Chapter 446: Chapter 414: Stone Tower

The quest progress for the Four-tailed Cat’s second evolution method had reached eighty percent, which was enough to show that this temple complex greatly aided the evolution of feline Pet Beasts.

So after examining all the temples here, Li Qian turned his attention to a specific place.

The Central Stone Tower.

Without a doubt, the Stone Tower was the very core of the temple complex.

’There has to be more information inside. If I can get in, it’ll absolutely be worth my while.’

So Li Qian walked over to the Central Stone Tower. Across the cordon, he saw Bai Bingbing’s mentor.

She was a middle-aged woman, looking to be around forty. Even in her white lab coat, it was clear she had a fine figure—a mature woman who still possessed a graceful charm.

"Hello, Teacher Liang!"

Li Qian looked at the middle-aged woman, his tone respectful as he greeted her. "I’m Li Qian, from the university’s Cultivation College. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

"I’ve heard the professors in my college mention you. They say you’re the most skilled archaeologist at all of Shazhou Beast Taming University."

Li Qian was basically inventing a professor to quote. The praise flowed effortlessly from his lips, laying the flattery on thick.

Teacher Liang looked at Li Qian, a smile gracing her lips. She didn’t call him out on his less-than-subtle flattery. "So, you’re Li Qian. I’ve heard of you. Both Principal Park and Dean Fei have high hopes for you."

Her smile never wavering, she continued, "And about that business with Kansai Beast Taming University in Mo Yuan City... you handled that well. You have limitless potential."

Li Qian remained composed, continuing to play the part of a humble student. "You’re too kind, Teacher Liang. I was just lucky."

After they chatted a bit more, Li Qian decided the mood was right. Wasting no more time, he made his request. "Teacher Liang, I was wondering... could I go inside and take a look?"

"You want to go in?" Teacher Liang asked, pointing at the Stone Tower behind her.

Li Qian nodded and explained his reason. "Well, I’ve been researching the Six-tailed Cat’s evolution methods recently. I’ve already made some progress just by looking around this area, and I think I’ll find even more inspiration if I can take a look inside."

"I see." Teacher Liang nodded, then tilted her head and looked toward Bai Bingbing.

"Since it’s for Pet Beast research—important work that benefits everyone—I certainly won’t stand in your way. However, the underground passage isn’t like being on the surface; there are many precautions to take. How about this, Bingbing, you accompany Li Qian down there."

"Teacher Liang!" Seeing that Teacher Liang had agreed to Li Qian’s request, Irina immediately walked over.

Teacher Liang knew what Irina was about to say. A peculiar expression crossed her face as she glanced between Li Qian and Irina. "I know who you are. Teacher Han Ke’s daughter, Irina. A very talented Beast Master."

"You want to go down into the passage with Li Qian?"

Irina nodded. "Li Qian is very important to Shazhou Beast Taming University. My mother and Uncle Tie have tasked me with ensuring his safety."

Hearing this, Teacher Liang’s eyes darted back and forth between Irina and her own student, Bai Bingbing.

An expression like an eager spectator watching a good show suddenly appeared on her face. Then, she said nonchalantly, "If that’s the case, then you can all go down together."

Li Qian thought he could see what was going on. ’This Teacher Liang seems to have a wicked sense of humor.’ But to get inside to investigate, he could only smile and agree.

With Teacher Liang’s approval, the personnel guarding the perimeter didn’t stop them, letting the trio pass.

Flanked by Irina on one side and Bai Bingbing on the other, the atmosphere was bizarre. Li Qian did his best to shake off the awkward feeling and focus his attention on the Stone Tower.

He circled the Stone Tower, observing it. Various patterns were carved into its surface.

However, after being worn away by the passage of countless years, they were almost completely unrecognizable.

Even if some information could still be extracted from them, it was beyond Li Qian’s level of expertise.

So, Li Qian didn’t linger outside for long. After one circuit, he stepped into the Stone Tower.

The Stone Tower’s footprint wasn’t actually very large, only about five hundred square meters, so its interior wasn’t particularly spacious. Its height, however, was exceptional, reaching nearly one hundred meters.

Upon entering the first floor of the Stone Tower, the most eye-catching sight was a stone staircase cordoned off with tape.

Bai Bingbing explained, "There’s no telling how many years this Stone Tower has stood. Its internal structure has decayed. These stone steps may look fine, but in reality, they can’t support any weight at all."

"If you want to get to the second floor, or any of the higher levels, it’s best to float in through the windows on the outside."

Li Qian nodded. Under these circumstances, climbing the stone steps was definitely not a good idea.

’One wrong move could bring the whole Stone Tower down.’

’As for the method Bai Bingbing mentioned, it would have been something out of a fantasy tale in his past life.’

But in this world, it wasn’t impossible at all. With a Spiritual Pet Beast powerful enough to use a Telekinesis Skill to hold you up, you could easily float in midair and enter the tower’s upper floors that way.

Li Qian scanned the area and found that there were also some carvings on the inner stone walls of the Stone Tower.

However, these carvings were also heavily worn and damaged, making it almost impossible to make out any complete designs.

Seeing this, he didn’t waste any more time on them and turned his attention to the entrance of the passage.

It was located in the very center of the Stone Tower.

There, the ground had collapsed, revealing an opening.

A stone staircase was visible inside the opening, leading straight down, deep underground.

"This is the entrance to the passage!" Bai Bingbing explained when she saw Li Qian’s attention shift to the center of the Stone Tower. "We can enter here."

"Okay." Li Qian nodded and followed Bai Bingbing into the passage.

The light inside the passage was dim; they could only make out their surroundings thanks to the Crystal Stones embedded in the stone walls.

In fact, these Crystal Stones had been embedded by Teacher Liang’s archaeological team for illumination. Otherwise, the passage would have been pitch-black.

By the faint light of the Crystal Stones, the trio advanced slowly. They didn’t move quickly and maintained their silence, not exchanging a single word.

A look of anticipation shone in Li Qian’s eyes. ’He had a feeling this trip would be fruitful.’ So, he wasn’t in a hurry, remaining patient.

They walked for about fifteen minutes. The stone steps began to level out, and Li Qian knew they must be close to their destination. Bai Bingbing’s words confirmed it. "The underground palace is right ahead!"

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