Tomb robbing: I was Buried alive in the Mausoleum of the First Emperor, I Get Stronger by Looting Corpses - Chapter 23

Chapter 23: A Palace Maid from the Inner Chambers

After storing his short sword, Yang Yi turned his gaze toward Meng Jiangnv, who was still deep in slumber. Though he had expended great energy, he felt as full of vitality as ever. Rather than lie idle, he sat on the edge of the bed and summoned his status panel, glancing over his progress.

Host: Yang Yi

Age: 20

Cultivation Level: Hua Jin (Innate Qi) – Entry Stage

Soul Realm: Mortal

Innate Talent & Bone Structure: Supreme Tyrant Bone

Cultivation Methods: Ancient Breathing Technique, Mohist Breathing Technique, Basic Breathing Technique

Skills: Mohist Mechanical Techniques (Beginner), War Halberd Unrivaled, Draw Sword Slash (Entry Level)

Available Lifespan: 1,315 years

Remaining Condensed Cultivation Time: 0

His eyes lingered on the system’s specific classification of his cultivation level. The fact that his Innate Qi was distinctly highlighted meant it was an exceptional breakthrough, setting him apart from conventional warriors. The recognition fueled his ambition, solidifying his belief that he was paving an entirely new martial path.

Yet, his greatest concern was the rapid depletion of condensed cultivation time. Although his system allowed him to compress years of training into mere moments, the cost was steep—he burned through resources at an alarming rate. The efficiency was unparalleled, but the limitations were inescapable.

Exiting the status panel, he focused on his system storage, where massive supplies of food and resources were neatly piled. Grains, vegetables, dried fruits, and stacks of firewood filled the space, alongside the carcasses of tigers, bears, and wild boars. These resources could sustain a small army, yet they remained untouched.

……………………………………………………………………………

“It’s been far too long since I’ve eaten fresh meat.”

Had it not been for the risk of attracting the tomb guardians, he would have already prepared a feast of roasted meat. However, he knew better than to prioritize indulgence over caution. With no clear understanding of the guardians’ strength, recklessness could cost him everything. His eyes shifted toward the four women resting in the system space. Yu Ji and Lü Zhi were undoubtedly the most striking, while the other two—one a child bride, the other an adopted daughter of a fallen family—possessed their own unique charm. His gaze lingered briefly on them, an amused smirk forming.

“The circumstances may not be ideal now, but soon enough, I’ll have the freedom to indulge.”

His mind drifted toward the First Emperor’s tomb. Are there royal princesses buried alongside Qin Shi Huang? If so, will I be able to retrieve them as well?

A slight shake of his head dismissed the thought. He knew that by now, Hu Hai had long since taken the throne, and most of Qin Shi Huang’s children had been executed. Unlike other emperors who at least spared their sisters, Hu Hai had slaughtered them all.

His cruelty extended far beyond mere political ambition—it was a level of paranoia and ruthlessness unmatched in history. Even those who posed no direct threat had been mercilessly exterminated. It was unprecedented, leaving Yang Yi to wonder how Zhao Gao had manipulated events so flawlessly. His patience, his schemes, and his eventual betrayal all pointed to a mind so calculating that even the most powerful ruler in history had never suspected him.

……………………………………………………………………………

Exiting the system space, Yang Yi shut his eyes, focusing on his internal energy circulation. Innate Qi surged through his meridians, flowing like golden dragons weaving through his body. Each cycle of circulation refined his strength, tempering his flesh, bones, and spirit.

“After Hua Jin comes Gang Jin.”

At the Gang Jin stage, warriors could project force outward, wielding their energy as an external weapon. This ability allowed them to manipulate Qi beyond their bodies, bridging the gap between martial arts and true cultivation. Only after perfecting Gang Jin would he be able to step into Qi Refinement—the first step toward immortality.

Unlike Hua Jin, which refined the body, Gang Jin was the gateway to absorbing heaven and earth’s energy. Once a warrior filled their entire body with Qi, they could draw it into the dantian, creating an energy sea that paved the way for further cultivation.

As he meditated, a soft murmur broke the silence.

“Mmm… husband?”

Meng Jiangnv’s voice was delicate and drowsy, her eyes fluttering open as she awakened. Yang Yi slowly opened his eyes, meeting her gaze. Her face flushed with guilt as she realized he had been keeping watch while she slept.

“I should have been the one watching over you, yet I fell asleep instead.”

She lowered her head, her tone filled with remorse. Yang Yi chuckled, shaking his head.

“There’s no need to feel guilty. Ever since I entered Hua Jin, I barely require rest.”

To emphasize his point, he stood effortlessly, radiating boundless vitality. He passed her a bowl of water and some coarse salt, allowing her to refresh herself.

……………………………………………………………………………

“Let’s head deeper into the corridor.”

“It’s time to test the strength of the tomb guardians.”

Meng Jiangnv nodded firmly, wasting no time in dressing herself. Unlike before, she loosened her chest bindings, allowing for greater comfort and ease of movement. She had no need to disguise herself so strictly anymore, at least not in front of him. Once their belongings were secured, Yang Yi took her hand, guiding her into the depths of the corridor. His eyes gleamed with anticipation, while Meng Jiangnv walked beside him, her movements lighter than before.

The corridor stretched endlessly, its vast expanse eerily silent. Each step they took echoed softly, filling the emptiness with a rhythmic pulse. The further they ventured, the heavier the atmosphere became, as though something was waiting beyond the darkness.

Then, a figure emerged in the distance. A single, frail silhouette staggered forward, her movements slow and unsteady. Her steps were weak, as though she had been wandering aimlessly for far too long. Yang Yi’s sharp gaze locked onto her immediately, scanning her appearance and attire.

“A palace maid?”

His expression shifted from curiosity to surprise. It was a woman dressed in imperial court garments, wandering alone in the depths of the tomb. Did she escape from the inner chambers? Or has she been deliberately abandoned here?

His mind raced with possibilities. If she has been left behind, it means there are others. And if there are others, just how many more of them are trapped within these corridors?