from Professor Brown, Liang En and Fan Meng climbed to the second floor, then unlocked the innermost room.
The room's setup was basic: two bunk beds, two chairs, and a lone electric lamp; nothing more.
"This will do. At least, there's a roof." After surveying the surroundings, Fan Meng nodded approvingly. They arranged their belongings and left for the open area in front of the building.
At that moment, Professor Brown and his students were gathered around a bonfire, preparing dinner. Liang En and company joined in, quickly discussing their respective day's work.
"You're exploring an ancient cult site inside a cave?" Professor Brown widened his eyes while dining around the bonfire. "This is more intense than I imagined."
"We can't confirm the credibility of the clue we found, but we did see the Freemason emblem on the stone wall," Liang En shared the photos he had taken earlier.
"Even if there's nothing here, I can recoup the land purchase by selling what we found earlier and spinning the tale," Liang En added.
"That's a solid plan. The value of such items relies heavily on their craftsmanship and history," Professor Brown nodded in agreement. "With such a hook, doubling the land's value shouldn't be challenging."
Like antique prices, land values are intertwined with their attachments. A plot housing a secret Masonic base naturally commands a higher value than barren wilderness.
"By the way, do you need help with the clearing work?" As the mood lightened over dinner, Professor Brown suddenly inquired of Liang En.
"Definitely. As you saw in the photos, the entrance is blocked by collapsed rocks. It'll take more than just the two of us to excavate," Liang En replied.
"In that case, I can spare a few of my students to assist you tomorrow," Professor Brown suggested after hearing Liang En's response.
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Chapter 118: The Remnants in the Cave
Professor Brown approached Fan Meng to request assistance from his students because of Fan Meng's significant contributions to archaeology. He believed this new site might yield valuable ancient remnants, considering its proximity to the Roman town they were excavating.
Hoping to establish a connection between the two sites, Professor Brown wished for some of his students to observe the cave remnants near Fan Meng's location to gather primary data.
"Thank you very much, Professor Brown. I warmly welcome everyone's assistance," Fan Meng replied, smiling at the professor's suggestion.
For him, the key to treasure hunting was legitimate means rather than looting. That's why he invested heavily in acquiring this land, enabling his excavations to be conducted openly without fear of prying eyes. So, naturally, he welcomed help.
To Fan Meng's surprise, when he asked who wanted to join the treasure hunt in the mountains, all seven students eagerly volunteered, their eyes shining. Professor Brown had to resort to drawing lots to select those staying behind.
Later, during conversation, Fan Meng learned that due to his prior deciphering of ancient Egyptian texts, he had become a rising star in the field of history and archaeology.
Especially for these young students, many of whom were around Fan Meng's age, he had become an idol—a young scholar who had achieved tremendous success.
So upon hearing about Fan Meng's quest for possible ancient secret religious sites in the area, they all hoped to survey this new site with their young idol.
Of course, these students' enthusiasm stemmed from Fan Meng's current actions, akin to explorers like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft from movies.
Compared to the tedious task of clearing a Roman house foundation, searching for an ancient religious site related to the Freemasons was undoubtedly more exciting.
The next morning, after breakfast, Fan Meng and Pierce, accompanied by three students chosen the day before, returned to continue their excavation.
Soon, one of the students designated to use a metal detector found an artifact amidst the rubble and soil—a copper emblem bearing the emblem of the Freemasons, rusted and with a broken pin. It likely belonged to a Freemason member who lost it during a disturbance.
"It seems our previous findings are highly likely to be accurate," Fan Meng said, wiping off the copper rust and examining the silver-plated, mottled emblem, rallying the team.
Seeing these emblems, everyone present was invigorated. It was improbable for such an item to appear here on its own; its presence confirmed the authenticity of the records left behind.
"Wait, it seems empty behind this," Fan Meng exclaimed after nearly half an hour of excavation, discovering that beneath the soil lay not a stone wall but a dark cave.
The discovery of the cave immediately energized everyone, disregarding their fatigue to clear the debris blocking the entrance.
Unexpectedly, after removing the superficial half-meter layer of rubble, they uncovered not a rock wall but a low wall constructed of two layers of wood and one layer of rammed earth.
"Clearly, this cave was abandoned deliberately after thorough preparation. So, we can anticipate its preservation," Fan Meng whispered to Pierce, explaining the significance of their findings.
As they cleared the upper part of the low wall, they realized it had initially covered the entire entrance but had been partially destroyed by the Freemason member, allowing him to pass.
