Tomb robbing: I was Buried alive in the Mausoleum of the First Emperor, I Get Stronger by Looting Corpses

Chapter 12: Maximum Loyalty—A Bath in the Underground Palace

Ding! 

[The host has entered condensed cultivation mode.].

[Despite being in the underground palace, the host is diligently studying halberd techniques.].

[In the first year, lacking any foundation, the host could only imitate movements, practicing the basic swings and stances—Halberd Mastery: Beginner.].

[By the second year, the host gained a certain level of control and began formally training in War Halberd Unrivaled—Halberd Mastery: Entry-Level.].

[In the third year, the host made considerable progress, gaining deeper insights into the halberd’s techniques.].

[By the fourth year, the host had refined his understanding, approaching proficiency in War Halberd Unrivaled.].

[By the seventh year, after years of relentless refinement, the host developed his own unique understanding of halberd combat, reaching the level of a true halberd master—War Halberd Unrivaled: Advanced Mastery.].

As the system’s notifications echoed in his mind, waves of knowledge surged into Yang Yi’s consciousness. Though only seven years had passed in condensed training, he felt as if he had honed his halberd skills for an eternity. His body radiated an imposing and dominant aura, his entire presence now infused with a razor-sharp, unstoppable momentum.

“War Halberd Unrivaled? The name is a bit exaggerated, but it’s still a powerful technique.”

Yang Yi slowly opened his eyes, his expression calm yet filled with newfound confidence. Reflecting on his rewards, he understood the limitations of the halberd technique. The martial arts left behind by a fallen warrior couldn’t be truly peerless—if they were, the man would have never lost his status in the first place.

After all, this was Great Qin—a kingdom where military merit dictated one’s fate. A truly exceptional fighter could carve out a path of glory on the battlefield rather than meet an ignoble end. Nonetheless, Yang Yi was more than satisfied.

……………………………………………………………………………

With his halberd mastery perfected and his cultivation at mid-stage Dark Jin, only the tomb guardians posed a threat to him now.

However, one thing still troubled him—he lacked real combat experience. “I’ve spent too much time in isolated training. I need actual battles to refine my techniques.”

As he analyzed his situation, a soft voice came from behind. “Young Master, you seem… stronger again.” Meng Jiangnv had been watching him silently. Though she had already witnessed his rapid growth multiple times, she couldn’t help but be in awe. The changes in him were far too extreme.

Yang Yi turned to her and grinned. “It’s a secret.” She blinked, intrigued, but before she could ask more, he suddenly said, “Come, let’s go somewhere private. I have a surprise for you.”

Meng Jiangnv’s eyes brightened with curiosity, her demeanour noticeably different from before. Though her situation remained dire, she no longer carried the same despair. She had found hope in Yang Yi—a reason to keep fighting for survival. Hope put light in her eyes.

Following his lead, they moved deeper into the corridors until they reached a dark, secluded corner—far from where the others had gathered. Yang Yi stopped and looked at her.

“Meng’er,” he said, his tone suddenly serious. “Would you like to take a bath?”

She froze, stunned by his words.

“A… bath?” Her mind struggled to process what he had just asked. Yang Yi chuckled at her expression. “You don’t believe me?”

“It’s not that…” Meng Jiangnv shook her head, her wide eyes filled with disbelief. “It just seems… impossible.” It wasn’t just his words that shocked her—it was the way he had called her “Meng’er”. It was intimate, a name reserved for someone dear. Her cheeks flushed red, but beneath her shyness, a trace of happiness bloomed in her heart.

……………………………………………………………………………

“If I can give you a bath,” Yang Yi smirked, “how about we bathe together?”

His gaze flickered with playful heat. There was no denying it—Meng Jiangnv was an unmatched beauty, far more breathtaking than the celebrities and influencers he had seen in his past life. In the countless years of condensed training, his body had been starved of certain desires. Now, the thought of indulging in something other than combat and survival was becoming dangerously tempting.

Meng Jiangnv gasped softly, her body trembling as her mind went blank.

“You… I…”

She couldn’t even form a coherent response. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, and her hands clenched the fabric of her robe. “This is too sudden…!”

“Then it’s decided.” Yang Yi grinned and acted immediately. With a thought, he activated his system storage.

Boom!

A massive ceramic water vat appeared between them, shaking the ground slightly upon impact. Meng Jiangnv stared in absolute shock. “Water…?” Her gaze locked onto the large vat, completely frozen in disbelief. Then, she took a hesitant step forward, peering inside. Her breath caught in her throat.

It was filled to the brim with crystal-clear water. Her body reacted instantly. The dryness in her throat became unbearable, and a powerful craving overtook her.

Without thinking, she reached out with trembling hands, cupping the cool liquid and bringing it to her lips. The moment it touched her tongue, a wave of relief washed over her. The sweetness of fresh water spread through her body, and in that instant, she felt as though her soul had been reborn.

She drank desperately, unable to stop herself. The feeling was beyond blissful—it was like rain falling after years of drought. And as the water quenched both her body and spirit, something else happened.

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Yang Yi’s system notified him of an instant change. Meng Jiangnv’s loyalty score had reached its maximum—100. Yang Yi watched in amusement and satisfaction.

“Well? Wouldn’t you like to take a proper bath now?” Meng Jiangnv paused, looking up at him, her eyes glistening with emotion.

“Young Master… using this much water to bathe would be… wasteful,” she whispered. “This could keep us alive for a long time.”

Yang Yi laughed softly, shaking his head. “This water, just like our food, is endless. I have as much of it as I need.” He met her gaze firmly. “Trust me. We’re going to survive.” Meng Jiangnv’s lips parted slightly, her eyes brimming with emotion and reverence.

“But…” she hesitated, torn between desire and doubt. Yang Yi interrupted her, his voice teasing yet firm. “We already agreed, didn’t we? We bathe together.”

As he stepped forward, reaching out with clear intentions, she panicked and quickly spoke.

“Y-Young Master! I—I can wash myself! Just turn around…” Her face was completely red, her voice shaky yet yielding. Though she resisted, she also didn’t refuse outright. With her loyalty at 100, her heart had already surrendered to him completely.