Chapter 134 - 87: Coming Ashore

Chapter 134: Chapter 87: Coming Ashore

He just saw it as gossip.

It felt too distant.

Wang Yiming wanted to explore a tomb to get out of his contract.

That was his problem.

What did it have to do with him?

Lin Yi’s current plan was to find some time for honest Cultivation, absorb those two thousand Bone Tempering Pills, and break through to the Second Grade.

"Lin! You’re being foolish!"

Luo Qian slapped his thigh hard.

He was so worked up spit flew as he spoke:

"This is a golden opportunity that’s fallen right into our laps! It’s our big chance!"

"Chance? What chance?"

Lin Yi was a little baffled by his excitement.

Luo Qian spoke quickly, his thoughts clear and organized:

"Think about it. If Wang Yiming really decides to explore a tomb, are the school and the Education Bureau just going to stand by and do nothing?"

"He’s one of the top talents to come out of Yang City! The city officials are counting on him to get stronger and give back to his hometown! If he dies in that tomb, no one can shoulder that responsibility!"

"The school, and even the Yang City Education Bureau, will definitely put together an elite team to protect him every step of the way!"

"The Education Bureau has had control over those two tombs for years. They know the outer regions like the back of their hand—where the traps are, where it’s relatively safe. As long as Wang Yiming isn’t stubborn enough to barge into the core area, and with experts protecting him, there’ll be danger for sure, but he definitely won’t lose his life!"

"But... what does that have to do with us?" Lin Yi still didn’t get it.

"You blockhead!"

Luo Qian was exasperated.

"You’re the only active Martial Artist at Yang City No. 1 High School this year! More than that, you’re Yang City’s greatest hope in four years of getting into one of the top ten universities!"

"It’s been four years since anyone from Yang City got into a top-ten university. You think the Education Bureau isn’t feeling the pressure? They’re all pinning their hopes on you to bring glory to the city!"

"If the risks for this tomb exploration are manageable, I bet the school and the Education Bureau will do everything they can to get you on that team! It’ll be a chance for you to gain some early experience and get tempered by real combat!"

Hearing Luo Qian’s theory, Lin Yi’s mind reeled.

His eyes instantly lit up, shining with an unnerving intensity.

’A Pre-Qin Qi Cultivator’s ancient tomb!’

’Buried inside were Cultivation Techniques lost for millennia, Divine Weapons that could slice through iron like mud, and Heavenly and Earthly Treasures with miraculous effects...’

’To any Martial Artist, it was an irresistible treasure trove!’

’If Luo Qian’s theory was right, and he could actually join the team to explore the tomb...’

’...it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!’

’What’s more!’

Lin Yi’s heart began to pound uncontrollably.

’Others might enter the ancient tomb and wander around aimlessly, their discoveries left entirely to chance.’

’But he was different!’

’He had his Mosquito Avatar!’

’With his [Tracking] skill, he could clearly sense all the surrounding energy fluctuations!’

’Maybe...’

’...he could really use this cheat-like ability to find some real treasures in the ancient tomb!’

"Lin, if this works out—if the school really lets you go with the team into the tomb—you have to help a brother out!"

Luo Qian’s expression immediately shifted to one of fawning flattery as he sidled closer.

"You?"

Lin Yi looked at Luo Qian in surprise, his brow furrowed.

"Even if you’re right and the school agrees to take me, it’s only because there will be experts for protection, making it relatively safe."

"But it’s an ancient tomb, after all. Who knows what kind of trouble could pop up? You aren’t even a Martial Artist, and your Qi and Blood are weak. If something unexpected happens and the teachers can’t protect you in time..."

The playful smile on Luo Qian’s face instantly vanished.

In its place was an almost fanatical determination:

"Lin, for me, Luo Qian, the path of the Martial Dao is completely closed off in this life. My only wish is to explore a great tomb just once! Now the opportunity is right in front of me, and I’ll risk my life to seize it!"

He pointed to his chest, his gaze complex:

"And... don’t forget, I still have that ’dirty thing’ from the tomb living inside me! This thing drains my Qi and Blood every day, which is why I can’t become a Martial Artist. It’s the root of my misfortune, for sure. But have you ever considered this? Since it came from a great tomb, maybe... just maybe... if it goes back into one, it might have some kind of unexpected reaction or use?"

Seeing the firm resolve in Luo Qian’s eyes, Lin Yi fell silent for a moment.

Finally, he gave a firm nod.

"Alright! If it’s really like you say—the school organizes an expedition and is willing to bring me along—I’ll do my best to convince the teacher in charge and see if you can come too."

"But I can’t make any promises. We don’t even know if our theory is right in the first place!"

"You’re a true brother! Thanks!" A genuine smile instantly spread across Luo Qian’s face as he gave Lin Yi a hard punch on the shoulder.

Just then—

A faint crackle of static sounded.

Then, a clear announcement came from the loudspeaker on the classroom wall:

"Attention all students and faculty! The school’s opening ceremony will be held today at nine a.m. sharp in the main auditorium. Please have all classes, led by your homeroom teachers, enter in an orderly fashion half an hour in advance. Do not be late."

The moment the announcement ended, the quiet classroom erupted.

"Come on, let’s go! The opening ceremony is starting!"

"I heard that for this ceremony, our senior Wang Yiming is coming back to give a speech as a distinguished alumnus! A top student from Demon Martial Arts! This is a rare opportunity!"

"Oh my god! Is it really Wang Yiming? He’s my idol! Come on, let’s go get a good seat!"

The classroom was instantly abuzz with chatter.

Students scrambled out of the classroom door.

They formed an excited torrent of people.

They rushed toward the magnificent main auditorium at the center of the campus.

...

「Inside the school’s largest auditorium.」

The hall was abuzz with voices.

It was filled with the unique restlessness and anticipation that marked the beginning of a new semester.

The massive, domed auditorium was brightly lit and large enough to hold several thousand people.

Students in their matching uniforms were seated in an orderly fashion, sectioned off by grade and class.

The senior class section occupied the prime seats at the very front of the auditorium.

In contrast to the livelier freshmen and sophomores, the seniors’ expressions were universally more somber.

After all, the fate-deciding college entrance exams were just over three months away.

As the honors class, Senior Class 1 was seated in a section to the side, near the stage.

Everyone sat quietly.

They waited for the opening ceremony to begin.

Before long, half an hour had passed.

"Silence! The opening ceremony will now begin!"

The host’s voice boomed through the loudspeakers, silencing the hum of chatter that filled the auditorium.

"Please give a warm round of applause to welcome our principal to the stage for his address."

The auditorium instantly erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Amid the applause, Principal Chen Zhenguo walked steadily onto the stage.