Chapter Fifty-One: The Grand Tomb

  We didn't go to Xiama Village, but turned into the mountain at Xiama Village. Of course, we couldn't drive far and had to find a spacious place to stop because it was impossible to drive further up. The car had to be left here, but by this time it was already dark. Li Xiaoman also didn't plan to go up the mountain and decided to set up camp here. Everything would have to wait until tomorrow. After all, this matter wasn't something that could be rushed in a day or two. Besides, searching for that place at night wouldn't be convenient either.

  Four bodyguards set up a tent next to the car, and what I didn't expect was that Li Xiaoman sat in the car without saying a word, but the carriage retreated outward, yet extended out a large piece, turning into a small house with one room and one hall. What's important is that there is a kitchen and bathroom on the car, and it even comes with solar showering facilities. I watched as Li Xiaoman changed into pajamas, sat on the sofa watching TV, and drank red wine. I was so envious that I couldn't help myself. If Li Xiaoman were a man, I would have mustered up the courage to go over and join him. But now, I could only stay in my own tent outside the car, fortunately with a light, although it wasn't bright, but enough for me to read and pass the time.

  That night, naturally, every time I saw that car, I was determined to get one in the future. At night, I even dreamed of myself not sleeping in a tent, of course, I kicked Li Xiaoman out of the car and ordered her around in my dreams, making her tired like a dog. Later, I woke up laughing, but when I woke up, it was already dawn.

  I really dislike Li Xiaoman's attitude, you say she slept standing in the train carriage, that's fine, we know to give way to women. But in the morning, she cooked eggs and soy milk on the train, ate ham, and had a delicious life. Meanwhile, I and four bodyguards were eating bread and ham outside, could only cook instant noodles, it seemed like this was the only way to show her nobility, I don't know how many times I cursed in my heart.

  Not mentioning these, after eating dinner, the four bodyguards started to unload all the equipment from the car. I realized the difference between me and the rich was a whole set of detection equipment, including a net gun that shoots out a net with just one pull of the trigger, which looked like a gun so I called it that. There were also hook guns, flamethrowers, poison gas masks, six sets of protective clothing, ultraviolet disinfection devices, and even one person had prepared a steel-reinforced vest that didn't hinder movement and was very light, but supposedly couldn't be penetrated by bullets.

  After seeing these things, I felt speechless. Comparing what I prepared with others, it's simply too childish. However, for the sake of my dignity, I still teased Li Xiaoman: "You weren't mocking me for not preparing talismans? How come you also brought a pile of modern technology."

  "I'm not like my father, just superstitious about this magic, to deal with something you need a corresponding method, many things can be used with high technology, why not use it? Moreover, zombies are physical entities, talismans may not have much use, it's better to use stupid methods." Li Xiaoman didn't mind my teasing, she couldn't understand the older generation's persistence, although Li Xiaoman was also chasing after the feeling brought by this magic.

  Everything was ready, and a location had been roughly determined inside. However, when searching for the entrance to that place, the technique used was actually image restoration. I only then realized that even if I didn't return the photo to Li Xiaoman, it probably wouldn't stop her determination. With the guidance of the photo and this high-tech equipment, they almost immediately found the exit left by Li Hongjun, which was in a chaotic burial mound.

  I know this place, it's called Jiǔ Kē Sōng (Nine Pine Trees). It's said that a long, long time ago, it was already a burial ground for unknown or unclaimed bodies. People from the surrounding villages would bring here the corpses of those who died under unclear circumstances or outsiders who died in this place and had no one to claim them. Even now, there are often wild dogs roaming around, and at night, there are countless ghostly fires. Even during the day, it's a gloomy place. Under the shade of the nine large pine trees, the entire burial ground is as desolate as the underworld. Second Master said that this place has the heaviest yin energy, where wandering spirits and wild ghosts gather. That's why I was forbidden to come here and play since I was little.

  It's also said that a few children from Xia Ma Village came to play here and didn't know better, but when they went back, they were haunted by guests. Three of the children were no exception, almost being tormented to death. In the end, they had to invite a divine nanny to send away the yin spirits on their bodies. Even so, one of them was weakened by the impact of the yin energy and didn't survive for two years, eventually dying.

  As for other legends, there are countless ones, in short, this is a forbidden land, where all sorts of supernatural things can be linked to it. From ancient times to the present, too many corpses have been buried here, and they are all unclaimed lonely ghosts. It's said that such lonely ghosts cannot reincarnate, so the number of lonely ghosts here keeps increasing. At night when the yang energy is weakest, you can often hear the sound of ghosts crying. Of course, it's unknown whether it's true or false, but this place is indeed a land of extreme yin, which is suitable for the existence of zombies.

