Chapter 42

After making a new discovery, Huang Hong no longer approached the investigation with a relaxed attitude. He threw himself into it wholeheartedly, searching for opportunities. Lin Xiao, standing beside him, sighed, realizing that there were no shortcuts in academia; it required professionalism and dedication. Under Huang Hong's leadership, the team became more professional and serious, a change brought about by the addition of a core member.

The assistant tirelessly recorded Huang Hong's conclusions, while the accompanying staff continuously took photos and used small shovels to dig in places of doubt. It took about an hour to investigate just five meters. Seeing such meticulous archaeology, Lin Xiao stuck out her tongue, feeling that it was far beyond her reach. If the entire secret chamber and cave were to be thoroughly examined, it would take a very long time. Looking around and seeing that there was nothing for her to do, Lin Xiao said goodbye and left.

After the initial excitement wore off, Lin Xiao found it difficult to understand many of the professional archaeological tasks. It seemed that this field required a high level of expertise, and it was better for laypeople to just watch with enthusiasm.

Upon exiting the cave, she realized that the coolness inside was even better than air conditioning, a natural refreshment. She glanced at the scorching ground outside, wondering when this heat would end. It had been over half a month of scorching weather. "When will it rain?" Lin Xiao sighed to herself.

Lin Xiao didn't have to wait long. News came that Huang Hong, a renowned domestic archaeologist, had indeed found another secret passage through a small clue. As the host, Lin Xiao was also informed. Of course, any artifacts found would be collected by the museum.

Despite this, Lin Xiao still wanted to see it. Curiosity is a strong human trait, especially in such mysterious archaeological endeavors. Since her life was currently rather boring, this interlude would be a good diversion.

When she arrived at the site, the news was still under wraps, and only the archaeological team and about twenty others were present. Huang Hong reminded the team again to check their equipment. After everyone had verified that their tools were in order, he led them into the cave.

The secret passage was discovered about five meters from the entrance of the cave, found by the experienced Huang Hong. Archaeology is like decoding, unraveling the wisdom of the ancients, a highly challenging profession.

From the moment they entered the cave, there were torch holders on the walls at regular intervals, usually fixed in place. However, three of them were movable. When moved to the correct position, the two rows of torches formed the Big Dipper in both directions.

Experts are experts for a reason. While no one else noticed, he was able to decipher the code. Experience truly counts.

Lin Xiao followed the team as they moved forward. Just as they entered the secret passage, the team stopped. She walked up to see what was happening.

"Don't move yet. This might be a general's tomb. These traps are deadly," Lin Xiao heard Huang Hong say as she approached.

Huang Hong then poked a stone brick in front of him with a stick.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh"

Suddenly, small holes appeared on both sides, and arrows shot out, aimed at the opposite side.

"Whoa," Lin Xiao gasped, realizing that if she had walked around carelessly, she could have been injured, especially at such close range. Even if she had approached, she would have been injured, if not killed.

These were indeed lethal traps. It was true that an experienced person was a treasure. If Huang Hong hadn't stopped everyone, there might have been few survivors.

As for how Huang Hong discovered the traps, it was no surprise. A renowned expert who had examined many tombs could identify such traps. Experience was everything.

Seeing the arrows embedded in the walls, a chill ran down everyone's spine, a feeling that might have been an illusion.

The trap put everyone on high alert, with no room for complacency. It was clear that this was no ordinary tomb.

Huang Hong led the way with a serious expression, carefully collecting useful small objects in sealed bags. The pace was very slow.

Along the way, they encountered countless traps: poison gas, arrows, pits, and the most dangerous one was a hundred venomous snakes. It was a mystery how these reptiles survived in the tomb. If Lin Xiao hadn't intervened, there would have been casualties.

Afterward, the other team members looked at her with newfound respect. After all, to enter a snake pit unarmed and emerge unscathed, with many snakes dead or injured, was not just impressive—it was superhuman.

Seeing the team's interest in her combat skills, she casually made up a story, saying she practiced traditional martial arts, which was why she was so skilled.

Huang Hong, a seasoned expert, had seen countless people and situations. Seeing Lin Xiao's reluctance to reveal more, he stopped the others from asking too many questions, saying it was important to continue the journey.

So far, they had faced many dangers but had come through unscathed. The tomb was winding, and no one knew where they were, but they continued to follow the passage.

After several hours, with only a brief break to eat and rest, they continued their investigation.

Huang Hong had also drawn some preliminary conclusions, though he needed more evidence to confirm them.

"Phew," the entire team breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing the iron door ahead, they knew they had completed a significant part of their mission. For Lin Xiao, this archaeological experience was a precious memory.

The iron door was about three meters high, covered in rust, with a row of characters that were mostly illegible. Only two cranes were visible, symbolizing the journey to the afterlife. The door had no lock, only two large iron rings.

Huang Hong spoke again, "What lies behind this door is likely our destination, the tomb. We've already encountered many traps and mechanisms on our way here. The person who designed this tomb clearly did not want anyone to disturb it. Before we open it, I want to emphasize that no one should fall behind. I am responsible for your safety. I didn't realize the danger of this tomb's mechanisms, which are as deadly as those in imperial tombs. This is not a place for graduate students, but since we have this opportunity, you should learn as much as you can."

PS: New author, seeking favorites and recommendations.

Page flip AD starts

Page flip AD ends