Tomb of the Sea Episode 3 Recap
> Tomb of the Sea Recap
Led by Marera, a large convoy made its way towards GuTongJing. After a long journey through sandstorms, they reached a location that Marera identified as a mirage, confirming the actual ancient city was not far. Master Ma questioned Marera about the location, and Marera, with his knowledge of how desert "seas" move with underground water flow, affirmed that the specific "sea" they sought had been there three days prior.
Su Nan, after a thorough inspection, gave Master Ma the all-clear to set up camp. Li Cu, acting as Wu Xie's assistant, held a camera and inquired if they could return home once they ventured inside. Wu Xie, however, stated he was still unsure if this was the precise destination he was searching for. As the team began to establish their camp, Wang Meng unearthed a considerable number of burnt cameras from the ground.
A film crew director, present with his own team, excitedly declared it a "camera tomb" and instructed his crew to document everything, confidently predicting that the footage would secure them the "Golden Strawberry Award." Wang Meng collected over forty cameras, managing to retrieve data from six usable SD cards, which he then copied before burying the unusable ones as instructed.
Li Cu expressed his apprehension, fearing the destroyed cameras indicated something terrible had been recorded, making him hesitant to continue filming. Wu Xie reviewed the recovered photos, which depicted a tour group composed of both domestic and international tourists. He noticed that some individuals in the pictures did not carry cameras, suggesting the presence of another tour group, one with at least fifteen cameras, whose members were conspicuously absent from the photos.
He theorized these individuals likely met with an accident and that the cameras were destroyed to conceal whatever they had captured. He also suspected that some of these people might still be within GuTongJing. Wu Xie pointed to a specific spot, instructing Mr. Mai to begin excavating. Su Nan used her equipment to confirm that the air quality below was excellent with plenty of oxygen.
Wu Xie identified the structure as a sacrificial temple, expecting a large internal space, and decided to descend himself to investigate further. Su Nan confirmed it was safe for him to go down. The film crew director, captivated by the "gloomy" atmosphere, believed it offered outstanding material for their award ambitions. Inside, Li Cu discovered human remains arranged in the "Seven fingers" pattern, which he recognized as eerily similar to the scar on his back.
Wu Xie confirmed it was no coincidence, as the patterns were consistent. Li Cu also found a piece of clothing among the remains that resembled what the person who carved his back had worn. Su Nan estimated that there were about ten skeletons, all dressed in similar outfits, suggesting they belonged to a single tour group whose members had perished, implying the owners of the fifteen cameras never made it out.
Wu Xie, however, countered this, asserting that someone must have escaped, otherwise, who would have burned the cameras? Wu Xie then noticed bas-reliefs beneath the bones. He identified the carvings as Yuezhi characters, detailing the life of GuTongJing's 28th lord. He clarified that this was not a tomb but an underground palace. Master Ma insisted on entering, but Wu Xie advised caution due to the unknown dangers within.
Su Nan reminded Master Guan (Wu Xie's alias) that their primary objective was to find items for their boss, and that the unique underground scenery should be a compelling reason for him to document it. Wu Xie then revealed he had already located the entrance by observing eight murals, noting a distinct fissure in the two central ones. Li Cu, despite his claustrophobia, protested that they should not damage cultural relics.
Wu Xie dismissed his concerns, appealing to the opportunity to explore the ancient wisdom held within the underground palace. Once the entrance was opened, Master Ma expressed his triumph and prepared to lead a team down, while Su Nan reminded him of her objectives. Wu Xie instructed Li Cu and the film crew, including Xu Lei, Uncle Zeng, and Caitou, to follow him into the underground palace.
Li Cu again voiced his fear, citing his claustrophobia, but Wu Xie reminded him that the "Seven fingers" scar on his back made his descent imperative. Wu Xie then ordered Wang Meng to remain above, instructing him to search for "that person" if any complications arose. Inside the underground palace, Li Cu marveled at the abundance of plants, questioning how they could thrive without water in the desert.
He then felt an unsettling sense of being watched, an impression dismissed as paranoia by another team member. Earlier, while Wu Xie's team prepared for the expedition, Wang Meng recounted to Li Cu stories of Wu Xie's past as part of the "Iron Triangle," which included a "fat guy" and a "quiet one," and that Wu Xie was still searching for the latter.
Li Cu, misinterpreting their mission, excitedly offered his rich friend's help to pay off Wu Xie's alleged loan shark debts, urging Wang Meng to convince Wu Xie to abandon the dangerous journey. However, a drunk Wang Meng fell asleep, leaving Li Cu frustrated. Meanwhile, Su Wan and Yang Hao, searching for Li Cu, had sneaked into the Crescent Hotel. They were soon confronted and questioned by hotel staff.
Yang Hao attempted to bluff his way out by feigning a complaint about the hotel's food and even offering a job, but Su Wan, embarrassed by Yang Hao's lame excuses, intervened. He admitted they were looking for Wu Xie and Wang Meng, as their friend (Li Cu) had gone missing, and they suspected the two men were involved. Su Wan offered money as an "information fee," hoping they would be allowed to leave.
Liang Wan, having received the false news of Li Cu's death, felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and submitted her resignation. Her director, puzzled by her decision, then presented her with a silk banner inscribed "To Dr. Liang: stitch fairy from above," signed by Li Cu, along with a thank-you letter. This unexpected message only intensified Liang Wan's confusion and fear regarding Li Cu's true fate.
Seeking solace, Liang Wan visited a temple to pray for good fortune, promising Buddha she would abandon her "lust after handsome guys." Unbeknownst to her, Zhang Ri Shan, the manager of the Crescent Hotel, was also at the temple, passing her by as he prayed. He later made a phone call, inquiring about the two kids (Su Wan and Yang Hao) and stating he was immediately returning to the hotel.
Back at the Crescent Hotel, Su Wan and Yang Hao found themselves locked in a room. Su Wan realized they had stumbled into a "thieves' nest" and that Wu Xie and Wang Meng were likely complicit. Yang Hao, criticizing Su Wan for his lack of "social experience," suggested they escape. They discovered a heavy, yet fake, sword, some topical medicine, and a large handprint on a cabinet. Trapped, they grew increasingly fearful, calling out for Li Cu and wondering if he too was imprisoned there.
