Tomb raiding live stream: Starting as the mute Zhang

It was five o'clock in the morning, and it was still dark.

On the second floor of the villa, two doors opened almost simultaneously.

Zhang Qiling walked out, already dressed in black clothes, his hat pulled down to his shoulders. He stood in the corridor, listening intently.

The whole house was very quiet.

The only sounds were the ticking of the second hand on the living room wall clock in the distance and the occasional chirping of insects outside the window.

Zhang Qiling also came out of the room, dressed in all black and carrying the black backpack. The two exchanged a glance and walked downstairs in tacit agreement.

The footsteps were very light, almost silent on the wooden floor.

When I went down to the living room, the clock on the wall pointed to 5:07.

Zhang Qiling walked to the window, opened it a crack, and looked out.

The courtyard was pitch black, with only a dim yellow light from a floor lamp in the corner. The sky in the distance was deep blue, with a hint of gray on the eastern horizon.

"It's still early," he said.

"Um."

Zhang Qiling put his backpack on the sofa, walked to the kitchen, and turned on the tap to wash his face.

The two sat down in the living room and each organized their equipment.

Zhang Qiling opened the backpack and checked its contents.

The black gold ancient knife was wrapped in oilcloth and secured to the inside of the backpack.

Several bags of compressed biscuits and energy bars.

Two bottles of water.

Not many, but they are all necessities.

It's about the same for "Zhang Qiling".

Short knife, food, water, medicine.

He brought one extra thing—a small bottle of salt, packed in a waterproof bag. At sea, on islands, salt is sometimes more effective than medicine.

After tidying up, the two leaned back on the sofa and closed their eyes to rest.

【Ding. 】

The system's voice rang in Zhang Qiling's mind, carrying the languor of someone who had just woken up.

[Host, up so early?]

"Um."

Can't sleep? Feeling anxious?

"No."

Was it excitement? Anticipation?

"No."

So... is that... a habit of waking up early?

"Um."

The system laughed, and the sound of its laughter echoed in my mind.

[Host, your way of chatting is going to kill the conversation.]

Zhang Qiling did not respond.

However, the system changed its tone, "[But then again, we're setting off today for that highest-risk area. Host, are you aware of that?]"

"have."

[It's best to have a clear understanding.] The system paused for a moment. [Last time I said the rating was the highest, but you probably didn't grasp the meaning. Let me explain—if the danger in those tombs before was wolves, the danger on this island might be tigers.]

Zhang Qiling remained silent.

He thought of the bronze-armored corpses in the sacred tree of the Qinling Mountains, the iron-armored guards in the Zhang Family Ancient Building, and the monsters in the Northwest ruins that were contaminated by the "source species".

Those things are already hellish in the eyes of ordinary people.

But the system said it was just a wolf.

The creature on the island is a tiger.

"How much difference?" he asked.

"[It's a huge difference.]" The system's voice was serious. "[Let me put it this way, host. Your combat strength has now recovered to 70%, and your brother's is also at 70%. The two of you working together can roam freely in those tombs before. But once we got to that island...]"

It didn't finish its sentence, but the meaning was clear.

"understood."

"But don't worry too much." The system switched back to a relaxed tone. "You two are tough; you won't die. Besides, the team is complete this time, well-equipped, and well-prepared. As long as you don't do anything reckless, you should be able to come back alive."

Zhang Qiling did not respond.

He opened his eyes and looked out the window.

As the sky brightened, the gray-white expanse to the east slowly expanded, tinged with a faint orange-red.

[By the way,] the system suddenly remembered something, [did your brother sleep well last night?]

"have no idea."

Didn't you ask?

"without."

"You two... are a perfect match." The system remarked. "Each of you is incredibly taciturn, and each of you is incredibly good at holding back."

"Shut up."

"I have no mouth," the system declared matter-of-factly. "I'm just a system, existing within your consciousness. I have no physical form, so where would I get a mouth?"

Zhang Qiling closed his eyes again.

The system is still chattering.

[Speaking of which, host, it's been almost a year since you transmigrated here, hasn't it?]

"Um."

From the Qinling Mountains to Jingjue, to the Tomb of King Xian, to Zhangjia Ancient Building, to the Northwest, to the Southwest… I’ve traveled to so many places, fought so many battles, and seen so many dead bodies. Aren’t you tired?

"No."

Aren't you tired?

"No."

So, do you think it was all worth it?

Zhang Qiling remained silent for a few seconds.

"have no idea."

【have no idea?】

"Um."

[Alright, if you don't know, you don't know.] The system didn't press further. [Anyway, you still have to walk the road and guard the gate. Since you've become Zhang Qiling, this is your fate.]

"It's not fate."

"Zhang Qiling" spoke, his voice flat.

"It's a choice."

The system went silent.

After a while, it chuckled softly.

[Yes, it was a choice. Host, you have grown.]

