Chapter 65 - Sacred Mountain in Myanmar (Part XIX)

Chen Shaoxian didn’t speak, just nodded.

Elena, already in a fragile state, couldn’t handle the shock upon receiving the concrete news and fainted directly.

Thomas, who was crossing himself on his chest, ran anxiously to Elena’s side when he saw her collapse, mumbling, “God bless her,” and then began to weep.

Chen Shaoxian took out a small green bottle, waved it under Elena’s nose, and then turned to Xiao Zhuang and asked, “How are the others?”

“They’re fine,” Xiao Zhuang replied decisively.

Chen Shaoxian nodded, feeling somewhat relieved. He glanced at the group ready to set off and simply said two words, “Let’s go.” Then he strode inside through the door.

The recent events had cast a somber mood over the group. No one was in the mood to talk as they followed Chen Shaoxian into the stone gate one by one.

Once inside, Chen Shaoxian saw that the stone steps had been replaced by a path paved with gravel, which was packed down and free of potholes, allowing them to move much faster.

The path widened gradually, and the beam of the flashlight could no longer illuminate the cave walls on either side. Suddenly, Chen Shaoxian felt something give under his feet and looked down to see that the gravel path had turned into moist soil, which left a footprint with every step. The soil was covered in a multitude of footprints, faded over time but still discernible.

Chen Shaoxian halted everyone to closely examine the footprints. They were heading in the same direction as the group, so they waited in place while Chen Shaoxian used the flashlight to scan a section of the path, discovering no footprints leading back.

Returning to the group’s location, he shared his observation with Xiao Zhuang. Before Xiao Zhuang could respond, Thomas interjected, “Didn’t you find any new footprints?”

Everyone understood what Thomas was hinting at. Chen Shaoxian shook his head and said, “Maybe they’re not on the same path as us.”

Thomas shook his head in disappointment and glanced at Elena, who was still unconscious, before sighing and remaining silent.

After a brief discussion with Xiao Zhuang, Xiao Zhuang reorganized the group, placing Thomas and Song Yumu, who was carrying Elena, in the center, while the rest formed pairs and moved forward in a circle. This formation ensured that they could provide instant assistance from any direction, minimizing potential losses.

To avoid lingering too long and inviting trouble, Chen Shaoxian and his group advanced quickly. However, they all stopped simultaneously shortly after.

About ten meters ahead, a few thatch huts appeared. Chen Shaoxian shone his flashlight around and noticed that there was a hut every few meters, extending far beyond where his flashlight could reach.

Looking at the huts, Chen Shaoxian scratched his head, feeling uncertain about what might be hidden inside but realizing there was no choice but to enter.

“Chen Shaoxian, these are maidens’ huts,” Thomas whispered from behind, seemingly unsettled by the sight.

Without turning back, Chen Shaoxian asked, “What are maidens’ huts?”

It was Xiao Zhuang, not Thomas, who answered, “For girls of the Yi Ethnic Group who turn sixteen, their families build them a small thatch hut. When a young man turns twenty, he can climb up the hut of the girl he loves at night to express his feelings.”

Chen Shaoxian glanced at Xiao Zhuang in surprise, and Xiao Zhuang continued, “I am a member of the Yi Ethnic Group.”

Chen Shaoxian remarked, “Such a great tradition. By the way, Xiao Zhuang, how many huts have you climbed?”

Xiao Zhuang blushed and replied, “Just one.”

Chen Shaoxian nodded and said, “That’s fine, there are plenty here now.” Then he turned to the others, saying, “There are so many maidens’ huts in front of us. Let’s climb together, and if you find someone you like, I’ll play matchmaker for you.”

Song Yumu interjected, “Bro, count me out, I can barely handle one wife.” Hearing this, the others laughed heartily, lightening the mood significantly.

Drawing the evil-slaying blade from his back, Chen Shaoxian gripped it tightly in one hand while holding his gun in the other, striding forward. The rest of the group closely followed behind him.

As they approached, Chen Shaoxian noticed the thatch huts were covered in thick moss, and the ground in front of almost every hut was marked by chaotic footprints that only led in, with none leading out.

He instructed everyone to huddle closer together, and they pressed forward, practically shoulder to shoulder.

Passing by two rows of huts without incident, Chen Shaoxian nonetheless felt increasingly uneasy, as if countless eyes were watching them from within the huts.

Suddenly, the wooden door of a hut behind them began to creak open, the sound echoing like a signal, prompting all the doors to creak open in harmony, followed by a cascade of laughter.

Under normal circumstances, the laughter might have sounded delightful, but now it made everyone’s skin crawl.

Chen Shaoxian shouted, “Run,” and led the group sprinting through the rows of huts. It seemed endless; even after a long run, the huts continued to stretch out in front of them.

At that moment, all the hut doors swung open wide. Chen Shaoxian halted and said, “Something’s not right. It’s like we’re going in circles.”

Carrying Elena, Zhang Zeshan suddenly said, “Thomas is missing.”