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墨書 Inktalez
A gust of wind swept through, parting the dense foliage, allowing sunlight to filter through the gaps and fall onto the ground. In the light mist, beams of varying thickness formed, delivering warmth to the life forms that only needed a little light to survive. A few mushrooms emerged from the thick layer of fallen leaves, but before they could fully unfurl, they were crushed underfoot by a human.
The search team dispatched by Wei Wujie consisted of three members, with Shen Bao, mentioned in the previous chapter, leading the group. It was an established rule that professional tasks should be handled by professionals. The two trackers at the front were clearly experts in this field as well. Unlike Shen Bao, they searched meticulously based on subtle traces guided by their instincts. Beneath their feet lay a narrow path already covered by decaying leaves and grass.
Shen Bao followed behind the search team, tasked with conducting a second confirmation. With such rigorous and orderly tracking, the prey they sought was almost within sight. Attempting to escape? It would be nearly impossible!
One of them left a sign on the roadside for the larger group following behind, one that only their own could understand. Just as he was about to rise, he suddenly felt something stir deep within him.
Someone! Had they caught up with them!?
The three trackers simultaneously sensed signs of human activity nearby and exchanged glances while signaling each other. After confirming their approach method through silent communication, they quickly formed a pincer attack formation and charged toward the unknown target ahead. As their instincts intensified, they knew the target was about to appear. The two running at the front swiftly spread out to encircle it, leaving Shen Bao to continue forward.
The target appeared! A single person!
As a figure suddenly flashed between the trees, the outer circle of encirclement was completed. The two trackers concealed behind trees observed their surroundings while Shen Bao quietly unslung his bow and stealthily moved around. The target remained unaware of being surrounded, continuing to walk with their head down.
Judging by their attire, this person seemed to be a hunter. Those who lived in the mountains for years could be recognized by city dwellers even if dressed in fine clothing. Conversely, those from densely populated areas could not disguise their true identity even when donned in mountain attire. Shen Bao quietly followed along until he confirmed the person's identity before deciding to take action.
As the target fell to an arrow shot, all three completed their encirclement simultaneously. Watching as the person on the ground reached out for help with an arrow piercing their neck, they exchanged glances to determine who would deliver the final blow. Shen Bao readied his bow without saying much and drew his short sword to press against the wounded person's heart. "Brother, don't blame me! When you reach the Underworld, make sure not to complain! If you must blame someone, blame yourself for being in a place you shouldn't be!" With that said, he ignored the desperate gaze and slowly pressed down on the sword's tip with his left hand while holding it steady with his right.
...
When Luzi and others arrived at Thunder Mountain Temple built halfway up the mountain, they discovered its state of disrepair was far worse than expected. No one had cleared away the vegetation growing on the walls above, and due to significant temperature fluctuations in mountainous areas between day and night, large sections of the original walls had collapsed. Additionally, without tall tree trunks blocking sunlight on the slope, weeds in the courtyard had grown over a person's height under abundant light. The walls and roof of the main hall were relatively intact; although severely peeling on the surface, they remained sturdy. Thankfully there was still a structure available for everyone to spend the night; otherwise, they would have had to sleep outdoors without any shelter.
The growth of weeds is astonishing; within just a few months from the first rain of spring, they can reach such heights. Several elderly men are clearly accustomed to this, as they see this scene every year at this time when they come up the mountain. They carefully set down their baskets on the stone floor and roll up their sleeves to begin pulling out the weeds in the courtyard.
A group of young people does not want to help, but they have more important tasks to complete. According to Li Xin's arrangements, they head to a cliff located halfway up the mountain, directly below which is the only path leading up. The checkpoint is set above the cliff, and as stones and other debris are transported over, a formidable barrier begins to take shape.
After finishing their work here, the team leaves a duty group behind and returns to the temple, only to find that the courtyard has already been cleaned thoroughly. There is no pay, no supervision, and no one telling you what to do; all that is needed is a sincere heart.
Once the simple worship ceremony concludes, the elderly men wish to leave quickly before it gets dark. If they delay any longer, they won't be able to return before nightfall! Upon hearing this news, Luzi feels a headache coming on; if his timing is correct, Wei Wujie's group should have gathered at Shanxia by now. Not to mention that it’s currently time to head down the mountain; it would be a miracle if they could even step out of the mountain gate! However, these matters cannot be openly discussed for now, so he warmly invites the elderly men to stay longer, expressing his hope for a heartfelt conversation with them.
Suddenly, the room darkens; the originally clear sky is once again shrouded in heavy fog. As light rain begins to fall, it quickly intensifies, accompanied by rumbling thunder rolling in from afar.
Given this situation, it seems likely that rain will continue into the evening or even tomorrow. This is how nature works—if humans do not stay, nature will. In fact, this is quite convenient as it saves a lot of effort! Luzi secretly rejoices and calls everyone into the main hall to take shelter from the rain. The wind on the mountain is strong and unimpeded; gusts rush through the broken doors and windows. Sweaty and soaked from rainwater, their clothes are almost never dry. With another gust of wind blowing through, they feel an intense chill. The prepared bonfire is quickly lit, instantly drying out the damp environment inside and filling it with a uniquely warm aroma.
Thirteen had just checked what supplies he could carry this time; upon inspection, he was shocked. Each person's backpack contained nothing but bows and arrows—no one had brought food! However, he couldn't blame anyone else since he himself was carrying only arrows as well. He had twelve full tubes packed tightly.
This could be quite troublesome! How can everyone survive with weapons but no food? So he quietly went to ask Li Xin about the situation there and received a similar response. Hearing this made Thirteen feel overwhelmed. As for Luzi's burden, there was no need to check; he was responsible for packing it and naturally knew what was inside—four tubes of arrows!
Li Xin was unaware of the current food shortage; noticing Thirteen's pale face, he hurriedly pulled him outside under the eaves. Confirming that their conversation couldn't be overheard inside, he quietly asked, "Why do you look so bad? Did you eat something bad at lunch? You know in this desolate place, where am I supposed to find you a doctor?"
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