Liu Rumei was also sweating profusely, her face flushed from the heat.
Seeing this, Chen Xiaobei whispered, "Maybe we shouldn't go."
Unexpectedly, Liu Rumei, who had wanted to turn back earlier, now changed her mind. She smiled and shook her head, "Let's go and take a look. We've already come this far, we have to see it through."
Alright, if that's the case, then I'll accompany you on this perilous journey.
After walking for another mile or so, the sound of trickling water could be heard from ahead. As everyone followed Qin Gang and the others around a bend, they emerged from the woods to find a waterfall.
A waterfall about three feet wide cascaded down from a height that was impossible to gauge, as one couldn't see the top.
The waterfall formed a small river upon hitting the ground. The river flowed for about a dozenzhang before disappearing. Chen Xiaobei approached and observed carefully, only to discover that it had disappeared underground.
This instantly reminded him of the underground river he had once traversed. Could they be connected?
Yes, it was highly probable. With the Hulu Gu at this elevation, water flowing downstream was natural, and its subterranean course would reduce evaporation. It seemed that the lush vegetation in Hulu Valley was largely due to this underground river.
Qin Gang gestured for everyone to wash their faces and drink some water. Before he could finish speaking, everyone had already flocked to the river. Splashing the cool water on their faces brought immediate relief, and a sip revealed it to be pure, slightly sweet, and truly excellent mountain spring water.
Alas, Chen Xiaobei sighed softly, thinking that in his previous life, this place would have been a breathtaking tourist attraction. Just this mountain spring water alone could have fetched a high price.
At this moment, Qin Gang cupped his hands around his mouth and let out two loud calls towards the distance.
Soon, three or four more figures appeared, quickly approaching them. As they drew nearer, Chen Xiaobei noticed that they were all around Qin Gang's age, with white hair and beards, yet their agility was as remarkable as that of Liu Rumei's guards.
These individuals stopped in front of Qin Gang and formed a neat line.
Qin Gang smiled and pointed to Liu Rumei, "This young lady is the granddaughter of Prince Liu. You probably wouldn't have imagined that she would, by chance, end up in our Hulu Valley."
Upon hearing this, everyone bowed respectfully to Liu Rumei.
Liu Rumei returned their greeting, "You have all followed my grandfather through thick and thin. You are all my elders, please do not be so formal."
Just then, a few unusual sounds echoed from the distance.
Hearing this, Chen Xiaobei's heart skipped a beat. That was the roar of a tiger.
Indeed, from the distant woods, two tigers burst forth, with a child of about eight or nine years old running swiftly behind them, shouting, "Dahuang, Erhuang, you two slow down!"
Seeing this, Liu Rumei instinctively moved in front of Chen Xiaobei, a gesture that touched him deeply. Liu Rumei was clearly afraid that the tigers might harm him.
However, as the two tigers reached Qin Gang, they suddenly slowed their pace. They nuzzled against Qin Gang's arm like docile kittens, rubbing their heads against him.
Chen Xiaobei was stunned by this sight.
At that moment, the child also ran up to the group, grabbed both tigers by their heads, and said indignantly, "You two didn't wait for me."
With that, he pressed down with both hands, pinning the two tigers to the ground. The tigers lay there motionless, like scolded kittens.
"Huzi, stop playing and come meet Miss Liu."
The child blinked his large eyes, looked at Liu Rumei, stood up, and bowed, "Greetings, Miss Liu."
Chen Xiaobei found himself intrigued by the child. Being able to tame two tigers so completely, he wished he could learn from him. Otherwise, the three tigers he kept downstairs would surely be ruined by confinement.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei staring intently at the tigers, Qin Gang misunderstood and smiled, "Young man, do not be afraid. These tigers are very obedient and will not harm anyone."
Chen Xiaobei quickly explained, "Elder, I have captured a few tigers myself downstairs, but they are not very obedient. I wanted to know how you trained them."
Hearing this, Huzi spoke up first, "You can ask me! I'll give you some medicine later. If you give it to the tigers, they'll obey you. And by the way, no matter if it's a jackal, a wolf, or a tiger, as long as they eat that medicine, they'll be as docile as kittens."
Was it that magical?
Chen Xiaobei found it hard to believe, but then he considered that Qin Gang and his companions had lived in the mountains for fifty years, yet they were all hale and hearty with vigorous physiques. They must have some special skills.
At this moment, Qin Gang smiled at the elders who had arrived earlier and said, "Alright, everyone, quickly prepare food and drinks. We have distinguished guests to host for lunch."
As the others dispersed, Qin Gang stepped aside and pointed to a large rock in the distance, "Let's go, this is where we live."
The group followed Qin Gang, and after rounding the boulder, they discovered the entrance to a cave behind it, about ten feet high.
Looking into the cave from the entrance, several torches illuminated the interior, providing a clear view for about ten feet. Beyond that, the space seemed to extend further, though it was too dark to see. The cave widened considerably, appearing to be at least half the size of a basketball court and two to three zhang high. Around the periphery, numerous smaller openings resembled a honeycomb.
Qin Gang explained with a smile, "This cave extends for dozens of zhang inwards, with over a hundred large and small chambers. With only a dozen of us here, we have plenty of space. If you are interested, you are welcome to stay for a few days."
Liu Rumei smiled and replied politely, "Thank you, Grandpa Qin. However, we came up from the village and told them we would only stay for two days. If we stay longer, they might come looking for us, and we would disturb your peace."
Upon hearing this, Qin Gang first smiled slightly, then said, "No trouble at all. More people are welcome. Miss Liu can visit me often in the future."
Just then, Huzi ran over in a hurry, holding a bamboo basket filled with unknown wild fruits.
Huzi smiled and offered the fruit to Liu Rumei, "Sister, sister, please eat."
Liu Rumei took the basket and gently patted Huzi's head, "Thank you."
Huzi, however, grabbed Liu Rumei's hand and said, "Sister, sister, let me show you over there. There are more wolves there."
Qin Gang patted Huzi's shoulder with affection, "Huzi, go play with Dahuang and Erhuang for a while. Grandpa has something to say to your sister."
Watching Huzi skip away, Qin Gang sighed softly, "This child is also unfortunate."
"One day, when I returned from buying things in Qingniu County town, I found this child abandoned by the roadside. I took him in, and eight years have passed in a flash. This child has never seen an outsider. Forgive me for any rudeness today."