"We found a cave with signs of deliberate sealing," Fan Meng notified Professor Brown's team outside, examining the sealed wall with the archaeology students.
"According to your students' assessment, this wall sealing the entrance likely dates back to the Roman era. However, we can't pinpoint the exact construction date," Fan Meng relayed through the radio.
"Is it really a Roman-era structure?" Fan Meng heard the excitement in Professor Brown's voice over the radio. "Wait for me, I'll be right there."
"It's right here," Fan Meng waved toward Professor Brown and his team about ten meters away, pointing to the pile of debris behind him. "We haven't entered yet, mainly to avoid causing any damage inside—"
"Your approach is correct. Although you've had relevant training, it's not specifically for excavating relics from the Roman era. Therefore, certain issues might arise during the clearance," Professor Brown said, grasping Fan Meng's hand as they climbed the debris, observing the cleared cave entrance and the low wall.
Under Professor Brown's direction, the subsequent work became more professional. They photographed and measured the low wall before slightly widening the excavated opening and using flashlights.
"It seems the Freemason member crawled inside," Fan Meng noticed handprints on the dust-covered ground as soon as the flashlight illuminated the cave floor.
However, after a quick survey, they found the handprints mainly concentrated near the cave entrance and not deeper within.
This was promising; it indicated that the Freemason member, after seeing the cave's interior and possibly shaken by what he saw, retreated and used explosives to block the entrance.
Hence, there was a high likelihood that the contents inside the cave remained undisturbed since their burial, preserving invaluable information for the present.
"Let's go in." After over an hour of ventilation, Professor Brown and Fan Meng exchanged a glance, then donned gas masks and disposable protective suits with gloves and boots before bending down to enter the cave.
Due to the recent ventilation, the cave's air remained relatively fresh. Illuminated by flashlights, they discovered it was a naturally formed, albeit artificially modified, small cave.
Despite being a natural cave, clear signs of human modification were evident. Fan Meng noticed walls on the left and front sides of the entrance, each with a gate, topped by an arch.
"I think I know what this place is." As Fan Meng directed the flashlight deeper into the cave, he immediately spotted a statue opposite the entrance, identifying the cave's specific identity.
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Chapter 119: The Mithraic Temple and the Sun Cave
"This place is the ancient Mithraic Sun Cave." The moment Liang En laid eyes on the statue, he recognized not just the sculpture but also what it represented.
The reason for Liang En's certainty was simple: the marble statue placed prominently in the cave depicted Mithras slaying the bull.
It was an exquisitely carved, powerful statue. In its center, Mithras straddled a bull, his left knee pressing against the bull's waist, while his right leg clutched the bull's hindquarters, firmly planting his right foot on its leg.
Simultaneously, Mithras gripped the bull's nostrils with his left hand, forcing its head upward. His right-hand dagger was plunged deep into the bull's neck, ending its life.
From the wound, sheaves of wheat emerged, signifying the miracle that the statue aimed to portray—the abundance associated with Mithras. Nearby, a dog and a snake licked the spilled blood, while a scorpion crept towards the bull's rear, clasping its testicles.
Like the Christian cross, the Mithras bull-slaying statue was a core emblem of this religion. According to modern archaeologists, the wheat on the bull represented fertility, signifying Mithras as a god of plenty.
Moreover, the white bull symbolized the moon, while Mithras symbolized the sun. Thus, Mithras slaying the bull signified the sun triumphing over the moon.
In the ancient dualistic theology, "sun-moon" corresponded to "life-death." Therefore, Mithras killing the bull symbolized the transition from life to death, while the bull giving birth to grains symbolized resurrection after death.
Such an image encapsulated the teachings of Mithraism so thoroughly that any Sun Cave dedicated to Mithras' worship lacked little besides this statue.
"Absolutely, just as you said." Professor Brown, an expert in Roman history, almost instantly confirmed Liang En's observation upon seeing the statue. "And the layout of this cave aligns well with the typical arrangement of Sun Caves."
His inference was straightforward. The Mithraic religion had once spread across the entire Roman Empire. Temples were scattered throughout the empire, providing numerous comparative examples.
These Sun Caves stretched from the shores of the Black Sea in the east to the Scottish mountains in the north, from the Sahara Desert in the south to the Atlantic in the west. In Rome alone, archaeologists had unearthed 45 Sun Caves.
Historical records indicate the emergence of Mithraism 4000 years ago among the Aryans in Central Asia. It then spread eastward into India and southward into Persia, spawning various adaptations.
