1: Chapter 1 Tomb Raiding Challenge System

"Name,"

"Song Yiqing,"

"Are you sure you want to enter the Taklamakan Desert Forbidden Zone alone?"

"I'm sure,"

"In that case, sign this life-and-death contract,"

At the 'Forbidden Zone Expedition Registration Point' in a border town of the Taklamakan Desert,

After a brief questioning, Song Yiqing signed his name on the contract,

and then turned to leave.

As he walked away, he heard a burst of whispered conversation coming from behind him.

'Except for when the Forbidden Zone first opened and some reckless fools entered alone,

it's really surprising to see someone venturing in solo these days.'

'There are too many reckless people these days. Trying to go in and strike it rich without a professional expedition team is simply a pipe dream.'

'...'

Similar remarks kept ringing in Song Yiqing's ears,

but he ignored them.

He was well aware of the dangers of the Taklamakan Desert Forbidden Zone,

but he had reasons why he had to go.

After a few minutes' walk, Song Yiqing arrived at a local noodle shop and ordered a bowl of noodles, devouring them heartily.

At the same time, he received a text message from his mentor on his phone.

[Elder Dong: Yiqing, regarding the cancellation of your direct promotion to the Archaeological Expedition Team, I am very sorry.

I know several leaders of Private Archaeological Expedition Teams; with your abilities, you could easily join one.

If you need it, I can write a letter of recommendation for you...]

Song Yiqing looked at the message, stopped eating, and quickly replied with a sentence.

[Thank you for your kindness, Teacher, but I already have a plan. I'll come find you for tea when I return to school next time.]

After clicking send,

Song Yiqing continued eating his noodles.

In reality, he was not from this world but had transmigrated here three months ago.

This was a rather unique world where history was severely fragmented, and the government strongly supported private archaeological expeditions.

This had made archaeology the most sought-after profession for the entire populace.

Song Yiqing's original self was a top student at the Kyoto Archaeological Institute. With top-tier grades in both professional and cultural courses, plus his mentor's guarantee, he had already secured a spot for direct recruitment into the Official Archaeological Expedition Team.

However, as graduation approached, he was informed that his direct recruitment status had been revoked.

Through the grapevine, he learned that his spot had actually been given to someone with connections.

Upon hearing the news, Song Yiqing was furious and went to his mentor to fight for it,

but it was of no use.

Because even if he forcibly reclaimed the recruitment spot, he would likely be expelled after joining the official Archaeological Team.

Furthermore, he would be completely blacklisted within the industry.

To enter forbidden zones and similar places for adventure, one needed to pass a professional audit.

If he were truly blacklisted, even if he formed his own Archaeological Team, he wouldn't be able to enter forbidden zones due to the blacklist.

After weighing his options repeatedly, Song Yiqing chose to stop resisting.

And because of this, he unexpectedly bound with a Tomb Robbing System.

As long as he completed tasks, he would receive rewards.

This brought a glimmer of light to his bleak, disastrous start.

Right at the start, the system rewarded him with the physical fitness of a max-level special forces soldier, referred to as the Soldier King Physique.

This would undoubtedly be of immense benefit in the dangerous Taklamakan Desert.

Additionally, as a transmigrator, Song Yiqing knew exactly what was hidden in the Taklamakan Desert!

That was, of course, the Ancient Kingdom of Jingjue—the Jingjue Tomb.

According to official regulations, discovering undiscovered history or prehistoric creatures would earn points,

which could then be exchanged for corresponding rewards from the government.

This was known among the people as the gold rush of the new era.

But behind this gold rush lay terrifying adventures where death was a constant companion.

While Song Yiqing was thinking, a middle-aged man approached from diagonally opposite him.

"Young man, I saw you signing up at the registration point just now.

Why are you alone?"

"Hmm?"

After giving the other person a brief once-over, Song Yiqing said,

"I'm used to being alone."

Song Yiqing could basically guess the purpose of this man's approach.

Ever since the government began encouraging archaeological expeditions in forbidden zones and established a series of rewards,

more and more people wanted to enter this profession.

Their first choice was naturally the Official Archaeological Expedition Team, as the protection of soldiers would greatly increase safety.

However, the threshold for entry was undoubtedly extremely high. Coupled with the fact that archaeology was becoming an increasingly lucrative field, the official teams would never recruit unless there were casualties.

If one couldn't join the official team, the alternative was private Archaeological Teams.

These were generally divided into two types: one led by people from the martial world (Jianghu), and the other consisting of corporate expedition teams formed by wealthy bosses wanting a piece of the forbidden zone pie.

The former were all Jianghu types with endless tricks up their sleeves, but they usually formed cliques and were unwilling to associate with ordinary people.

The latter were social personnel recruited from the market by wealthy bosses.

For these corporate expedition teams, unless they were highly professional and experienced,

the quality of their members was generally uneven and their skills worrisome; usually, they only went in to die.

The middle-aged man approaching him now undoubtedly belonged to the 'cannon fodder team' type.

Upon hearing his words, the middle-aged man, Yan Zhanru, chuckled.

"Hehehe, it's normal for young people to be guarded. Uncle Yan can understand.

But you must also understand that this forbidden zone isn't some hill behind a school. Lone wolves are often in the most danger, aren't they?"

"..."

Song Yiqing ignored him and continued eating his noodles.

Yan Zhanru continued,

"Our Yan Family Gang, while not formed by some big company, has successfully entered several times and returned alive.

If you join us, your safety would naturally be guaranteed.

Hehehe, and once we find something, it'll be pure profit for you."

"Oh?"

Song Yiqing finished his last sip of soup, slowly looked up, and smiled at him.

"Such a good deal, and you're coming to me?"

"Isn't it because I see you're a fine young man with a bright future?"

Yan Zhanru laughed.

"I just want to make a friend! In this world, having one more friend means having one more path, doesn't it?"

"Uncle Yan really is a good person,"

Song Yiqing replied lukewarmly, then stood up to scan the code and pay.

At this moment, Yan Zhanru quickly said,

"You've agreed? Shall we go sign the contract now?"

"I don't agree,"

Song Yiqing dropped those words after paying and left the noodle shop directly.

He knew exactly what these people were up to.

The forbidden zones are extremely dangerous; one must stay alert at all times. Once danger is encountered, some 'useless' people can become the tail that is discarded.

This way, the core members of the team can escape without worry.

So Song Yiqing didn't want to waste time with them. Relying on his knowledge of various ancient tombs from his past life, taking all the official rewards alone was the best solution.

[Challenge Task: Enter the Taklamakan Desert to receive an A-rank reward!]

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