Chapter 8, The Tomb of the Gu

One or two bugs are not frightening, but when such creatures appear in their thousands, the sight of them wriggling densely together is unbearable to even think about

I became increasingly perplexed, yet she was unwilling to explain, and I felt it inappropriate to inquire further, so I had no choice but to conduct my own research.

So what are you trying to do by pretending? I thought to myself, you really aren't very clever; I still can't figure out what this person intends to do.

Xu Lei showed no reaction upon hearing this, continuing to boast about how he never regrets anything. However, as an observer, when I heard this, my heart skipped a beat, and I had a strong intuition that she was not joking

Gu worms, I have heard Xu Lei mention them. They are said to be quite common in tombs. However, with so many stone bricks here, if each one contains a Gu worm, wouldn't that make them rather worthless?

What kind of theory is this? I gave him a speechless glance, truly at a loss for words on how to respond to him

"That thing, don't keep it on you." Shi Lan suddenly looked at Xu Lei, pointing at the bag in his hand, or rather, pointing at the black insect inside it.

Shilan! Upon hearing this, Shilan's face twitched, and he emphasized his name, then said: "It is not an ancient tomb, it is a Gu tomb!"

Is this thing... not poisonous, right? I was sweating profusely and hurriedly asked Shi Lan

This insect fell out of a "bead" the size of an egg. Its body is approximately the size of half an egg, entirely jet black, and it has a small horn on its head, giving me a feeling somewhat similar to that of a beetle

Shi Lan sighed, seemingly at a loss for words. A hint of helplessness appeared on her indifferent face as she said, "It's stiff; the poison won't come out."

Even if this thing is not poisonous, you don't need to pick it up again! I thought to myself, unable to help but ask: "This thing is useless, why did you pick it up? Are you planning to give it to those young girls after going out?"

You want to die, but I certainly do not! I shot this guy a fierce glare, feeling utterly helpless at his lack of concern. Pointing to the surrounding walls, I took a deep breath, changed to a serious expression, and said earnestly: "Haven't you noticed that we are now surrounded by these bugs?"

I said to Shitou, "It's not very good for you to say so much; I find you much more agreeable now." Xu Lei laughed heartily, boldly stepped forward, and patted Shilan on the shoulder, saying, "However, the Gu worms and Gu kings are all legends; don't make up stories to scare me. I wasn't raised to be easily frightened."

"Are you kidding me? Do you think I'm foolish? Sending this thing, isn't that just asking for trouble?" Xu Lei shot a glance and took out a transparent plastic bag from his pocket, placing the black bug inside.

It is a dead end over there

"No... no way," the young man swallowed hard, scratched his scalp vigorously, and guessed, "It can't be that serious, can it? Isn't this thing like smashing a golden egg, where only a few of them exist?"

Originally, I wanted to plead for that kid Xu Lei, but before I could say anything, Chen Qi and his two companions returned from their reconnaissance. Taking advantage of the situation, Shi Lan slipped behind Chen Qi, completely leaving me without the opportunity to plead for him

"It is not dead, it is merely stiff." Shi Lan said again, providing no further explanation, simply reiterating the word 'stiff'.

"What on earth do you mean?" Xu Lei exclaimed in frustration, "First you say this thing is toxic, then you say I'm fine. Are you messing with me?"

I do not understand the distinction between "stiff" and "dead" as she mentioned, but one thing is certain: this insect has not moved at all until now, and it seems it cannot move anymore

The woman lifted her head, her eyes fixed on Xu Lei for a moment. A trace of a strange smile suddenly appeared on her cold face as she said mysteriously: "Trust me, you will regret it."

Shilan merely nodded, without saying a word

I certainly am not frightened to this extent by a tiny insect; no matter how terrifying it may look or if it is inherently venomous, I would at most keep my distance, but I would not go so far as to say I am afraid.

"What is the difference between an ancient tomb and a cursed tomb?" Xu Lei waved his hand, implying that once something has entered my pocket, do not expect to take it out.

I was suddenly stirred, and although I did not know why, it seemed I somewhat understood her meaning. I hurriedly asked, "Which character do you mean by 'gu'?"

Stunned, I was momentarily at a loss to understand her meaning. Looking at the black bug on the ground, I asked, "Are you referring to the dead one?"

However, what I did not expect was that there were actually supporters of my viewpoint. Shi Lan had somehow walked over to Xu Lei and me, her expression unchanged, and pointed at me, saying to Xu Lei: "He is right; within every brick here, there resides a worm"

What do you understand? This tomb has at least a history of several hundred years, so the dead insects inside are all specimens that are over a hundred years old. I have worked hard for half a day and didn't get the beads, so I must at least bring back a specimen! Xu Lei explained, thinking he was very reasonable: "Moreover, I have lived for half my life and have never seen such insects before; they might be a rare species. I can't use this specimen myself, but I can sell it to hetushu.com research institute, right?" I have worked hard for half a day and didn't get the beads, so I must at least bring back a specimen! Xu Lei explained, thinking he was very reasonable: "Moreover, I have lived for half my life and have never seen such insects before; they might be a rare species. I can't use this specimen myself, but I can sell it to hetushu.com research institute, right?"