"..."

Alright, I'm kidding you. Everyone else, it's time to get up and get ready to leave. Host, it's windy at sea, remember to zip your jacket all the way up.

Zhang Qiling opened his eyes.

Outside the window, it was already broad daylight. Sunlight streamed through the clouds, casting a golden glow over the courtyard.

I heard the sounds of doors opening, footsteps, and people washing up upstairs.

Wu Xie rubbed his eyes and walked down the stairs. He was stunned when he saw the two people sitting in the living room.

"Hey guys, you guys... up so early?"

"Mm." Zhang Qiling nodded.

"What time did you get up?"

"Six o'clock."

"Damn..." Wu Xie glanced at the clock on the wall; it was 7:30. "You two have been sitting here for over an hour?"

Zhang Qiling stood up and stretched his shoulders.

"Pack up, let's go."

"Right, right, let's get ready and go." Fatty Wang's voice came from upstairs. He ran downstairs with his backpack, "Have you had breakfast yet? If not, hurry up, Aning made sandwiches."

Inside the restaurant, Aning had already set out breakfast.

Sandwiches, milk, fried eggs, and fruit—simple yet nutritious.

Nine people sat around a table, quietly eating breakfast.

A live-streaming sphere floats above the dining table, and the camera slowly rotates, filming each person.

The number of people in the live stream room gradually increased.

"Let's go! Let's go!"

"We'll be boarding the ship after this meal."

"Those two guys are still dressed in black, they look cool."

"Everyone else looks very serious."

"Of course, when you're going to risk your life, how can you not be serious?"

After breakfast, everyone did a final check of their equipment.

Xie Yuchen was on the phone, confirming the situation at the dock.

Huo Xiuxiu is checking the list to make sure nothing is missing.

Jiang Xun Gu was cleaning his gun.

Black bear is inspecting diving equipment.

Wu Xie and Fatty Wang huddled together and whispered to each other.

"Fatty, do you think... he'll be able to come back this time?"

"Pah, pah, pah, what unlucky things to say. With us guys here, what's there to be afraid of?"

"But.

Wu Xie recounted the danger rating that Zhang Qiling had told him last night.

After listening, Fatty Wang remained silent for three seconds.

"The highest level..." he clicked his tongue, "That is indeed a bit troublesome."

"Just a little?"

"It is a bit troublesome for the guys," Fatty Wang patted Wu Xie on the shoulder. "Tianzhen, you need to think about it from a different perspective—what the guys consider 'a bit troublesome' might be a natural disaster for us. But what the guys consider 'troublesome' can usually be solved."

Wu Xie was both amused and exasperated.

This logic... doesn't seem to make any mistakes.

At 9:00 AM sharp, all equipment was loaded onto the truck.

The three SUVs were packed full. Backpacks, suitcases, and equipment filled the trunks and back seats.

"Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling" rode in the first car, driven by Xie Yuchen.

Wu Xie, Fatty Wang, and Hei Xiazi rode in the second car, while Huo Xiuxiu drove.

A Ning and Jiang Xun Gu rode in the third car, with Jiang Xun Gu driving.

The convoy set off, drove out of the villa area, and onto the main road.

Outside the window, the cityscape rushes past.

High-rise buildings, streets, pedestrians, and traffic gradually transformed into suburban factories and farmland, and eventually into coastal highways.

The smell of the sea wafted in, salty and damp, with a fishy odor.

Zhang Qiling sat in the passenger seat, looking out the window.

Mountains are to the right of the road, and the sea is to the left. The seawater is a murky yellow, with some garbage floating near the shore. In the distance, where the sea meets the sky, there is a deep blue line.

"We'll be at the pier in half an hour," Xie Yuchen said.

"Um."

"Captain Chen is all set. The ship is fully fueled and supplies are complete. He said the weather is nice today, perfect for setting sail."

Zhang Qiling nodded.

He recalled the "highest danger rating" mentioned by the system, the shape of the eye-shaped island, and the saying, "On the night of the full moon, when the tide recedes, the stone gate will appear."

Today is the 13th, tomorrow night is the 14th, and the night after tomorrow is the 15th.

On a night with a full moon.

The timing was perfect.

The convoy drove into the dock.

Huge cranes, mountains of containers, trucks coming and going, and the air thick with the smells of diesel and fish.

Seagulls circled overhead, cawing loudly.

Captain Chen's boat was moored at Pier No. 3; it was a 30-meter-long fishing boat.

The hull was painted blue and white, somewhat old, but well-maintained. Fishing nets and buoys were piled on the deck, and wisps of smoke rose from the chimney behind the wheelhouse.

"We've arrived." Xie Yuchen stopped the car.

Everyone got off the vehicle and began unloading their equipment.

Captain Chen disembarked from the ship; he was a lean old man with dark skin and bright eyes.

