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

Chapter 5: A Ten-Thousand-Fold Reward—Ancient Breathing Technique!

Yang Yi took a deep breath as he pocketed the jade pendant in front of everyone, his expression unreadable. There was no reason to feel nervous. In the outside world, jade might be a valuable treasure, but inside this sealed tomb, it was worth less than a rock. At least a rock could be used for defense.

Some of the surrounding prisoners scoffed at his actions. “What an idiot.” To them, wasting time looting a worthless object instead of searching for food or weapons was foolish. They had no idea what he had just acquired.

Just then, the system notification echoed in his mind.

Ding!

[Congratulations, host, for acquiring Shang Dynasty Jade.

Since the host is currently in the Qin Dynasty, the system will assess the artifact based on its value in this era.].

Yang Yi’s brows furrowed slightly. A jade relic from the Shang Dynasty. That meant the deceased had likely stumbled upon it while constructing the Emperor’s tomb. How else could an ordinary person possess something so ancient?

He sighed. The system’s valuation method was somewhat limiting—if he had been in a later dynasty, its worth might have been judged differently. Even so, Shang jade was still highly prized in the Qin era.

Then came the real reward.

Ding! 

[Evaluation complete. Congratulations, host! You have triggered a Ten-Thousand-Fold Critical Reward!].

[Congratulations, host! You have obtained the Ancient Breathing Technique. Detected host beginning cultivation. Converting attribute panel to cultivation panel.].

As the system’s voice faded, a vast stream of profound knowledge surged into his mind, flooding him with insights into an ancient and powerful breathing technique. Simultaneously, his status panel shifted before his eyes, updating in real-time.

Host: Yang Yi

Age: 20

Realm: Ming Jin (Beginner Stage)

Soul Realm: Mortal

Cultivation Method: Ancient Breathing Technique

Skills: Basic Mohist Mechanical Arts

Unclaimed Lifespan: 10 years

Yang Yi’s eyes widened slightly. I can cultivate now? The system had transitioned from a standard attribute-based format to a full-fledged cultivation system. If that is the case, will I still be able to acquire attribute points? Just as the thought crossed his mind, another system notification rang out.

Ding! 

[Congratulations, host, for successfully looting a corpse!].

[Rewards acquired: A quilt, ten sets of clothing, five jin¹ of venison.].

[Congratulations, host! You have obtained one year of intense cultivation experience and ten additional years of lifespan!].

Yang Yi exhaled in relief. He had initially worried that he had lost the ability to gain enhancements, but the system still provided resources—only now, it had transitioned into a more cultivation-based approach.

“System, is cultivation time equivalent to attribute points?” he asked.

[Yes. When the host activates stored cultivation time, one full year of training will be completed instantly.].

Yang Yi nodded in understanding. Not a bad trade-off. Curious, he glanced at his updated status panel once again.

Host: Yang Yi

Age: 20

Realm: Ming Jin (Beginner Stage)

Soul Realm: Mortal

Cultivation Method: Ancient Breathing Technique

Skills: Basic Mohist Mechanical Arts

Unclaimed Lifespan: 20 years

Remaining Cultivation Time: 1 year

Feeling a surge of confidence, he rose to his feet. To the others, it seemed like he had gained nothing significant, which meant no one would bother him over a “useless jade pendant.” That suited him just fine.

“System, can I transfer lifespan to others?” The thought had been lingering in his mind. If they remained trapped underground for an extended period, he had no desire to end up completely alone. Isolation could drive a man insane.

Ding! 

[Yes, host may transfer lifespan. However, only individuals with a loyalty rating of 80 or higher can receive it.].

[Additionally, if their loyalty drops below 80, any transferred lifespan will be forcibly reclaimed.].

Yang Yi smirked. “System, you’re surprisingly thoughtful.” Another question surfaced. “How can I check someone’s loyalty level?”

[Once an individual accepts any substantial benefit from the host, their loyalty rating will become visible.].

A sharp gleam flickered in Yang Yi’s eyes. That meant he would soon be able to check Meng Jiangnv’s loyalty level. Without hesitation, he issued another command.

“System, activate one year of cultivation experience.”

Ding! 

[Host is now undergoing condensed cultivation.].

[Despite being inside the underground palace, the Ancient Breathing Technique does not require external spiritual energy. Since the host has sufficient food and water, and possesses exceptional comprehension, the host has made significant progress.].

[In one year of compressed training, the host has successfully advanced to Ming Jin (Mid Stage).].

A scorching wave of energy erupted within him. His blood boiled, muscles tensed, and an unstoppable force surged through his veins. His mind grew sharper, his perception expanding beyond his previous limits. When he regained clarity, he clenched his fists, feeling the raw power coursing through his body. He had achieved in mere seconds what should have taken a year.

A smirk formed on his lips. “Being trapped here is only temporary.”

With the system’s help, he had no intention of rotting in this tomb. Once he had looted enough corpses, he would be strong enough to break out. And if luck was on his side, he might even intervene in the Qin Dynasty’s downfall. His thoughts drifted even further.

“If my luck holds out, I could loot Qin Shi Huang himself. If I obtain the Imperial Jade Seal, the dragon’s bloodline, or something even more powerful…”

A wild ambition ignited in his chest. “With limitless food, unrivaled strength, and a well-suited identity…Maybe I won’t just escape. Maybe I’ll build an empire of my own.”

Excitement pulsed through his veins. The possibilities were endless.