The ancient biologist's mouth twitched.
Afterward, everyone left the tomb entrance, and the live broadcast began to shut down.
As Zhou Lin was leaving, he reminded Elder Tang not to forget to transfer the money to his account, which was nearly seven hundred million.
Zhou Lin returned to his residence and began to pack his belongings, planning to leave as soon as the money arrived.
He had just started packing when he heard the doorbell ring.
When Zhou Lin opened the door, he saw Elder Tang and Professor Lin, their faces filled with complex emotions.
"Professor? Why are you here?"
Zhou Lin was puzzled.
"Zhou Lin, come with us to the academy. The dean has something to discuss with you," Elder Tang said slowly, looking at Zhou Lin.
"Ah?"
Zhou Lin, bewildered, followed them to the academy.
Inside the Archaeology Academy.
Zhou Lin followed Elder Tang and Professor Lin to the conference room and saw all the professors and experts from the academy waiting for him. He felt like he was being interrogated.
Had he committed a crime?
No, even if he had, it wouldn't be like this, nor would it be a triple interrogation.
"Young friend Zhou Lin, please have a seat. I am the dean of this academy, and I've invited you here to ask for your help."
The dean then activated the large screen behind him, which displayed a massive tomb door, surrounded by a lot of ice.
Zhou Lin's eyes narrowed upon seeing it.
Immediately, the system's voice echoed in his mind.
[Does the host wish to participate in the Yun Ding Tian Gong tomb? ]
[If you participate successfully, you will receive the reward of Paper Cutting Art.]
[PS: Paper Cutting Art is not available in the system's current inventory.]
Zhou Lin's mouth twitched upon hearing the system's voice.
This system still had hidden tricks up its sleeve; it was truly devious.
At this moment, Zhou Lin was inwardly cursing the system, not noticing what the dean was saying.
After the dean finished speaking, the entire conference room fell silent.
Everyone was looking at Zhou Lin.
But Zhou Lin was lost in his own world.
"Young friend Zhou Lin? Are you willing?" Elder Tang, seeing his silence, quickly prompted him.
"Huh? Willing, willing." Zhou Lin was a bit embarrassed and, not having heard what the dean said, agreed as Elder Tang suggested.
"Really? That's wonderful! You don't have to write novels tomorrow; you can start working at the Archaeology Academy directly." The metaphysics professor was overjoyed that Zhou Lin had agreed.
"Huh? Work?" Zhou Lin was even more confused. How did he gain a job just by zoning out for a moment?
"Yes, the dean just arranged a professorship for you. You'll just be in a daze here," Elder Tang explained.
Zhou Lin blinked. Such good things existed?
"Elder Tang, how much does a professor earn per month? And when will the money you promised be transferred?" Zhou Lin didn't care about the profession; he just wanted to know if it paid more than his novel royalties. Everything else was unimportant; the profession itself was not important, what mattered was the money.
"It will be transferred tomorrow. You are now a member of the Archaeology Academy, and you will lead the expedition to this tomb. You will accompany Elder Tang and Professor Lin to Changbai Mountain." The dean knew Zhou Lin was motivated by money, and since he had agreed, the rest was secondary.
"Okay." Zhou Lin was happy to oblige.
After leaving the conference room, Zhou Lin was surrounded by the professors, who bombarded him with questions like a barrage of artillery fire.
"Oh dear, everyone, Zhou Lin is a professor at our academy. We can discuss things when he returns. For now, he needs to rest properly, as he will be heading to Changbai Mountain tomorrow." Elder Tang smiled helplessly at the professors' thirst for knowledge. "If you have this much time, go and help Professor deal with the external factors. Many people are waiting to ask Professor Zhou Lin questions."
Professors Wen and Hu and others found this reasonable and vowed to study thoroughly upon his return. However, the metaphysics professor, looking at Elder Tang, decided to accompany them to Yun Ding Tian Gong.
The next morning.
Zhou Lin boarded the plane and headed to Changbai Mountain with the others.
As soon as they reached the foot of the mountain, the live broadcast began.
"Holy cow, I've been waiting for days, and I finally see this news. I also heard that the big shot has become a professor at the Archaeology Academy and is personally leading the team."
"Wow, the big shot looks even more handsome than before. It's different being a professor; he's so cool."
"By the way, how does the person in the first comment know everything? Are your rumors that reliable?"
"Of course, they're reliable. This news was told to me by my uncle's cousin's father-in-law, who is a doorman at the Archaeology Academy, haha."
"If you put it that way, I believe you. But that's not the most important thing. I heard this tomb is quite eerie. It's like they saw the tomb, but they couldn't get in at all."
"I've heard that too. Some local villagers went up the mountain and never returned. Eventually, the police were called due to the disappearances, but the police who went up also went missing. That's how all these things happened."
"That terrifying? They don't even know the cause of death?"
"Saying it like that, it's truly frightening."
...
At the foot of Changbai Mountain.
Zhou Lin and the other professors stood at the foot of the mountain, wrapped in thick clothing, looking at the snow-covered Changbai Mountain above.
"Let's go. It should be about the right time now. The temperature is relatively high at this time, which is most favorable for our ascent." Elder Tang had already inquired from the local residents; it took time for them to ascend the mountain, so this was the perfect timing.
The local authorities, in order to help the archaeological team decipher the tomb as quickly as possible, had specially dispatched mercenaries to protect them. They also wanted to ascertain the cause of death of these individuals to prevent panic.
Zhou Lin touched the paper cuts and paper on his person, his heart filled with anticipation, wondering how effective they would be.
The group moved towards the summit. By the time they reached the top, it was already noon. The professors were panting from exhaustion. The mercenaries, accustomed to regular training, had better stamina, but their faces were still slightly flushed. Only Zhou Lin remained unfazed, as if climbing the mountain had no effect on him, just like walking on flat ground.
"We're almost there. I've investigated the situation here before. According to the findings, even though the tomb door was visible, before anyone could get close, a snow tide would appear," Captain Lin of the mercenaries explained urgently upon seeing the scene before them.
"Snow tide?" Zhou Lin had never heard of such a term before.
"Yes, it's when the snow on the ground moves on its own, like a tide. And according to the investigators, this snow tide gives off a chilling sensation, making anyone who sees it feel incredibly cold and experience an unknown terror," Captain Lin explained, looking at Zhou Lin. He held great respect for Zhou Lin and the others, viewing such reclusive masters with awe.