He was wearing dirty overalls and rubber rain boots.

"Boss Xie." He walked over and shook hands with Xie Yuchen.

"Captain Chen, thank you for your help."

"No trouble at all, I've already paid you." Captain Chen grinned, revealing his teeth stained yellow from smoking.

His gaze swept over the crowd, lingering on "Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling" for a couple more seconds, but he didn't ask any further questions.

"How's the ship?" Xie Yuchen asked.

"It's fine. It was just inspected yesterday. The engine, navigation, and communication systems are all working perfectly."

Captain Chen said, "The fuel tank is full, the water tank is full, and the food is in the icebox. It's just..."

He paused, then lowered his voice.

"Things at the dock have been a bit unsettled these past few days."

"How so?"

"Several groups of people are asking about your ship." Captain Chen glanced around. "Some are unfamiliar faces, some are familiar. The one who looks familiar is Luo Laoqi from the Luo family; he has a scar on his face, so he's easy to recognize. The unfamiliar ones look like they're from the north; they speak with an accent, so they're probably from the Wang family."

Xie Yuchen nodded.

What did they do?

"Luo Laoqi found a speedboat yesterday and moored it at Pier 5. The boat isn't big, but it's fast. The Wang family chartered a small cargo ship, and it set off this morning, also heading southeast."

"Understood." Xie Yuchen patted Captain Chen on the shoulder. "Thanks, Uncle Chen. Let's set sail, proceed according to the original plan."

"OK."

The equipment was quickly loaded onto the ship.

The fishing boat's cabin wasn't large, but it was adequate. There was a large cabin below the wheelhouse with six bunk beds. There was also a small cabin at the stern that could accommodate three people.

"Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling" chose the small cabin at the stern.

The two put down their backpacks and went up to the deck without lingering.

Others also boarded the ship one after another.

Captain Chen started the engine in the wheelhouse, and the diesel engine emitted a dull roar.

The ship shook and slowly left the dock.

The scenery on the shore slowly receded and became smaller.

The docks became a line, and the city became a blurred outline.

The sea breeze picked up and made the clothes flutter loudly.

Zhang Qiling stood at the bow of the ship, looking ahead.

The seawater gradually changed from a murky yellow to a deep green, and finally to blue.

The ship sailed out of the harbor and into the open sea. The waves grew larger, and the ship began to rock.

"First time at sea?" Jiang Xun Gu walked over and stood next to him.

"Um."

"Do you get seasick?"

"Won't."

"That's good." Jiang Xun Gu smiled. "Some people get seasick the first time they go to sea. But judging from your physical condition, you should be fine."

"Zhang Qiling" also came out of the cabin and walked to the other side of the bow.

He leaned on the railing, looking out at the sea.

The seawater parted on both sides of the ship, creating white waves.

The levitating live-streaming sphere rises and captures a shot of the entire ship and the sea.

In the live stream chat, the comments section was flooded with messages.

"We've set sail! We've set sail!"

"This boat looks a bit old."

"Two young men standing at the bow of the boat, what a sight!"

"The sea is so blue"

"I'm starting to get nervous."

After the boat had been sailing for more than two hours, the land behind us became a faint line.

All around was the sea, an endless expanse of blue.

The sky was blue, with a few wisps of white clouds drifting by.

Where the sea meets the sky, it's impossible to tell which is which.

"At this speed, we should reach that area by tomorrow afternoon." Xie Yuchen emerged from the bridge, holding a nautical chart. "Captain Chen said we'll spend the night at sea and continue tomorrow morning."

"Where are the Wang and Luo families' ships?" Black Bear asked.

"Captain Chen checked the radar and saw a speedboat about ten nautical miles behind us. It should be Luo Laoqi. We didn't see the Wang family's cargo ship. They might have taken a detour, or they might be waiting ahead."

"Let them follow," said Zhang Qiling.

"Yes, let them follow." Zhang Qiling repeated.

Both spoke in the same flat tone, revealing no emotion.

But everyone knows what that means—

Once you catch up, there's no going back.

As evening fell and the sun began to set, it turned the sea golden.

The ship stopped and anchored.

Captain Chen made dinner: simple seafood noodles, but very fresh.

The fish were freshly caught, and the shrimp were cooked to order.

Nine people sat around on the deck, eating noodles while watching the sunset.

"The moon will be full tomorrow night," Xie Yuchen said.

"Um."

"We've calculated the tide time. It will recede to its lowest point around 10 PM and last for about two hours. We need to get to the island around that time and find the stone gate."

Zhang Qiling nodded.

He put down his bowl and looked into the distance.

On the sea level, only half of the sun remained, turning the sky and sea red.

Very beautiful.

But behind the beauty lies unknown danger.

Zhang Qiling recalled the system's words.

Highest risk rating.

tiger.

He clenched his fist.

Then let's hunt tigers.