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

Chapter 25: First Encounter with the Tomb Guardians!

Yang Yi smiled reassuringly at Qing Lian, who still seemed dazed by his words. “Don’t worry. I have more than enough food and water.” His voice was calm but confident. “It’s enough to last us for a long time.” He paused, his gaze steady and unwavering. “And when the time is right, we will break through the underground palace.”

Qing Lian’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Is… that really possible?” She had spent so long in despair, convinced that there was no escape, that she struggled to process the possibility of survival.

Meng Jiangnv stepped in before Yang Yi could answer. “It’s true,” she assured her with a soft smile. “Husband possesses divine abilities.” Her voice carried a rare warmth, and she reached out, gently patting Qing Lian’s hand. “You don’t have to worry anymore. Just stay with us.” She paused, then added with a teasing smirk, “As for repaying my husband… you can wait until you’ve recovered. Otherwise, he might shatter your fragile bones.”

Qing Lian blinked rapidly, her face flushing red. She was too weak to fully grasp the implications of Meng Jiangnv’s words, but she felt immense gratitude regardless. “Thank you… thank you both.” Her voice trembled as tears welled up in her eyes once more. She had been ready to die, but now she had been given a new lease on life.

Meng Jiangnv squeezed her hand gently. “There’s no need to be so formal. From now on, we’re sisters.”

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Yang Yi, though pleased by the moment, remained focused on the greater picture. “Qing Lian, how many tomb guardians are there?” Her expression tightened slightly as she thought carefully. “There are many. I don’t know the exact number, but there should be at least two hundred.”

Yang Yi’s brows furrowed slightly. “And their strength?” Qing Lian shook her head. “That, I don’t know. But they seem… powerful.” “At least two hundred?” Yang Yi rubbed his chin, deep in thought. That was a significant force, especially considering they were only meant to watch over unarmed laborers. Why has such a strong detachment been stationed here?

His thoughts took a darker turn. Could the Heibingtai be involved?

The Heibingtai, the secret intelligence and assassination force of the First Emperor, was known for its ruthless efficiency. Unlike common guards, Heibingtai operatives were trained assassins—experts in surveillance, covert executions, and maintaining the empire’s internal stability.

If they were among the tomb guardians, breaking through would be far more difficult than anticipated. Yang Yi sighed and shook his head. “Meng’er, stay here with Qing Lian. I’m going to scout ahead.”

Qing Lian stared in shock as he casually materialized a sturdy wooden bed from thin air. “The ground is cold. Get some rest.” Before either woman could respond, Yang Yi turned and strode into the darkness of the corridor.

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At the end of the passage, he emerged into a massive, semi-circular plaza. His sharp eyes instantly took in the surroundings. The plaza stretched over a kilometer wide, its stone surface perfectly smooth and eerily pristine. Eight other identical corridors fed into the space, forming a massive network of tunnels—a design mimicking nine dragons surrounding a central core.

Scattered throughout the area stood towering bronze statues, some depicting soldiers, others ancient mythical beasts. At the center, two giant bronze cauldrons glowed with an eerie red light, their fires still burning as if time itself had frozen within this tomb. Even after all these years, the eternal flames had not gone out.

At the far end of the plaza, a massive stone wall loomed ahead. It wasn’t incredibly high, standing only a few meters tall, but it was constructed from solid blocks of reinforced blue stone. A single stone gate—crafted from a single monolithic slab—stood partially ajar, revealing only the faintest glimpse of what lay beyond.

Atop the wall, dozens of armored figures stood at attention, their weapons gleaming faintly in the flickering firelight. These were the tomb guardians. Even from this distance, Yang Yi could feel their strength—a collective presence radiating discipline and unwavering resolve.

His gaze flicked to several concealed openings along the walls, barely visible to the untrained eye. His heart stirred with unease.

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“Hidden mechanisms… already primed and waiting.”

If the gate closed completely, the plaza would become a death trap, cutting off any possible retreat. Had Qing Lian triggered the traps when she escaped, she would have been instantly killed. She had survived by sheer luck.

Yang Yi narrowed his eyes. “So this is the legendary tomb of the First Emperor?”

He had always heard of its magnificence, but to witness it firsthand was overwhelming. This was just the outer palace. The true burial chamber lay deeper still, guarded by far deadlier mechanisms and traps.

Breaking in will not be easy.

Yang Yi exhaled slowly, assessing his next move. He would need to clear out the other eight corridors, ensuring that no loose threats remained. Then, when the time was right, he could launch a full assault on the inner palace. However, an all-out siege was impossible.

The tomb guardians had the advantage of elevation, fortifications, and weaponry. Even if they didn’t activate the deadly traps, their bows and crossbows alone could turn him into a pincushion.

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Just as he was about to pull back and retreat, a chill ran down his spine. Someone was watching him. Yang Yi’s eyes snapped upward, locking onto an elderly figure standing atop the stone wall.

The man’s aura was like a blade—silent yet oppressive. His eyes gleamed like torches in the darkness, scrutinizing Yang Yi with an intensity that sent a ripple of tension through the air. Even without words, the message was clear. He was the commander of the tomb guardians.

Yang Yi steadied himself, analyzing the man’s power.

“A peak-level Hua Jin master?”

This was far beyond what he had expected.

If this man is merely stationed here to guard a tomb, doesn’t that mean even stronger warriors are buried deeper inside? Why would they need someone of this caliber just to suppress laborers?

Something wasn’t adding up.

Unless…

Are some of the imperial concubines also trained martial artists?

Yang Yi exhaled slowly, gripping his sword tightly. This was not the time to fight. For now, he would withdraw and prepare. But soon enough, he would return to claim the First Emperor’s resting place.