"This creature has only one thought: that if they go to hell, fall into the mud, those around them will suffer the same fate, falling into the mud. Therefore, they will try their best to drag us all down with them."
Zhou Lin's tone was very calm, as if he were stating a common occurrence.
But in the eyes of Hodge and the metaphysics professor, this was the gate to hell. They could survive in the mud, but if they fell in, would they just wait for death?
"Um, is there any way?"
Hodge asked, confused.
"Yes, but now is not the time. We still need a bait to lure out what's inside."
After speaking, Zhou Lin's gaze fell upon the people from Sakura Country behind him.
The people from Sakura Country felt a sudden alarm at his gaze.
"What are you doing? What are you going to do?"
Professor Zuolin looked at Zhou Lin with some nervousness, his words faltering.
"Of course, I can't let you be idle. I need someone to act as bait. See which one of you is willing to make a sacrifice? I guarantee no charge, and I'll let you pass."
Zhou Lin waved his hand generously, explaining casually.
But for the people of Sakura Country, it was a terrifying invitation from a devil.
"There's no reason why only people from our Great Xia have to rush ahead. You want to wait for the results? Dream on!"
"I'll give you five minutes to think. If you don't have an answer by then, you can get lost."
Seeing that none of them spoke, Zhou Lin's expression turned grim.
The people from Sakura Country looked at each other, bewildered.
Just then—
Boom…
Many muddy hands emerged from the mud pit behind them.
These hands began to move towards the shore, trying to drag the people of Great Xia into the mire.
"Not good, Professor, be careful!"
Captain Zhao, seeing the scene before him, quickly drew his weapon and began to fire.
The sound of bullets echoed through the space.
The archaeological team members, seeing this, quickly stood behind the mercenaries, watching as these hands were hit by bullets and slowly retreated back into the mud.
The entire space fell silent once more.
Hodge and the metaphysics professor, still shaken, looked at the mud pit. Seeing that it had returned to its calm state and the terrifying hands were gone, they breathed a sigh of relief.
"Why did this thing attack proactively? It's so terrifying."
Hodge, unlike the metaphysics professor, was seeing such a dangerous creature up close for the first time.
"Don't make a fuss, this is far more dangerous than you think."
The metaphysics professor was also shaken, but he forced himself to remain calm in front of Hodge, not wanting to embarrass himself, even though he was very fearful.
The students behind them were also pale with fright, not daring to breathe.
In the live broadcast room.
"Oh my, that was so sudden, it scared me to death."
"Why so sudden? Was that a sneak attack?"
"It's truly terrifying. I didn't even understand what was happening before those dark hands appeared, it was just..."
"Your Great Xia's creatures are too terrifying. Have you done something to incur divine wrath? Why would such terrifying creatures appear?"
"Exactly, have the people of your Great Xia been cursed by someone?"
"It must be your sins that caused this, the entire archaeological team is in danger."
"Are you brain-dead? Curses? Do you have such creatures in your tombs? This is a rare species, all of you, pay attention. Even seeing it is your honor."
"Exactly, all of you, take a good look. This is your honor. How dare you say we are cursed? Who gave you the courage?"
"All of you, look closely. Not everyone can see this thing."
...
In the dean's conference room.
"Fortunately, this creature fears bullets, otherwise... even Zhou Lin might not be able to protect everyone completely."
Professor Hu felt a lingering fear.
Even if Zhou Lin could protect them, it would take time.
"I'm still very curious, will the people from Sakura Country agree?"
Professor Wen was also curious, but he really wanted to know if Sakura Country would agree.
"They probably will, otherwise Zhou Lin really won't intervene."
The dean looked at Jingxia's expression and sneered.
Inside the tomb.
Zhou Lin watched as the situation temporarily calmed down, then looked at Jingxia behind him.
"Have you decided? If you don't give an answer soon, the people of Great Xia won't act. Do you want to die?"
Zhou Lin deliberately put on a stern face, looking at the Sakura Country people behind him, waiting for their response.
"Professor Zhou Lin, why must it be our people who go out as bait?"
Professor Zuolin looked at the scene before him and asked him suspiciously.
"It's very simple. We are very busy, and you are just standing around. It makes me uncomfortable, that's all. More importantly, I, Zhou Lin, have no obligation to protect you. Is that reason enough?"
Zhou Lin's attitude towards Zuolin was still quite good.
Zuolin's heart tightened upon hearing this. Yes, why should they? There was no reason for Great Xia to protect them.
Moreover, they had actively sought out this opportunity this time and had to follow Great Xia.
"You should quickly choose someone. Something might happen soon, and it will be difficult to say."
Zhou Lin glanced meaningfully at Zuolin, then at Jingxia, and a knowing smile appeared on his face.
"Prepare."
Zhou Lin noticed signs of loosening in the soil and suddenly shouted.
Captain Zhao and the other mercenaries had their weapons ready. They hadn't had a chance to act since arriving here, and now they were truly enjoying themselves.
As soon as Zhou Lin's voice fell, they saw pairs of hands emerging from the soil, more numerous than before.
They were all crawling onto the shore, trying to drag the mercenaries of Great Xia down.
"Fire."
Captain Zhao gave the order, and grenades and bullets flew towards the area. Where the grenades exploded, deep pits appeared, along with destroyed limbs.
They fell to the ground, and faint starlight appeared in the dim space.
At this moment, in Sakura Country.
All the scholars looked at each other, and they already had a good candidate in mind.
"Professor Jingxia, this problem is yours to solve. You must try your best."
One of the students said bravely, his gaze carrying a hint of resentment.