  It's not unexpected that the thing is in such a place, and the exit is just under a grave. Of course, when Li Hongjun came, the grave had already been removed, and the bones were taken to one side to be sold. Now it's just a mound of earth, which really doesn't draw attention on the chaotic burial ground. If not for the clue left by Li Hongjun, finding it would be absolutely troublesome.

  "Dig it open!" Li Xiaoman gave the order, and four bodyguards started digging with iron shovels. It didn't take long to dig open the soil and reveal a bluestone slab underneath. From here on, brute force was no longer an option. Li Xiaoman got down and examined it carefully before confirming the mark left by Li Hongjun: "It's right here. This half-opened stone is the entrance to the tunnel. Father said there are mechanisms inside, so we need to be careful."

  I nodded and smiled, but actually just now I had already let Sanmei go down to investigate, the advantage of the ghost being invisible is now apparent. The general situation below I already know, it was only after going down tens of meters that Sanmei said she couldn't go any further, because if we went any deeper the resentment would be overwhelming, and even Sanmei didn't dare to force herself. As for the mechanisms in the tomb passage, Sanmei could see them clearly, so there's no need to worry too much.

  "The passage is over 20 meters long, sloping downward with stairs, but it's actually full of mechanisms. Although I don't know how many years have passed, they still work, including crossbows, poison darts, and flamethrowers, which aren't one-time use either. But I'm not too worried, I know how to get through." I raised an eyebrow, looking at Li Xiaoman with a hint of pride - this was much better than his scouting device. However, I soon let out a bitter laugh: "But after passing the passage, it's going to be a nightmare, I believe that's where the zombies are locked in. We need to be careful, we don't know what situation is inside."

  "Your ghost friend is still somewhat useful, that's good. Now everyone put on protective suits and gas masks. After you're all dressed up, we'll get ready to go in." Li Xiaoman didn't dwell on anything else, nor did she suspect my words.

  The stone slab was pried open, and the entrance to the underground was indeed a dark hole. The stairs leading down were steep and narrow, making it impossible to escape once inside. Even the most skilled person would struggle to climb out quickly. It's a mystery how Li Hongjun managed to get in there in the first place, but unfortunately, there's no way to verify that now.

  Dealing with these mechanisms is actually very simple. At that time, the mechanisms were all triggered by weight, and as long as there was a little weight, they would be triggered. We just threw down a few stones, and several rounds of crossbow arrows shot out. The stones continued to roll down, and the poisonous fog sprayed out, along with the flames spraying down from above. It's hard not to say that the original designers were meticulous. If we hadn't known in advance, it would have been really difficult for us to dodge. Even so, it still delayed us for a long time, until all the mechanisms had exhausted themselves before we dared to take a look inside.

  Li Xiaoman was very careful, even though there were no organs, but still didn't let us go down immediately. Instead, he waved his hand and brought up a survey device, connected to the power source, which had a small microbial analysis instrument on it, as well as three cameras that could observe the situation inside without any blind spots.

  The self-propelled vehicle was put down, which is driven by a battery, but the momentum is still quite large. This thing is sent down and transmits all the scenes recorded by the camera to us on the computer for observation. We use the computer to make a map, making it convenient for us to analyze. Even if there are some unexpected situations, we can react in time or think of a solution before entering. The microbial analyzer can also analyze the air composition inside to see if there are any pathogens. I have to say that compared to Li Xiaoman, I am still far behind, and I didn't think so much.

  Looking at the screen, the self-driving car arrived at the bottom of the tunnel. It's called the bottom because there is a platform with a diameter of over ten meters, and there is a stone gate behind which is the place where Sanmei said the resentment was overwhelming. Through the camera, we carefully studied this stone gate and had to say that the original designer was ingenious. Many years ago, they already had a complex lock head similar to a password lock hidden in the stone gate. If you don't open the lock head, it's not easy to open this stone gate, but of course, this is no match for modern high-tech.

  After a bit of analysis with the computer, I finally figured out how to open the stone gate. By manipulating the mechanical arm of the self-driving car from outside, although it was slow, but very safe, we were able to open the stone gate. This has to be admitted that technology is indeed very useful at times, at least we don't have to risk our lives in person.

  It wasn't until afternoon that the stone gate was opened, and as we walked in, it was a huge cave. The light from the self-driving car couldn't shine far, and it was very dark inside. We couldn't see anything, at least not on the screen. Li Xiaoman had prepared ahead of time, and there were light sources on the self-driving car that could be stuck to the stone wall, illuminating the inside. There were over a dozen light sources, all connected by cables to solar-powered batteries outside, so the inside could stay bright. At least we could see clearly what was going on inside. But the cave itself left us puzzled - it was empty and there was nothing inside, so how could it be like this?