C26 The First Time in the Tomb

Ouyang Derong paused, a smile breaking across his face as he extended two talismans toward me.

Lin Hao had barely taken them when Qin Sisi, at his side, seized my arm. "Are you out of your mind? What good are these things?"

Lin Hao simply smiled, offering no reply.

Elder Sun, who seemed determined to oppose him, spoke with a sneer, "These young people and their superstitions. Probably guilty consciences at work!"

"Old man, enjoy your gloating while it lasts. You'll be crying soon enough!" Lin Hao retorted with an icy grin.

"There's no need for confrontation; everyone has their own agenda," Ouyang Derong interjected with a chuckle. "Pick something from here that you can use, whether for self-defense or excavation. Time is short, so I recommend choosing tools you're comfortable with!"

No sooner had Ouyang Derong finished than the elders began selecting their tools—a small shovel here, a magnifying glass there—as if they were about to authenticate the antiques themselves.

Lin Hao, meanwhile, armed himself with a machete, explosives, and various protective gear.

In stark contrast to the elders' scholarly choices, Lin Hao was equipped for battle, not a treasure hunt.

"Wow, look at you. Are you planning a showdown with the tomb's owner?" Qin Sisi giggled, unable to contain her amusement.

Lin Hao rolled his eyes. "Don't get too smug. Here's a word of advice: it's far from peaceful down there."

He couldn't forget the conversation he had overheard. The possibility of encountering 'dumplings'—grave robbers—loomed, each encounter potentially deadly.

Moreover, Ouyang Derong's decision to enter the tomb at night hinted at hidden secrets. He wouldn't have bothered with talismans if there wasn't something more at stake.

"Now that we've all selected our gear, let's get ready to descend. There are backpacks here, stocked with three days' worth of water and food. Once we're down, stay alert and stick together. It's crucial we don't get separated!"

Ouyang Derong turned and gave a nod to the captain standing beside him.

"Experts, please follow me!"

With a soft call, the captain led everyone out of the tent.

Shortly, Lin Hao and his companions reached a heavily fortified position at the base of a mountain. Soldiers armed to the teeth stood guard every few steps—it was a picture of rigorous security.

"The entrance is just ahead. I wish you all swift success," the captain announced.

Lin Hao glanced at Ouyang Derong, who managed a strained smile. "The higher-ups haven't sent many people down with us—just three elite soldiers to accompany our descent."

Lin Hao simply nodded, holding back any comments.

He was familiar with Ouyang Derong's character; surely, if there were any real danger, Ouyang wouldn't be sending him into harm's way, right?

"To be honest, we don't need any of them. It's hardly a perilous task. Do a few old-timers like us really need protection?" Elder Sun boasted with a touch of arrogance.

Lin Hao had no desire to listen to any more of Elder Sun's bluster. He stepped aside to help Qin Sisi with her gear before following Ouyang Derong into the tomb's entrance.

"Watch your step—the stairs are covered in sand and can be quite slippery," Ouyang Derong cautioned.

Lin Hao wasn't overly concerned. Instead, his attention was captured by the murals flanking the stairway.

Once the tomb was opened, oxygen flooded in, rapidly oxidizing the long-sealed murals. The vibrant colors would soon fade, perhaps even vanish altogether.

"This depicts an ancient battlefield. I've studied these murals before; they likely illustrate the tomb owner's life. Judging by the scenes, I believe the owner was a general in his lifetime," Ouyang Derong explained, gesturing toward the fading artwork.

"Even with the severe discoloration, it's clear that these warriors' attire bears the distinct style of minority ethnic groups—reminiscent of the Bai, Yi, or Dai peoples," he continued.

Lin Hao, not particularly versed in history, had only visited Dian Province, predominantly inhabited by these three ethnic groups.

"If these figures represent any of those ethnic groups, then it must be correct," Elder Sun chimed in. "Historical records tell of frequent local skirmishes among them. The defeated would dwell atop the mountains, victors at the base, and those who pledged allegiance settled in between."

"So the Bai people emerged victorious, settling at the base of the mountain, yet the Kaiviel Kingdom was predominantly Dai people!"

"Although I'm familiar with this slice of history, it's riddled with puzzling aspects. Given the presence of these three ethnic groups and the burial style here, it seems to be from the early Tang Dynasty, with a definite connection to the Kaiviel Kingdom."

Elder Sun's words were met with a nod from Ouyang Derong. "Indeed, Elder Sun's assessment aligns with my own."

"This excavation could very well be a monumental leap in our five-thousand-year history and culture. For everyone present, it's an opportunity to make a name for themselves!"

"Hehe, I owe this chance to the president for his support!" Elder Sun beamed with pride.

Lin Hao preferred not to engage too much with the group, as he discovered he could extract some desired information from the Omnipotent Monitor.

It was a broad overview, but it allowed him a more profound insight into the ancient tomb.

"I bet everyone's hearts are racing with excitement. Let's not linger on these entrance stairs any longer. Let's head down and search for more valuable information!"

Elder Sun was clearly someone who sought quick success. The thought of gaining fame had him itching with impatience, almost ready to leap into the main chamber, pry open the tomb owner's coffin, and demand answers.

Lin Hao, however, remained unruffled and proceeded with caution. Qin Sisi, at his side, repeatedly attempted to move ahead but found her wrist firmly in his grasp.

"Lin Hao, are you that fearful of death? Look at me, advanced in years, yet leading the way. What does it say about you, hiding back here?" Qin Sisi's frustration was palpable.

She was tempted to wrench free from Lin Hao's vice-like grip and follow the elders.

"Their recklessness is their own affair; I'm not responsible for that!" Lin Hao retorted icily. "But your life—I saved it. Without my say-so, you don't even have the privilege to risk it!"

"You..."

Qin Sisi was seething with anger, yet powerless to act.

"Don't mistake my warning for a mere scare tactic. Take a look at what this is!"

With that, Lin Hao directed the beam of his flashlight onto the ground a short distance away.

Qin Sisi followed the beam of light with a curious gaze. As her eyes landed on several peculiar footprints scattered on the ground, she couldn't help but blink rapidly, her thoughts thrown into disarray.

"What... what are these?" Qin Sisi had a hunch, yet she couldn't bring herself to confirm it.

Lin Hao met Qin Sisi's eyes, managing a strained smile, and offered an explanation, "They're just a child's footprints!"