Interestingly, traces of this religion could be found within Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. In the West, it was embraced by the Hittite Empire, various Hellenistic kingdoms, and Mediterranean pirates.
In the first century BC, Mithraism made its way into the Roman Republic during internal conflicts.
The revelation occurred in 67 BC when General Pompey eradicated Cilician pirates and discovered their secretive Mithraic rituals on Mount Olympus. This event introduced the religion to Rome.
Unlike destroying local beliefs, Rome, as a polytheistic nation, often assimilated the deities of conquered regions into its pantheon. Thus, Mithraism gained popularity in Rome and even became one of its core religions for a time.
Initially, the religion primarily appealed to the lower classes, especially barbarian slaves and mercenaries, as it didn't restrict followers based on social status, race, or customs.
Intentionally aligning with other religions, Mithraism allowed the incorporation of prevalent gods into its temples, permitting its followers to retain their original beliefs.
Due to this inclusive approach, compared to the widespread cults of Magna Mater, Bacchus, or Isis in ancient Rome, Mithraism exhibited greater vitality and wielded influence rivalling future Christianity.
Ernst Renan, a French scholar specializing in early Christianity, once remarked, "If Christianity had succumbed to fatal diseases during its growth, the world today would be populated by Mithraists."
Even though Christianity eventually supplanted Mithraism, it left profound traces within Christianity. For instance, December 25, celebrated as Christmas, was originally Mithras' birthday.
Additionally, practices like the Mithraic deity pointing to a jar to produce water, the consumption of bread and wine during communal meals, and ascetic practices found parallels in Christianity.
However, this proselytizing, often at the expense of doctrinal seriousness, led to significant issues concerning the purity of beliefs, the coherence of the sect, and the rigidity of its rules.
Consequently, by the fourth century, the competition with Christianity caused Mithraism to lose favor among the military and nobility. Eventually, this decentralized and ruler-dependent religion faded away, leaving remnants scattered around the Mediterranean.
Despite this, even in the 6th century AD, in many European villages, lower-class Christians would bow to the rising sun at dawn and offer prayers.
As Mithraism only allowed men to join, it swiftly became the religion of soldiers. The doctrine of Mithras' death and resurrection strongly resonated with these battle-hardened warriors.
Hence, this religion once flourished in the Roman borderlands, whether in Britain, along the Rhine, Danube, or Euphrates rivers.
Considering a few kilometers away lay a fortress of the Antonine Wall, housing a significant garrison, the existence of a Mithraic Sun Cave here seemed entirely reasonable.
As for why this cave was situated in the wilderness, Sun Caves, seeking an aura of mystery, tended to favor secluded locations. At least the excavated remains strongly suggested this preference.
As everyone gradually entered the room, the cleanup began swiftly. It was discovered that this temple was of high caliber, divided into three sections by two transverse stone walls, resembling the character for 'eye.'
"This area seems to be the servant's quarters." Mr. Brown explained to Liang En in a hushed tone, gesturing towards the empty space upon entering the cave. "The room beyond that serves as the warehouse for ritual essentials."
"And the room with the statue, deeper within the cave, is the central hall of the Sun Cave, where various religious ceremonies were held."
Guided by Professor Brown's explanations, Liang En proceeded further into the cave. Soon, he realized that the first two rooms of this Sun Cave were entirely bare, devoid of any belongings.
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Chapter 120: Cards and Conclusions
Within the first two rooms of the Sun Cave, Liang En found nothing—an expectation met, considering this religious relic had been voluntarily abandoned. Thus, the absence of movable belongings made perfect sense.
It wasn't until Liang En reached the final chamber, the entrance to the Mithraeum, that he finally discovered remnants related to the Mithraic faith.
At the doorway of this chamber stood two statues of messengers—one holding an upward torch, the other a downward torch.
After meticulously examining the first two empty rooms and illuminating the final chamber with their specialized lights, they were greeted by a magnificent sight: a splendid hall housing not just the prominent Mithras Tauroctony statue but also numerous well-preserved stone sculptures.
Counting revealed two pairs of messenger statues, three Mithras Tauroctony statues, three altars, seven reliefs, and twenty-six other sculptures, including the representation of Mithras emerging from stone.
The arrangement of these sculptures lacked a distinct pattern; some rested on platforms at the sides, serving as seats for devotees, while others adorned the corridors between the platforms or stood near the idols at the ends.
