345: Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) are categorized into different grades, reflecting the ruthless exploitation of families.

But now, there were no Corpses here, only piles of white bones remaining. These white bones must have all been moved, meaning their plan had failed.

"What should we do?" Meng Ziyi asked anxiously.

"There's nothing we can do. We must find another way out," Ye Bai said bitterly. "We have to escape this place quickly, or we'll end up buried here sooner or later!"

The three descended the steps and passed through a narrow, dim passage. They hadn't noticed when they climbed the stairs, but this passage was quite narrow, only wide enough for about two people to pass side-by-side. Such a confined space was perfect for Zombies, allowing them to rush in easily.

"Listen!" Yang Mi suddenly exclaimed.

Ye Bai looked up and saw a cluster of Faint Blue Flames flickering deep within the dark passage. It looked like a tiny wick, swaying gently, as if it could be extinguished at any moment.

"What is that thing?" Meng Ziyi asked doubtfully. "Why does that flame feel so familiar?"

"Something is wrong!" Ye Bai immediately stopped Meng Ziyi from getting closer and said in a deep voice, "Let's return the way we came."

Yang Mi and Meng Ziyi exchanged glances, then followed Ye Bai back the way they came.

Just as they were preparing to retreat, they suddenly felt a violent tremor coming from the depths of the passage, as if some enormous creature was rampaging underground.

"Damn it, it's catching up!" Meng Ziyi cried out in panic. "Let's hurry and leave."

"No!" Yang Mi stopped them. "If we keep going this way, we're bound to run into Zombies. Since we chose to take the risk to come down here, we absolutely cannot give up halfway!"

Ye Bai also firmly objected: "We must figure out what changes occurred on the lower level and why it became a Zombie paradise. If we miss tonight's opportunity, it will be very difficult for us to leave the Ancient Tomb tomorrow!"

Yang Mi and Meng Ziyi argued non-stop, while Ye Bai remained calm, his tone filled with an unquestionable dominance.

In the end, Yang Mi compromised. Because under Ye Bai's cold gaze, she couldn't bring herself to defy him.

The three returned to the depths of the cavern. The huge cavern had been sealed, its entrance blocked by a wooden board.

Ye Bai used his sword to shatter the wooden board and crawled into the cave.

This was a room similar to a warehouse—spacious and cold. luminous pearls were embedded in the surrounding walls, illuminating the confined space. Directly ahead stood an outer coffin. Judging by its design, it was made of Bronze, carved with exquisite patterns, and coated with Red Oil, indicating that the owner was wealthy or noble.

Ye Bai carefully examined the patterns carved on the Coffin Lid, and suddenly a scene flashed through his mind.

The scene showed a towering, majestic Palace, where a woman sat on a Throne looking down upon her officials. She wore a magnificent, intricate robe, a golden crown, and held a scepter, a faint smile gracing her lips.

The woman exuded the aura of a powerful expert, arrogant and disdainful of all living beings.

"Is this an Emperor who rules the world?" Ye Bai muttered to himself.

Just then, a strange sound rang out.

The sound was eerie, like the cry of some creature.

"Why are there insects here?" Meng Ziyi asked in surprise, covering her ears.

Just then, a black insect suddenly flew beside her, circling her continuously. It looked ferocious and ugly.

Meng Ziyi was terrified, screaming as she hid in Ye Bai's arms.

This type of insect is called a "Ghost Bug," a type of Evil Creature.

After absorbing the Yin Spirit Energy from Corpses, they become extremely savage and bloodthirsty. They will viciously bite any living person they encounter.

Ghost Bugs are incredibly fast and numerous. Once they latch onto prey, escape is nearly impossible.

Meng Ziyi was trembling all over with fear, tears streaming down her face. Only after Ye Bai comforted her did she manage to calm down slightly.

A look of gravity appeared on Ye Bai's face.

These Ghost Bugs are too dangerous! They must leave here quickly to avoid being harmed by them.

"You two run to the left, I'll cover the rear," Ye Bai instructed.

Yang Mi nodded and pulled Meng Ziyi, running toward the left. Ye Bai drew the Soft Sword from his waist and scattered the Ghost Bugs. When he turned around, however, he found a massive creature standing behind him.

"This fellow..." Ye Bai's pupils suddenly contracted. He recognized this monster as a Zombie!

The form of a Zombie is completely different from that of a normal Corpse. When the epidermis of a regular Corpse rots, it generates various pathogens, causing it to transform into a Zombie;

However, Zombies, due to long-term immersion in Corpse Fluid, have skin on the surface of their bodies that becomes loose, even ulcerated, eventually giving birth to a Zombie.

Yet, the condition of the Zombie before them was completely different from that of a conventional Zombie.

The Zombie's outer shell was well preserved. Aside from the stench of decay, there was almost no sign that it had undergone a terrible corpse transformation. This Zombie had smooth muscle lines and a tall, slender physique.

It wore Armor, held a Sharp Blade, and its gaze was fierce and cold.

"This is not just a Zombie," Ye Bai said, staring at the Zombie. "This Zombie possesses high intelligence."

His mind raced.

Normally, a Zombie's thinking relies on instinct. But the limbs of the Zombie before him were extremely flexible, and it even knew how to hide and attack enemies. This was truly puzzling, unless it was some kind of special life form.

Ye Bai took out a Fireball Talisman and threw it violently at the Zombie.

Bang—!

The fireball exploded, kicking up a shower of sparks. The Zombie failed to dodge in time and was blasted back several steps, but it quickly regained its footing, its eyes fixed intently on Ye Bai.

"It's alive, indeed," Ye Bai murmured.

The Zombie before them possessed a certain level of intelligence.

"We must leave here quickly!" Ye Bai reminded them.

Yang Mi nodded in agreement.

The Zombie slowly approached. Ye Bai put his long sword behind his back and took out a Peachwood Box. He opened the Peachwood Box, took out five Spirit Talismans, and stuck them onto his body. He silently chanted a Spell, formed Hand Seals, and pointed at the Zombie.

Buzz, buzz, buzz... The Spirit Talismans activated, instantly bursting into raging flames.

Ye Bai slapped the Zombie's chest with his palm, and a circle of crimson flames immediately spread out.

Fueled by the wind, the fire instantly devoured the Zombie's torso.

Roar—!

The Zombie roared in pain and struggled desperately. However, it was useless. The flames burned hotter and fiercer, completely engulfing it in moments.

When the flames dissipated, the Zombie's Corpse also vanished, leaving behind only a pile of ashes.

"What is this?" Ye Bai squatted down, picked up a pinch of Bone Powder, and sniffed it.

"It smells good!" Meng Ziyi leaned closer, picked up some Bone Powder with her fingers to sniff it, and said, "Is this Zombie bone?"

"It should be," Yang Mi also squatted down to observe. "This Zombie was very strong; it couldn't have just died. I suspect it was lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right opportunity."

Ye Bai frowned and pondered, "A newly dead Zombie has no consciousness. This Zombie must have been controlled."

"By whom?" Meng Ziyi asked.