The mountain grass was sharp, and Gu Qingtong’s dress was torn, but she tried to keep up with Yu Shi’s pace.
Yu Shi and Yu Guang had found a clean patch of grass, with a spring nearby. A thin stream flowed down from the cliff, forming a pool. When Gu Qingtong arrived, Yu Guang had already washed the wild boar meat and was roasting it over the fire.
Gu Qingtong smelled the meat’s fragrance, and having not eaten well for days, her appetite was awakened. Replenishing her strength would make the next day’s journey easier.
The next day, they climbed halfway up the mountain, and the terrain changed. Gu Qingtong saw strange peaks and rocks in the valley, with waterfalls and cliffs beside her, a beautiful and breathtaking distant landscape.
Halfway up the mountain, the forest was dense. Gu Qingtong saw fierce beasts nearby, but Yu Shi and Yu Guang’s low growls kept them at bay.
Gu Qingtong thought the sounds were like tiger roars and wolf howls but was glad they could protect themselves. She quickened her pace, looking determinedly ahead, hoping to reach their destination soon.
By noon on the third day, Gu Qingtong and the others had circled to the back of the mountain, crossing the middle ridge to another peak.
Descending from this peak, they entered a valley with fewer venomous snakes and fierce beasts. Instead, rare flowers and grasses abounded, butterflies dancing, with winding streams shimmering with rainbow colors in the sunlight. If not for urgent matters, Gu Qingtong thought lingering here for a few days to appreciate the scenery would be delightful.
But thinking of Jiang Shangheng, Gu Qingtong’s steps would not stop.
After the valley was a long canyon. Gu Qingtong looked up; the cliffs on both sides were steep, with only a thin line of sky visible.
It was dark and gloomy in the canyon. After emerging from the long canyon, she thought it was evening of the fifth day, only to discover it was early morning, and they had arrived at Qin Mian Mountain half a day ahead of schedule.
Yu Rong, leaving the dark narrow passage, saw the bright sunlight outside the long canyon. He shielded his eyes, then looked down at the map, chuckling and turning to Gu Qingtong with extreme joy: “Sister Qingtong, we’ve arrived outside Xibei City at the border.”
