Chapter 136 - 88: Entering the Tomb
The third-year students of Class 1 followed the crowd back to their classroom.
"Wang Yiming really is an elite from Demon City Martial Arts University! Those words of his just now were a total eye-opener. I feel like the path of the Martial Dao is so much clearer!"
One of the boys said, his face flushed with excitement.
"Sigh, if only I could get into Demon City Martial Arts University. That would be the dream—a true leap to success!"
Someone beside him immediately chimed in, their eyes sparkling with longing.
Lin Yi sat quietly in his seat while the students around him were still enthusiastically discussing Wang Yiming.
But his mind was on something else entirely.
’I have enough resources now.’
’I’m just one step away from breaking through to the Second Grade Realm.’
’The fierce battles of the Star Realm’s counterattack, the news of Star Gates appearing worldwide, the American Illuminati... ’
’All of it was a reminder that strength is the only true foundation to stand on.’
’Time waits for no one. I have to break through as soon as possible.’
’Right now, the best thing would be to ask the principal for a week off. I’ll focus on breaking through to Second Grade first.’
’But...’
Lin Yi’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
’I wonder how the school’s talk with Wang Yiming went?’
’That guess of Luo Qian’s...’
’If Wang Yiming is really here for that Pre-Qin ancient tomb, and the school decides to officially assist him... and if the principal is even willing to let me join the exploration team... ’
’That would be an opportunity I can’t refuse!’
’I definitely can’t miss this chance.’
’If that’s the case, then the plan to break through will have to be put on hold for now.’
’I’ll prepare for both possibilities.’
Lin Yi made up his mind in an instant. ’I’ll go find the principal first and sound him out.’
Without lingering in the classroom, he rose abruptly and headed straight for the principal’s office.
...
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.
Lin Yi arrived outside the office, took a deep breath, and raised his hand to knock gently.
From inside came the steady voice of Principal Chen Zhenguo. "Please, come in."
He pushed the door open and entered.
The principal’s office was brightly lit, its furnishings dignified.
Besides Chen Zhenguo, who sat behind a large desk, there was another person sitting upright on the sofa—none other than Wang Yiming, just returned from Demon City.
The two seemed to be discussing something important in low voices.
When he saw it was Lin Yi who had entered, a flicker of surprise crossed Chen Zhenguo’s face before being replaced by a warm smile.
"Lin Yi? What a coincidence. I was just about to message you to come over. Quick, come in. Have a seat."
He pointed to the empty seat next to Wang Yiming.
"Principal, you were looking for me?" Lin Yi walked to the sofa and sat down, his gaze shifting to the man opposite him. He gave a slight nod, polite yet composed. "Senior Wang."
"You’re Lin Yi, right? I’ve certainly heard a lot about you!" Wang Yiming said with a bright laugh, sizing Lin Yi up. "The principal has been singing your praises, calling you the new role model for Yang City No. 1 High School!"
Chen Zhenguo chimed in with a smile.
"It’s good for you two to get acquainted. You’re both prodigies from Yang City No. 1 High School. Lin Yi is taking the entrance exams this year and is bound to get into a top-ten university. When the time comes, if you have any questions on the Martial Dao, don’t hesitate to ask your senior here, Wang Yiming."
"Then I’ll thank you in advance for your help, Senior Wang," Lin Yi replied with a modest smile.
"It’s nothing. We’re from the same school; it’s only right we help each other out." Wang Yiming was very approachable. With a flick of his wrist, an exquisite communicator appeared in his palm. "Here, let’s exchange contact info. Feel free to ask me anything in the future."
The two quickly exchanged contact information.
"Alright, let’s get to business."
Chen Zhenguo’s smile faded. His gaze shifted to Lin Yi, his expression turning serious.
"I was just about to send for you, so your timing is perfect. I have something to tell you. Tomorrow, the school is organizing an expedition to a newly discovered major tomb. Since you’re already a First-Grade Martial Artist, you need to build up your practical experience. This is a rare opportunity for you to do just that! Of course..."
"Although teachers will be leading the team, exploring a tomb is inherently dangerous. You must be extremely careful and not let your guard down!"
Lin Yi’s heart skipped a beat, but he forced himself to remain calm on the outside.
’So Luo Qian was right after all?’
’The school really is helping Wang Yiming with the tomb, and they’re actually taking me with them!’
"Yes, Principal! I will be fully prepared!" Lin Yi immediately sat up straighter, his voice firm.
A moment later, Chen Zhenguo’s communicator lit up briefly.
A file was transferred to Lin Yi’s communicator.
"This is a compilation of basic guidelines and important notes about tomb exploration. Make sure you study it carefully tonight so you know what to expect."
Lin Yi looked down, glanced at "The Comprehensive Guide to Tomb Exploration" displayed on his communicator screen, and nodded.
He suddenly remembered what Luo Qian had asked of him and looked up.
"Principal, for this school operation, could we bring along Luo Qian from our class?"
"Luo Qian?" Chen Zhenguo’s brow furrowed at the name, his expression growing visibly more serious.
Wang Yiming, sitting beside him, also looked over inquisitively. "This Luo Qian... is he also a First-Grade Martial Artist?"
Chen Zhenguo shook his head and sighed.
"Luo Qian’s situation... is somewhat unique."
"He’s the sole heir of the Luo family of Yang City. By all rights, with the Luo family’s resources and his own potential, he should have been Yang City’s most promising candidate for the top-ten universities this year."
"Unfortunately..."
He paused, his tone tinged with regret.
"You know what sort of business Elder Luo was in back in his day. During one tomb expedition, he inadvertently brought something... unclean... out with him. That thing latched onto Luo Qian, and because of it... he’s been unable to achieve Qi and Blood Perfection and become a Martial Artist."
"So he’s one of the Luos of Yang City." Wang Yiming had clearly heard of the Luo family before.