The mountain on this side turned out to be a vast basin, surrounded by high peaks and rugged ridges.
From the sky, it would look as if a chunk of the earth had been scooped out.
I made a rough estimation; from our current position to the basin floor, it was at least a thousand meters.
The four surrounding mountains stood like steel sentinels, guarding the basin below.
The basin itself was covered in dense forest, brimming with life.
I couldn't help but marvel at nature's artistry, creating such an incredible landscape.
Guan Hai'er, who had just reached the summit, took it all in and exclaimed in astonishment, "This is truly unbelievable! I only saw a basin once when I went to Xinjiang, and that already amazed me. I never thought such a magical place existed!"
Despite the breathtaking scenery, our primary objective remained finding a way down to the mountain's foot and into the basin.
Strangely, the area we had just passed through had experienced a blizzard and was freezing cold.
However, the closer we got to this side of the mountain, the warmer the temperature became.
It was like stepping into two different worlds.
They say going up a mountain is easy, but coming down is hard. Our current descent speed was like a breakthrough compared to our climb.
As we neared the basin, I began to notice peculiar sights.
Towering, sky-obscuring pine trees were everywhere, as if they were free for the taking.
Further along, I discovered a colossal footprint.
This footprint was even larger than the giant bird tracks I had seen before.
It was evident that the creature possessing this foot was incredibly powerful; the footprint was at least thirty centimeters deep.
My initial excitement was dampened by the appearance of this print.
This land seemed less idyllic than we had imagined, and we needed to proceed with extreme caution.
Finally, we reached the foot of the mountain. A few more steps and we would enter the basin's forest. I could already hear the gentle murmur of a flowing stream.
I longed to take a refreshing bath and wash away all the sweat.
The continuous climb had drained everyone's energy. I took the canteen from Guan Hai'er and drank deeply.
Luo Yaqin came up to me, sighed, and said with unease, "This side of the mountain is truly strange. We must be careful."
I strongly agreed with Luo Yaqin. While the forest appeared vibrant, the giant footprint we had found suggested hidden dangers.
After some thought, I instructed the group to search the vicinity for a place we could shelter.
Every decision I made now would shape our future, so I had to be extremely prudent.
Finding a habitable spot nearby and then slowly exploring the basin was the wisest approach.
We searched several caves in the area. Either they were too small, or they were incredibly damp. After a long search, we finally found a reasonably suitable cave to settle in.
Once inside the cave, I told everyone not to rest just yet.
I started a fire and used a burning branch to fumigate the cave thoroughly, to ward off any strange insects.
As expected, since the cave had been uninhabited for a long time, its nooks and crannies had become a haven for insects.
When the smoke billowed out, all sorts of bizarre insects emerged, and I proceeded to eliminate them one by one.
Shangguan Yao watched from the side, terrified, as a completely white insect crawled towards her. She shrieked, stomped her foot, and crushed the insect into a pulp.
Xia Liuli, observing Shangguan Yao's reaction, swallowed hard and timidly said to me, "Brother Ye, perhaps we should find another cave? I'm too scared with so many insects."
A young woman in the prime of her youth pleaded with me in a doll-like manner, capable of melting even a statue.
However, the circumstances didn't allow for wavering. This wasn't just about me; it was about everyone.
While clearing out the insects, I pointed a hand towards the sky outside the cave.
"Look, the sun is about to set. Where else can we find a suitable cave? Please bear with it for now; I'll be done soon."
Xia Liuli trembled and clung to Su Yunran's arm.
She quickly closed her eyes.
As I finished clearing most of the insects, I noticed how intensely Shangguan Yao reacted. A mischievous idea struck me.
I quietly picked up a centipede from the ground and, when Shangguan Yao wasn't paying attention, threw it in front of her.
Shangguan Yao's expression froze. Tears welled up in her eyes from fright. She took a few steps towards me and threw herself into my arms.
I had only intended to startle her, but there was an unexpected bonus!
So, Shangguan Yao also had something she feared!
Indeed, Shangguan Yao was surprisingly soft. Heh, she, the once famously aloof beautiful CEO, was now willingly throwing herself into my embrace. The tables had truly turned.
I gently stroked Shangguan Yao's head and comforted her, saying, "It's alright, it's alright. I've cleared all the insects from the cave now. We can live here peacefully from now on."
Shangguan Yao's small head nuzzled into my chest for a long time before she reluctantly pulled away, her eyes red and embarrassed.
"I know. I've taken advantage of you just now. I'll consider it as being bitten by a dog. You don't need to take it seriously."
With that, she ran out of the cave.
Damn it, she's calling me a dog?
I generously offered my shoulder, and now she's insulting me.
I knew Shangguan Yao was just shy and only good at talking big when embarrassed, so I didn't argue with her.
As night fell, I lay on a bearskin, feeling a sense of melancholy.
Having arrived in yet another new place, I wondered how the days ahead would unfold.
The only sound in the quiet cave was the crackling of the firewood. Just as I was about to turn over and sleep, I felt someone stealthily approaching me.