Tomb Raider: I Am Hu Bayi's Cousin

Chapter 67

Hu Ming looked at the square-shaped coffin carved with patterns. Although it was not a coffin, it was as large as one, and it was incredibly luxurious and exquisite. Moreover, it was an ice stone coffin.

Although ice stone is far inferior to meteorite jade or even Kunlun sacred wood, it is still one of the best materials for coffins.

But a coffin that can preserve the body from decay is a rare find. "Is this a mortuary coffin?"

The fat man squinted, touching the coffin. He felt a cool sensation between his fingers and exclaimed repeatedly, "What a fine coffin! I wish I had one like this when I die."

Hu Bayi could tell that the coffin was not a sarcophagus; he had that much common sense.

A coffin is a protective outer shell that covers the body of a coffin. In ancient times, it was a luxury for ordinary people to have a tattered cotton quilt to wrap their bodies after death, since they could hardly afford to eat their fill of coarse tea and simple meals every day during their lives.

Only high-ranking officials and nobles had the money and the right to enjoy luxuries after death.

"This is a joint burial tomb from the Western Regions." Professor Chen has immersed himself in the culture of the Western Regions for decades, devoting almost his entire life to this field. He has a very good understanding of the culture of the Western Regions and knows that this kind of coffin is called a joint burial tomb.

"This is considered small. Inside is a monogamous tomb. Some joint burial tombs have coffins that are like rooms, with many wives buried together. The men were all emperors and generals in life, which is why they had such wealth," Professor Chen said, touching the coffin.

His expression changed instantly, and his voice trembled slightly, "This is an ice stone coffin. With such a grand scale, it must be the joint tomb of Prince Gu Mo and his wife. It's a pity we can't open it to take a look, otherwise I would really like to have a peek."

"What?!" The fat man was dumbfounded for a long time. So, after all the trouble of coming here, he couldn't even open the coffin? That's ridiculous!
If it can't be opened, what the hell is the point of me coming down here?

"No, Professor Chen, we're already here, what's wrong with opening it and taking a look? You can at least take pictures." The fat man started to persuade Professor Chen, one thing after another.

"What if there are clues about the ancient city of Jingjue inside? You saw the carving of the Queen of Jingjue on the stone wall as well."

Seeing that Professor Chen's attitude remained firm and unwavering despite all his efforts, the fat man was quite frustrated. Well, he had said all that for nothing. However, he was unwilling to give up.

As Yang Xueli continued to deceive, she said:

"Miss Yang, don't you think so? There are clues about the ancient city of Jingjue in here. The Queen of Jingjue is even carved on the stone wall. This coffin must hold the secret to finding the ancient city of Jingjue. Are you really just going to give up like this?"

Fat men often have a knack for exploiting other people's weaknesses, and Yang Xueli was genuinely moved by what he said.

I came here to find the ancient city of Jingjue. This coffin needs to be opened.

Yang Xueli frowned, but seeing Professor Chen's determined look, she knew that the old man would not agree.

Never mind, she turned to examine the murals, her mind completely absorbed in the coffin. The stone wall was carved with portraits of the Queen of Jingjue and Prince Gumo. She figured that the coffin might contain bamboo slips, parchment scrolls, or similar items that recorded the location of the ancient city of Jingjue.

Although Walter's notebook contains records, they are fragmentary and incomplete.

"Old Hu?"

When the fat man saw that Yang Xueli ignored him, he turned his mouth towards Huba Yi, hinting that he should help him fool Professor Chen, but to his surprise, Huba Yi ignored him completely and glared at him fiercely.

Well, the fat man huffed angrily.

"Have you guys thought it through?" Hu Ming suddenly asked.

Everyone was startled, and the fat man even cursed, "Mingzi, why do you walk like a ghost, without making a sound!"

"Hmph, you were all looking at the murals when I arrived!" Hu Ming said irritably.

Hu Ming frowned and continued, "Let's go upstairs and have some soup! I brought some cured pork ribs with me before I came, and Uncle Anliman has already cooked the soup."

"You brought spare ribs, are they alright?" Hu Bayi couldn't help but ask.

"It's not broken!" Hu Ming glanced at him and went back.

The ribs weren't spoiled, of course, since he had stored them in the system space.

Everyone nodded in agreement and prepared to leave.

"Patriotism, Xiao Sa, take a statement and take photos first. We'll apply for protective excavation when we get back."

"Yes, Professor!"

"Okay, teacher."

Hu Ming, who was walking ahead, was speechless when he heard this. "Are you so sure you can find this place again after you go back?"

(End of this chapter)