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

Chapter 26: Sweet Happiness in the Passageway

Yang Yi cast a lingering glance at the old man standing on the distant stone wall before turning away. He knew this was not the time to fight.

Meanwhile, atop the fortress wall, a middle-aged man approached the old commander, his expression unreadable. “My lord, did you notice anything unusual?” The old man’s voice was hoarse and grim. “There is a young man inside that passage. He is powerful.” He paused momentarily, then continued. “I have no doubt that the massacre in the other passage was his doing. Every single laborer was slaughtered.” The middle-aged officer furrowed his brow. “Should we take action?”

The commander shook his head slightly. “Those laborers were dead men walking. Even if he has seized all their food, it will only prolong his suffering. There is no need to intervene.” He cast a brief glance at the semi-open gate before his tone grew colder. “For now, our priority remains the same: ensuring the concubines complete their mourning rituals for the late emperor.”

“And if he dares to attack us?” the officer pressed. The old man’s gaze sharpened like a blade. “Kill without mercy.” His voice carried absolute authority, leaving no room for debate. “This is the sacred ground of the Emperor’s mourning concubines. If he steps into the Nine Palaces, execute him immediately.” With that, the commander turned and strode away, disappearing into the shadows.

……………………………………………………………………………

Yang Yi made his way back through the eerie corridor, his mind calculating his next moves. Meng Jiangnv rushed to meet him, her expression full of concern. “Husband, how was it?”

“The tomb guardians are indeed strong,” Yang Yi admitted, “but they are not invincible.” His eyes glimmered with confidence. “The real threats are their hidden traps and their crossbows. If I’m not careful, even I could be taken down by a barrage of arrows.”

Meng Jiangnv’s brows knitted together. “Then… what should we do?” Yang Yi chuckled softly, his tone light. “No need to rush. In terms of endurance, they cannot outlast us.” He gestured vaguely at their supplies. “We have limitless food and water. They do not. We have time on our side.”

Meng Jiangnv nodded thoughtfully, but she could still sense something else behind her husband’s words. Yang Yi grinned mischievously. “Of course, my true concern is the concubines.” Meng Jiangnv raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“It would be a waste to let them die.”

Meng Jiangnv sighed in amusement. “So, you pity them?”

“Wouldn’t you?” Yang Yi shrugged. “They are all former noblewomen, exiled into a tomb to mourn a dead emperor.”

His expression darkened slightly. “I do not wish to dig their graves. I would rather see them alive.” Meng Jiangnv tilted her head, studying him. “So you plan to rescue them?” Yang Yi smirked playfully. “I think the First Emperor would be grateful to me for saving his concubines.”

Meng Jiangnv rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless. “Men.”

……………………………………………………………………………

Yang Yi’s expression became serious again. “Before anything else, I need to clear out the other passageways.” Meng Jiangnv nodded slowly. “You believe they will start eating each other soon?”

Yang Yi sighed. “It’s inevitable.” They had already seen the signs—bodies drained of blood, desperate eyes filled with hunger and madness. “They are all doomed,” Yang Yi said solemnly. “The least I can do is grant them a painless death.”

He looked up toward the darkness, his voice lowering. “I will bury them properly.” Meng Jiangnv reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. “You are kind, husband.”

Yang Yi let out a small chuckle. “You are the only one who would call me that.”

……………………………………………………………………………

Meng Jiangnv glanced toward the sleeping Qing Lian, her face softening. “She is exhausted.”

Yang Yi nodded. “Let her rest.” Meng Jiangnv shifted awkwardly, her cheeks flushing red. “For the next few days… don’t touch her.”

Yang Yi raised an amused eyebrow. “Oh?” Meng Jiangnv looked away, fiddling with the fabric of her sleeve. “I fear she won’t survive you.”

Yang Yi laughed outright, cupping her chin and tilting her face toward him. “Do I seem that insatiable?” Meng Jiangnv smiled bashfully. “Husband knows himself best.”

Yang Yi shook his head, chuckling. He had to admit—his stamina was monstrous. The combination of his absurd physique and his indomitable vitality left him restless even after long nights.

……………………………………………………………………………

As the mood lightened, Yang Yi suddenly asked. “Want to eat some meat?” Meng Jiangnv’s eyes lit up instantly. “We can?” Yang Yi grinned. “Of course. And this time, I want the scent to travel.”

Meng Jiangnv gasped slightly, realizing his intent. “You want to draw them in.” Yang Yi nodded slowly. “If the tomb guardians come, all the better. But more likely, the starving laborers from the other passageways will be drawn in first. Then we will deal with them.”

Meng Jiangnv looked thoughtful, then her smile widened. “So be it.”

With a casual flick of his hand, Yang Yi summoned a pile of firewood, followed by several large slabs of fresh venison. Meng Jiangnv stared in wonder. Even after witnessing it countless times, the way he could summon items out of thin air still amazed her.

“Here,” Yang Yi said, scooping a spoonful of honey and holding it to her lips. “Sweeten your tongue before the meal.”

Meng Jiangnv leaned forward, parting her lips slightly, taking in the golden liquid. The honey was rich, thick, and fragrant. It was the taste of happiness.

……………………………………………………………………………

Meng Jiangnv held the warmth on her tongue, letting it melt into her heart. Even in the darkness of this tomb, even amidst death and danger, she had found something precious. She would remember this forever. This was the sweetness of survival.

She gazed at Yang Yi, her eyes filled with quiet devotion. “Husband, how shall I thank you?”

Yang Yi leaned closer, whispering something in her ear.

Her entire face turned scarlet. “T-that’s possible?” Yang Yi smirked mischievously. “Absolutely.” Meng Jiangnv looked away, flustered. “Must it be now?”

Yang Yi laughed softly, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “No. But next time.” Meng Jiangnv nodded hurriedly, too embarrassed to speak. Yang Yi chuckled, thoroughly enjoying her reaction.