Moreover, the floor and walls boasted exquisite mosaics. The wall mosaics, five in total, depicted the initiation ceremonies of the Mithraic faith. Meanwhile, the floor mosaics, seven in number, symbolized the seven ranks of adherents within the Mithraic faith.
"The research value of these patterns is incredibly high; they might unravel secrets of the Mithraic faith," Professor Brown enthused, fervently capturing images with his camera while explaining to those around him.
"The Mithraic faith has historically been shrouded in secrecy, exacerbated by subsequent religious conflicts, leaving no recorded data about its internal affairs."
"For us, unearthing any secrets of this lost religion relies solely on archaeological discoveries, and these depictions serve as one of our primary sources of information."
"For instance, from the mosaic images on the floor, we can discern partial distinctions among the various ranks within the Mithraic faith and their representative symbols. Like the lowest rank, called the Ravens, represented by a cup and Mithras's scepter—" Brown's explanation silenced everyone present, who listened intently.
When Brown concluded his discourse, Liang En's mind instantly conjured seven cards. Among them, five were of the lowest rank, N cards, including three Legendary Power (N) cards, one Appraisal (N) card, and one Restoration (N) card.
The other two cards consisted of one Detection (R) card and a shiny SR card, Sun Apostle (Sealed) (SR).
"Sun Apostle (Sealed) (SR): A mid-tier historical explorer capable of mastering various supernatural abilities. Achieving this through secondary vocations is the most common and suitable means."
"As the Mithraic faith, once the state religion of ancient Rome, carries numerous legends associated with supernatural powers, the information left behind by these legends naturally aids historical explorers in manifesting powers consistent with the legends."
"Secondary Vocation Card (Permanent), attached to the primary vocation card and permanently bound to the user's soul, cannot be undone. Powers related to it can only be activated through this card."
"Mithras, hailed as the Sun God, hence the designation of cards related to him as Sun Apostles," Liang En remarked, his gaze fixed on the last card. "However, there's a question—what exactly does 'supernatural' entail here?"
The term "supernatural" was too broad; Liang En's previously acquired skills were somewhat imbued with supernatural elements.
Thus, solely based on the text on this new secondary vocation card, Liang En couldn't discern the nature of the power he had acquired this time.
Similar to the ring hanging around his neck, everything remained veiled in mist until a certain standard was reached, rendering these abilities' true essence incomprehensible.
However, he had ample time later to unravel these mysteries. Currently, the utmost priority was to thoroughly inspect and document this Sun Cave.
"Other than the statues, there's hardly anything left here," Fan Meng whispered to Liang En after inspecting the not-so-large cave with the students.
"According to our observations and gathered data, the Freemason member who came here before, as mentioned in his notes, saw the Mithras Tauroctony statue at the cave entrance and sealed this place, leaving without taking anything."
"Based on the dust accumulation and traces on the ground, there should have been plenty of items in these rooms before. But when this cave was sealed, everything was likely relocated."
With that, Fan Meng led Liang En to the entrance of the hall, shining his flashlight on the stone walls flanking it. Soon, Liang En noticed several protruding iron rods, barely an inch or two, on the illuminated surface.
"These things were likely much larger than what remains now," Liang En concluded after scrutinizing the iron fixture, similar in height to his eyes. Judging by the height, distribution, and the traditions of the Mithraic Sun Cave, these rods were most probably fixtures for lighting sources in the past.
As for why only remnants existed, the answer was simple: this place was systematically cleared out, with enough manpower and resources to dismantle all metallic fixtures fixed to the walls.
Unlike the modern world entering an industrial era, ancient metals and metal products were exceptionally valuable. Thus, if given a chance, no one would waste even a scrap of metal.
This thorough cleaning further confirmed Liang En's previous deductions. Subsequently, he photographed all similar traces in the previous two chambers, joined Professor Brown in the hall, and conveyed his conclusions.
"I believe this Sun Cave was utilized by the garrison of the Antonine Wall, likely receiving donations from affluent believers," Liang En addressed those present.
"However, as the garrison withdrew, these believers had to relocate, and before leaving, they took everything portable from this sacred place, sealing the cave thereafter."
"Exactly, that seems the most plausible explanation," Professor Brown nodded. "Moreover, we found remnants of food in the crevices of the cave floor, such as fragments of beef or fish bones."
"So, if these organic materials are analyzed, we could determine precisely when this Sun Cave was abandoned, thereby ascertaining the specific period of this relic's existence."
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