Tomb Raider: I Am Hu Bayi's Cousin

Chapter 39 Hu Bayi learns that the Jingjue Ancient City is cursed

At this moment, Hu Ming suddenly said to everyone, "Everyone, turn off the lights and turn off the camera flash. Don't make too much noise."

Everyone nodded after hearing this.

The blue light emanated from the nine-story demon tower. Fireflies with their wings folded clung to the bodies of the corpses hanging upside down on the tower, their bodies radiating a ghostly blue light.

"My God, how many fireflies are there?"

The fat man was dumbfounded. If anyone told him now that there were countless treasures inside the Demon Tower, he wouldn't dare to take them. He'd already been burned to death by the fireflies on the outer perimeter before even entering. Who would dare to go in? Wait, what's this?

Sadipeng saw a charcoal-covered human figure and found it intriguing. He walked over, looked down to examine it, and casually took a picture with his camera. This time, he really turned off the flash.

He wasn't stupid; he knew he had to behave himself in front of fireflies.

"This is the ash from a person burned to ashes by fireflies." Upon arriving here, Hu Bayi was filled with unease. He walked over to Sa Dipeng and said seriously, "Little Sa, remember not to disturb the fireflies, and don't shine your headlamp directly on them."

"Teacher, I think none of the nine-story demon towers we've discovered before are as complete as this one. This nine-story demon tower must be the best-preserved and unique demon tower in the world."

"It's so well preserved thanks to being buried deep underground and escaping the reach of tomb robbers!"

The archaeologists chatted in surprise and wonder, putting the crisis out of their minds.

"Professor Chen, we must leave immediately, this is too dangerous." Hu Bayi had tried to persuade him many times with earnestness.

"Xiao Hu, we're willing to risk our lives for archaeological research. How can you leave so soon after we've arrived?"

Seeing that Hu Bayi was being a bit annoying, Professor Chen didn't want to pay him any attention. Yang Xueli glanced at Hu Bayi indifferently, thinking that he was quite annoying too, nagging and always worried about danger. Who would come here? She walked forward quietly, getting closer and closer to the Nine-Story Demon Tower.

Just as Hu Bayi was about to try to persuade him again, Hu Ming stopped him and shook his head.

"Yang Xueli, what are you doing over there? Come here quickly." Seeing Yang Xueli heading towards the Nine-Story Demon Tower, Hu Bayi's expression became extremely anxious. If the fireflies are awakened, everyone will die. This American girl is truly selfish.

"You don't need to worry about me, just go out first," Yang Xueli glanced at the two of them, and continued walking forward.

"Mingzi, look, Shirley Yang is courting death, what should we do?"

“We haven’t paid her yet. If she dies, we’ll have worked for nothing.” The fat man walked over as well. “No, I have to protect her, or our money will be wasted.”

Seeing the fat man so eager to head towards the Demon Tower, Hu Ming knew his nature. "If you want the treasure, just say so! Why are you still protecting Shirley Yang?"
Beneath the Demon Tower lies a long pit, over a meter deep, piled high with bones—the remains of cattle, sheep, and other livestock, but also some human bones. The flesh and blood had completely rotted away, leaving only bones.

"Xiao Chu, look at those human graves. They have irreplaceable research value for our understanding of the Demon Kingdom. Be sure to take careful notes and take good photos."

Hao Aiguo walked to the edge of the burial pit, looked down at the corpses below, and his eyes lit up. These were all treasures! Thank God for letting me witness this ancient scene.

"Teacher, be careful." With a camera hanging around his neck and notes in his hand, Chu Jian went to follow Hao Aiguo, worried that something might happen to him.

Meanwhile, Ga Wa and the big guy stayed close to Professor Chen, protecting him at all times.

Hu Ming and Hu Bayi exchanged a glance, and then Hu Ming said, "Let Fatty go with this American girl. Let's stay here and keep an eye on Professor Chen and the others."

Hu Bayi hesitated for a moment and said, "They're all a bunch of unreliable guys. I'm starting to regret coming here."

"Sigh, I've been thinking about it these past few days, and I still think I shouldn't have taken this job in the first place."

Hu Bayi frowned upon hearing this and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Sigh, as far as I know, everyone who enters the Jingjue Ancient City is cursed," Hu Ming said, glancing at Hu Bayi before telling him the story.

Hu Bayi was shocked upon hearing this and exclaimed, "How could this be! Why didn't you say so before?"

"Sigh, who knew these people would be like this..." Hu Ming said embarrassedly, knowing he was in the wrong.

Hu Bayi frowned as he looked at Professor Chen and the others, then slowly asked, "Is there any way to break that curse?"

"Yes," Hu Ming said affirmatively.

Hu Bayi nodded, then sighed and said, "Don't tell anyone about this yet. Let's wait until we find the Jingjue Ancient City. Besides, we might not even be able to find it."

Hu Ming nodded upon hearing this, and then continued, "Alright! Old Hu, let's go take a look and see if we can find anything good to take out. Even if we quit, this trip will have been worthwhile."

(End of this chapter)