Chapter 265 - 113: Eerie Ancient Tomb

Chapter 265: Chapter 113: Eerie Ancient Tomb

"Yeah, I graduated early."

Lin Yi answered succinctly.

"Wow! You graduated early? Master, you’re amazing!"

Zhou Meng’s adoration was written all over her face.

She clearly didn’t have much of a grasp on what "graduating early" from the training camp actually meant, but that did nothing to diminish her joy at their reunion.

"It’s so good to have you back! Master, you’re finally back! I missed you like crazy! With no one to supervise my training, I’ve been slacking off!"

Lin Yi was amused by her dramatic tone.

"Alright, since you missed me so much, and I happen to have some free time today, I’ll give you a lesson. We’ll see just how much you’ve been slacking off these past two months and how rusty your skills have gotten."

"Really? That’s great!"

Zhou Meng immediately cheered, clapping her hands together excitedly as if she’d just won the lottery.

"We can talk about the lesson later," Lin Yi said, his expression turning serious. He gestured toward the villa. "Is Mr. Zhou home? I have something I need to discuss with him in person."

"He is, he is! My dad’s in the study! I’ll take you!"

At his words, Zhou Meng instantly dropped her playful demeanor and grew eager. She turned and led Lin Yi into the villa, her steps as light and quick as a bunny’s.

"This way, Master!"

Zhou Meng expertly led Lin Yi through the spacious, brightly lit, and lavishly decorated grand hall.

They went straight to a heavy mahogany door on the second floor.

She didn’t even bother to knock, simply turning the handle and barging right in.

Her casual and familiar manner was clearly the result of being thoroughly spoiled.

Inside the study.

Zhou Tiankuo was sitting behind a large red sandalwood desk, flipping through what looked like business documents.

He looked up at the sound, and upon seeing his daughter, the stern expression on his face instantly melted away, replaced by one of fond exasperation.

"You’re a grown young lady now. Why are you still so rash, without any manners?"

"Dad! My master is here! He’s here to see you on important business!"

Zhou Meng paid her father’s criticism no mind at all.

She skipped over to the desk, pointed at Lin Yi by the door, then put her hands on her hips. With the air of a little adult, she solemnly "warned" him,

"I’m warning you, be nice to my master! Or you’ll have me to answer to!"

"Lin Yi’s here?"

Only then did Zhou Tiankuo turn his gaze to the doorway. A flicker of clear surprise crossed his eyes when he saw Lin Yi’s tall, straight figure.

He set down his documents and stood up, asking with a hint of confusion,

"Lin Yi? Weren’t you at the elite training camp in the Provincial City? Why are you back so soon?"

He knew that training camp was exceptionally prestigious, and the program was usually quite long.

"My master graduated early! Isn’t that amazing?"

Zhou Meng chimed in again, her voice brimming with a pride that suggested the accomplishment was her own.

"Graduated early?!"

Zhou Tiankuo’s pupils contracted. The surprise on his face instantly morphed into shock.

He wasn’t as clueless as Zhou Meng; he knew exactly what "graduating early" from a camp like that signified—astonishing talent and power!

The sheer weight of that achievement sent a jolt through him.

He quickly composed himself and waved a hand at Zhou Meng, his tone gentle but firm.

"Alright, alright, I get it. I need to discuss some business with your master, so why don’t you go play for a bit?"

"Oh..."

Zhou Meng agreed reluctantly, glancing back every few steps as she walked out.

Just before closing the door, she poked her head back through the gap, shook her little fist at Zhou Tiankuo, and threatened him one last time.

"Remember, Dad! Be nice to my master! Or I’ll tell Mom to deal with you!"

With that, she slammed the door shut with a BANG.

Watching his daughter leave, Zhou Tiankuo shook his head with a helpless smile.

"That girl... She’s getting more audacious by the day."

He turned to Lin Yi, his expression reverting to the calm composure of a seasoned businessman. He gestured toward the nearby sofa.

"Please, have a seat, Lin Yi. Make yourself comfortable."

"Mr. Zhou."

Lin Yi did as he was told, settling into the comfortable sofa with a relaxed yet respectful posture.

He had already handed the gift box he was carrying to the deferential butler downstairs upon his arrival.

Zhou Tiankuo returned to his seat at the head of the room. His gaze was sharp, a mixture of scrutiny and curiosity, as he cut straight to the point.

"Lin Yi, graduating early from the training camp... That’s incredible. If you don’t mind my asking, what is your current level?"

"Third-Grade Perfection."

Lin Yi replied calmly, his tone devoid of any boastfulness, as if he were stating a simple fact.

HISS...

Zhou Tiankuo sucked in a sharp breath, his breathing catching in his throat.

Despite having braced himself, hearing the words "Third-Grade Perfection" come from the young man in front of him was still a massive shock.

He remained silent for several seconds before letting out a long, slow breath, his expression a mixture of complex emotions. He sighed in genuine admiration.

"The young are truly to be feared... truly to be feared. So, what brings you to me today? Is there something you need my help with?"

His attitude had become markedly more deferential.

Lin Yi sat up straighter and got right to the point.

"Mr. Zhou, to be perfectly honest, I have reached Third-Grade Perfection and am in urgent need of a longevity substance for my Cranial Refinement to break through to the Fourth Grade. I’ve heard you have control over an ancient tomb. I was wondering if you have any exploration plans in the near future? And if so... might there be a spot for me?"

His gaze was direct and steady, tinged with anticipation.

At this, Zhou Tiankuo’s fingers tapped a few times on the smooth surface of his desk. He mulled it over for a moment before speaking.

"As it happens, we do have a tomb exploration planned in three days."

Seeing the light that instantly flared in Lin Yi’s eyes, his tone shifted, becoming serious and grave with a clear note of caution.

"However, our objective this time is to delve into the third level of the tomb. Lin Yi, I must warn you, the dangers on the third level are far beyond anything you can imagine. Even a Fourth-Grade Martial Artist risks death with the slightest misstep down there. You’ve only reached Third-Grade Perfection... Your talent is astounding, but the gap in cultivation level is undeniable. The risk is simply too great!"