Chapter 136: Li Qiang's Secret

"Us?" Pan Ximi pointed at his own face, then looked at Li Qiang. "If anyone says you're a schemer, they're spot on. You're the one who found this pit, yet you want us to take the lead?"

Li Qiang seemed unwilling to engage with Pan Ximi and turned his gaze toward me instead. "Mr. Wang Hu, the professor said you have an innate sense for rats. Would you be willing to take the lead?"

Hearing this, Pan Ximi wasn't having it! He stepped forward, grabbed Li Qiang by the collar, and cursed, "Who do you think you are, you little punk? Expecting our Brother Hu to pave the way for you? You’ve got some nerve!"

Seeing this, I quickly stepped forward to pull Pan Ximi away, soothing him, "Ximi, calm down. Don't get worked up."

Pan Ximi let go, though he still glared at him.

Li Qiang smoothed his ruffled collar and said unhurriedly, "Mr. Pan, don't misunderstand. I just feel that Mr. Wang Hu's abilities could help us uncover the secrets inside faster and reduce unnecessary danger."

Pan Ximi snorted coldly, turned to me, and said, "Brother Hu, there’s no point to this place. Why don't we just head back and let him stand guard?"

I understood what Pan Ximi meant. He had originally come along with the intention of tagging along for the ride, but none of us expected to find Li Qiang hiding here, and to be caught red-handed! Since our chance for a gain was gone, it was better to leave than to suffer this indignity.

I smiled, glanced at Li Qiang, and said slowly, "That's a good idea. Alright, Panzi, let's go."

Seeing that I had agreed, a smug smile appeared on Pan Ximi's face as he turned to leave.

Li Qiang, seeing this, hurried forward a few steps to block our path, looking anxious. "Everyone, please wait. You're really not going in? We’ve come this far; if we quit now, all our previous efforts will have been in vain."

I stopped and looked at Li Qiang coldly. "What do you think we're here for? Do you think we want to take this risk?"

"Besides," Pan Ximi interjected, "what do we get out of it? I don't believe you'll treat me to a nice meal just because you got your paycheck!"

As soon as Pan Ximi finished speaking, Li Qiang pondered for a moment, nodded, and stepped aside to let us pass.

At that moment, I spoke to Li Qiang, "If I were to tell Professor Wang that you snuck into this tunnel alone in the middle of the night... I don't think you could handle the consequences, could you?"

My sudden remark left Li Qiang stunned! He slowly looked at me. "You—what do you mean by that?"

I smiled faintly, my tone laced with a hint of a threat. "My meaning is simple. Although I’m not an academic, I’ve studied some survey reports. In cases like this, once a pit has been discovered, none of you are permitted to enter alone!"

"Am I right?"

Li Qiang's face turned pale instantly. After taking a deep breath, he lowered his head, his voice low and hurried. "Mr. Wang Hu, I beg you, please don't tell Professor Wang. I... I just wanted to see if I could find a piece of ancient jade. I really need the money; just one piece would be enough."

Pan Ximi and I exchanged glances. A flash of disdain crossed Pan Ximi's eyes, though there was also a hint of understanding.

I sighed and said slowly, "Li Qiang, what about your studies? And do you know how dangerous this is? If you take a wrong turn in these tunnels, being buried alive is entirely possible."

Li Qiang nodded, his eyes full of anxiety. "I know, but I really have no choice. I have family to support, and my debts are crushing me. This piece of jade might not mean much to you, but to me, it's a lifeline."

As he spoke, he seemed to realize his words carried little weight. Suddenly, he dropped to his knees before me.

I hadn't expected this at all. Pan Ximi was equally shocked.

I remained silent for a moment before finally saying, "Fine. I won't tell Professor Wang, but you must guarantee that you will not act on your own again and will follow orders. Within the bounds of principle, I can help you."

Li Qiang nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Mr. Wang Hu. I will keep my promise."

Pan Ximi snorted, but didn't say anything else. I patted Li Qiang on the shoulder, signaling him to follow. We reorganized our formation and continued to explore. After all, we had come this far; giving up was clearly not an option.

The tunnel grew deeper, and the air became increasingly damp. We moved with extreme caution. Just then, a slight sound came from ahead.

Li Qiang stopped and whispered, "Careful, something's approaching."

We immediately tensed up, bracing for an unknown threat. The sound from the tunnel grew closer, and a tense atmosphere enveloped us all.

I smiled and said, "It's nothing, it's one of our own—a rat."

"There's movement ahead, watch out!" I warned everyone in a low voice.

We slowed our pace, held our breath, and crept toward the source of the sound. Suddenly, a massive black shadow lunged from the darkness straight at us!

"Duck!" I shouted.

Li Qiang and Pan Ximi dived out of the way instinctively! In an instant, a massive head smashed through the tunnel wall! It nearly struck me directly.

Pan Ximi roared from a short distance away, "Damn it! It's a python!"

The giant python's scales shimmered with a cold, metallic light in the dimness, its massive body like a black torrent rushing toward us. Pan Ximi reacted the fastest, jumping backward, while I grabbed the stunned Li Qiang and dodged to the side.

"Everyone, be careful!" I warned loudly.

The python's eyes glowed with icy malice, clearly displeased by our presence. It opened its blood-red maw, baring sharp fangs, and let out a low hiss.

"Pan Ximi, get the knife!" I urged urgently.

Pan Ximi quickly pulled a blade from his pack. The python seemed wary of the blade's reflection and retreated slightly, though it didn't back off completely.

"Mr. Wang Hu, this thing is too big, what do we do?" Li Qiang asked, his voice trembling.

"Don't panic, stay calm," Pan Ximi said, keeping his eyes locked on the python. "If we were in an open space, this thing would crush us to death, but this tunnel is narrow, which actually makes it less agile."

Just then, Pan Ximi noticed a clear wound on the python's belly and shouted, "Look, it has a wound on its belly!"