"Hey, Chi Ge," Jing Minghe continued discussing the dungeon with Chi Hao, "the notebook's owner mentioned their actions harmed their hometown, and the last page clearly stated 'Who will save my hometown,' so the dungeon's task should be to eliminate ghosts and save the little notebook owner's hometown, but the system placed us in a mass grave, and the only small path only leads here."
Jing Minghe paused and said gloomily, "So, where is his so-called hometown? Could it be the former site of this mass grave?"
Just when Jing Minghe thought Chi Hao would have some brilliant insight, Chi Hao only gave him two words, "No rush."
"..."
What a slap in the face. Who was it that thought Chi Hao had changed?
Jing Minghe flopped onto the table and said listlessly, "Fine, if you say no rush, then no rush."
"Does it still hurt?"
"Much better," Jing Minghe closed his eyes to rest, his voice growing softer, "Don't worry."
·
Zhang Yu's eyes widened. He was certain he hadn't taken the wrong direction, because the small path only had one way, connecting the mass grave to the thatched hut where they were staying. There weren't even any turns, let alone branches, so how could he possibly have gone wrong!
But, everything he was seeing right now forced him to doubt if he had indeed gone the wrong way.
Where was the mass grave? How did it become a small village?
It was indeed a small village, with about twenty households in sight, each quite far apart.
The elderly were gathered in twos and threes, playing chess and chatting, while children chased each other in front of their doors. It looked like a peaceful scene, and in no way could it be connected to the mass grave they saw last night.
Zhang Yu rubbed his eyes hard, then opened them again. Nothing had changed.
Could I have been trapped by a ghost wall in broad daylight?
As he was wondering, his shoulder was suddenly patted, startling him and making him retreat several steps.
He turned to see a young woman smiling at him, asking, "Big brother, are you here to visit our village too?"
Too?
Zhang Yu immediately asked, "Besides me, have other outsiders come?"
"Yes," the young woman seemed very amiable and smiled, "a few other outsiders came into the village just now, saying they were here for tourism."
Hearing the young woman's words, Zhang Yu felt less tense. He had thought he had taken a wrong turn or encountered a ghost wall during the day. If the woman was referring to Jiang Zheng and the others who left before him, then he wasn't the only one who had gone astray.
Zhang Yu changed his demeanor, smiled politely at the young woman, and said, "Those people might be my friends, we got separated. Do you know where they are now?"
"Ah, they're your friends."
"Yes, yes, they're my friends, I'm looking for them," Zhang Yu pressed, "Big sister, do you know where they are?"
The young woman pointed in the direction of the village and said, "I saw them just as I was coming out. They seemed to be heading towards the land temple on the east side of the village."
"Thank you, big sister."
Zhang Yu was about to leave when the young woman beside him grabbed his arm.
Zhang Yu was confused, and only heard the young woman say with a smile, "I'm also going there to pay respects, I can take you."
"This..." Zhang Yu hesitated, but thinking that he was strong and healthy, and she was just a woman, he could handle her even if there was trouble, he agreed, "Alright then, thank you."
"You're welcome."
The young woman let go and walked slightly ahead of him, leading the way.
Zhang Yu followed the young woman into the village. Every time they passed by other people, those who were chatting stopped, those who were playing halted their movements, and then they stared at him intently.
Zhang Yu felt puzzled, but his inexplicable arrival in this village was strange enough, so he didn't think too much about it. He just wanted to find the others as soon as possible.
This was his first time acting alone since entering the City of Death. Before meeting Jing Minghe, Ke Wuwen had stuck to him like a persistent fly.
Ke Wuwen was simple and easily manipulated. Although not very bright, he was capable and lucky, having helped them escape death several times.
Zhang Yu felt like Ke Wuwen was his lucky charm, so the more he thought about it, the angrier he became.
That Jing Minghe was clearly an arrogant brat. How could he be as reliable as Zhang Yu? Ke Wuwen was truly an ungrateful and blind young man!
Hmph, I don't believe that Jing Minghe can protect you! You'll regret this, kid.
Zhang Yu complained silently, completely unaware that his resentment was plainly written on his face, his malice coalescing and gathering little by little above his head.
And the young woman walking slightly ahead of him lowered her head, her lips curving upwards.
·
Jing Minghe patted his belly and gave Ke Wuwen a thumbs-up, praising him generously, "Kid, you cook well. To eat something this delicious in a place like this is practically comparable to delicacies from heaven and earth."
Ke Wuwen chuckled, scratching his head, his cheeks slightly flushed, "Idol, if you like it, I'll cook it for you whenever I get the chance."
As Jing Minghe and Ke Wuwen were talking, Chi Hao walked out without a word. Jing Minghe looked bewildered, and as he pulled Ke Wuwen along to follow, he muttered, "What's wrong with this guy now?"
Seeing Chi Hao suddenly walk out, Ke Wuwen asked curiously, "Did Mr. Chi discover something?"
"Who knows," Jing Minghe quickened his pace. Seeing Chi Hao slow down, he caught up in a few steps and asked, "What's wrong? Why did you come out suddenly."
"Weren't you worried about You Mi?"
"Oh, right," Jing Minghe smiled and said, "After eating, I feel much better. Let's hurry to the mass grave to find Sister You Mi and the others."
The three of them followed the small path towards the mass grave. When they felt they were almost there, they were greeted by a completely different scene.
Ke Wuwen's mouth fell open, his eyes wide, and after a long moment, he managed to exclaim, "My heavens, where is this? Where's the mass grave?"
"Speak softly," Jing Minghe reminded Ke Wuwen.
Ke Wuwen quickly covered his mouth, but couldn't help himself. He leaned close to Jing Minghe's ear and whispered, "Idol, why is this a village? Did we take the wrong direction?"
"No." From their thatched hut to here, there was only a straight small path with no detours. There was no possibility of going the wrong way.
Jing Minghe squinted his eyes, carefully observing every corner and every person he saw. He knew this was definitely part of the dungeon, and anyone or anything appearing in the dungeon could be related to the conditions for clearing it.