Stone? I almost laughed out loud; Xu Lei's talent for nicknaming is truly remarkable. A beautiful young lady has been dubbed 'Stone' by you. However, seeing Shi Lan's expression, I wisely refrained from laughing.

"The Gu is refined from countless insects; how could there be so many? None of these are Gu insects here." Shi Lan shook his head and said, "However, the so-called Gu tomb must contain a Gu king!"

Upon seeing Xu Lei's actions, I felt a sudden tightening in my chest, thinking to myself that this young man truly does not know the danger he is in. Can he not see that this woman is not easy to deal with?

"You say, why not just say a complete sentence? Why do you always struggle to get out just a few words? Isn't that a bit annoying?" As Xu Lei heard that he was fine, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief, his carefree personality returning once again. He vigorously wiped his sweat with his sleeve and then picked up the black bug that he had thrown away.

"This is a tomb of sorcery," Shi Lan said, his expression rarely changing: "The insects here are not to be taken."

This woman only uttered one word, and it nearly scared me out of my wits. This bug is indeed poisonous; isn't Xu Lei already poisoned by holding it like that?

We are currently in the stone passage of the tomb; to be precise, we are in a passage made of countless stone bricks inlaid with strange beads. This type of insect was smashed out from one of the stone bricks by Xu Lei and me, which means that there could be such an insect in every single stone brick here

Xu Lei's face twitched: "Surround? What is that?"

But my hesitation does not imply that someone else is afraid. I only saw Xu Lei, taking advantage of my inattention, suddenly reach down and pick up the insect from the ground, holding it in his hand and feeling it with both hands.

"Using blood as a medium, and insects as poison." Shi Lan snorted coldly, slightly dissatisfied with Yu He and Tu Shu, saying: "The tomb you robbed this time is a poison tomb; it is not as simple as he described!"

"One or two, useless." Shi Lan shook his head, glanced at the surrounding walls, and said indifferently: "Moreover, they are stiff."

I have the intention to catch this thing and take a closer look, but I am also worried that this creature is so strange that it might be poisonous. After some thought, I ultimately did not dare to take action

Upon hearing this, Xu Lei was also taken aback, letting out a strange cry as the black insect in his hand slipped away in an instant. He hurriedly grabbed his clothing to wipe his hands.

What flowed out with the mud was actually a black bug

"Why?" Xu Lei asked, and I was equally puzzled. Although I found Xu Lei's actions somewhat foolish, I did not sense anything amiss.

I was startled, and as I looked around again, I suddenly felt a tingling sensation on my scalp

I cannot help but mutter to myself, how does this person have such audacity, and I wonder how that endless curiosity was cultivated. Looking at Shi Lan, she appears as if she would not be afraid even if the sky were to fall, truly a formidable woman

Even if these insects themselves have no offensive power, just witnessing such a scene can be utterly repulsive to the point of overwhelming you

Although I do not know why this woman is so familiar with this place, it does not matter; as long as she can provide me with the answer, that is sufficient

Then... what should we do? Xu Lei's expression grew increasingly grim, as if he were frightened.

But the problem is that the environment we are currently in does not allow me to feel anything but fear

Thinking of this, I suddenly recalled that just before Xu Lei smashed the stone, this woman seemed to have given a reminder. I couldn't help but ask, "Did you remind him not to break it earlier? Did you know from the very beginning what was inside?"

"By the way, you are from the Miao ethnic group, no wonder you are so knowledgeable about these insects!" I suddenly realized: "So, all the insects here are Gu worms?"

I know this is an ancient tomb, it has a history of several hundred years, how could it not be an ancient tomb? Xu Lei was unconvinced, directly putting the bag into his pocket, and with a smile said: "I say, Shitou, you shouldn't wear such a serious face; a girl's smile is much more beautiful."

"It's nothing." Shi Lan looked at Xu Lei's exaggerated actions, and the corners of her mouth slightly lifted, as if she found it very amusing

"Then why didn't you stop us?" I frowned. Did this woman not remind us at that time, or was she deliberately trying to harm us?

After working hard all day, I ended up with just this little bug?" Xu Lei clearly did not realize the problem at hand and continued to complain: "What terrible luck, Lao Zhao, do you think I should try opening a couple more to test my luck?

I helplessly shook my head and had no choice but to explain my thoughts to him. At first, he was not paying much attention, but it was only when I described the situation of those insects in their thousands that he realized how dangerous our predicament was

What is he going to do? I asked with a bitter smile, thinking to myself that even if he cleans it up now, if he has been poisoned, he is still poisoned

This has also eased my mind a little; since this creature cannot move, regardless of whether it is truly dead or not, the threat is significantly reduced.

I gave this person a thumbs up, and I no longer know how to describe him. Is it that those who haven't lost their memory have such unique thinking, or is this guy just an oddball

I originally thought that Shi Lan would explode in anger on the spot, possibly giving Xu Lei a good beating. However, to my surprise, Shi Lan was completely indifferent to Xu Lei's actions and instead unexpectedly revealed a smile!