Chapter 2401 - 2304: Coward

Huo Sining naturally knew what trouble Gu Xu was talking about; the situation at the Luofu Mountain Ancient Tomb was still unclear, and the main burial chamber and burial pit had yet to be opened. Several professors adopted a highly secretive and cautious demeanor as if they were facing a formidable enemy.

At this time, all the members of the archaeological team were being extremely cautious, fearing that if anything went wrong, they would be blamed and dared not move around the mountain freely.

Even though Huo Sining was Zhou Shitao’s apprentice, if she were found alone in the back mountain, it would surely raise a series of suspicions.

However, Huo Sining still had a Spiritual Pearl with her, so as long as she used it to conceal her traces while moving in the mountain, she wouldn’t be discovered, which made things less worrisome.

But they’ve stayed in the hidden chamber for too long; it’s already past five in the morning. If they delay further, it would be daylight soon. If someone from the archaeological team comes to call them for breakfast and finds them missing from their tents, the secret would surely be exposed.

Others might be easier to manage, but the nerve-wracking Su Qingqing might directly lift her tent flap, and upon discovering her tent was empty, it would definitely cause an issue.

Thinking about this, Huo Sining became anxious and, without bothering to explain further to Gu Xu, waved her hand, putting Saiji and Gu Xu into the storage ring, then turned and sprinted out.

On the other side, Qibao was already waiting; as they walked out, Qibao sealed the cave back up, the sand within the cave returned to its place, transforming back into rock layers. The original cave combined with the mountain, and when the two had completely exited, the entire mountain appeared completely sealed, with no trace remaining of the tunnel that once existed.

Seeing this, Huo Sining couldn’t help but give Qibao a thumbs up.

The little fellow flashed a proud smile, appearing quite satisfied and rather conceited. If his fishtail were exposed, Huo Sining was certain it would be wagging high in the air.

Finding it funny, Huo Sining couldn’t help but rub Qibao’s soft little head, generously praising, "Good job, Qibao! Your skills have improved significantly, impressive!"

Qibao smirked with pride, "Of course, I’m much more capable than that dummy Niuniu!"

Uh...

Huo Sining’s lips twitched; she knew who was perpetually being zapped by Niuniu and bawling while fleeing around the house, not being her match at all.

But Huo Sining wouldn’t say it out loud, given the little fellow had just done her a big favor. Even if it’s like kicking a donkey after it’s done working, it’s too soon to thwart him.

Though she felt this was factual, Huo Sining still considered the little guy’s feelings and refrained from exposing his brag. She merely smiled, nodding with feigned agreement, "Yes, yes, Qibao is much more remarkable than Niuniu!"

Her words undoubtedly pleased Qibao; the little fellow was chattering excitedly all the way back, evidently thrilled to have outdone Niuniu.

Returning to the campsite, Qibao quieted down, both slipping silently back into their tent.

They released Gu Xu, and the three of them had barely re-settled in bed for ten minutes when the commotion started—Zhou Shitao and the others were rising, and once the archaeological team noticed the professors were up, none dared continue sleeping, hurriedly getting up.

As expected, Su Qingqing was not restrained at all, immediately coming to Huo Sining’s tent, pulling back the flap and barging right in:

"Ningning, quickly take out your vegetable pack; I’m about to starve!"

Huo Sining opened her eyes, glaring at Su Qingqing, "Didn’t Director He say yesterday that breakfast would be delivered this morning?"

Su Qingqing cast a particularly disdainful look at Huo Sining, saying:

"Judging by the quality of yesterday’s lunch and dinner boxes, I can guess how terrible the breakfast would be. Your vegetable soup is far more palatable, get up quickly, not just me, the professors are waiting too. Me starving is a minor issue, but your mentor going hungry is significant, you wouldn’t be so stingy to not give us some, right?"

Huo Sining’s mouth twitched, rolling her eyes at Su Qingqing:

"Don’t use my mentor as a shield; I know you, you’re the greediest among this bunch. Archaeology means enduring hardships; who comes here expecting comfort? It’s a wonder your mentor hasn’t scolded you, if I were like you, I’d probably be getting a scolding!"

Su Qingqing pursed her lips, "Come on, Mr. Zhou is always partial; he treats you better than anyone. I bet even if you broke the sky, he’d be there to support you. Your mentor is more reliable than mine!"

Huo Sining then smiled slyly, "Do you want me to repeat that in front of Professor Xie?"

Su Qingqing instantly jumped, her expression awkward, swiftly changing the topic, "Oh, who’s discussing this with you? Hurry up and get up, I’ll go boil water, waiting for you to bring out the vegetable pack!"

Saying this, the cowardly girl clicked away, fleeing in a hurry, leaving Huo Sining to shake her head helplessly, resigning to getting up.

Luckily she had the Spiritual Pearl’s protection; although she hadn’t slept much overnight, her spirits were reasonably good. After freshening up and tidying slightly, Huo Sining didn’t rush Qibao and Gu Xu to rise, instead heading out with several vegetable packs and some cup noodles.

No sooner had she exited than she saw the temporary stove, where several professors squatted around, each with disheveled hair, squinting sleepily, clearly not fully awake.

However, upon Huo Sining’s emergence, they all turned to look simultaneously, their eyes lighting up with anticipation, as if they’d found meat like ravenous wolves.

Huo Sining couldn’t help but want to laugh, but she forced a composed expression, as she started adding the vegetable packs to the pot of boiling water Su Qingqing had prepared.

Thankfully, Director He had sent cooking utensils yesterday; the pot for making soup was ready, allowing them not to rely on Huo Sining’s temporary kettle for cooking.

A whole pot was brewed in a matter of minutes, but the aroma was enticing, even drawing the cravings of the distant special police on guard, let alone these wolf-like professors.

This bunch was usually well-mannered, but having tasted the vegetable soup yesterday, courtesy didn’t apply. Each grabbed a bowl and ladle, eagerly dipping into the pot, with Huang Zhenlong and Zhou Shitao almost coming to blows over the ladle.