Chapter 526
Chapter 526 So Close, Yet So Far
The news reported back by Li Wuling spread rapidly among the soldiers. It was as if they could all see Bayanhot beckoning to them in the distance. Their spirits were lifted, fatigue dispelled by renewed energy. United in purpose, they forged a muddy trail through the forest, cutting through brambles and obstacles. In just two hours, they reached the headwaters of the stream Li Wuling had mentioned.
Nestled among several towering peaks of the Helan Mountains, the immense lake stretched out before them. Sharp cliffs rose like bamboo shoots sculpted by a blade, reaching skyward. Over millennia, the flow of water had carved out a majestic canyon between the peaks, its path strewn with boulders and treacherous terrain. The lake sat at the heart of this canyon, covering dozens of acres, pure and tranquil like a pool of celestial spring water untouched by worldly dust. The clear, shimmering waters reflected human figures, while a few steaming underground springs dotted the area, their mist making the heavens seem just a little closer.
The lake’s water gently lapped against the rocky shore, accompanied by a soft, harmonious sound that was like a poem of serenity. This ethereal lake atop the Helan Mountains was so pristine and quiet, untouched by human presence, that it seemed like a sacred place that no one had ever visited.
Lin Wanrong scooped up some of the lake water and took a sip. Its subtle, warm fragrance filled his mouth and nose, as comforting as a mother’s milk, and incredibly sweet.
"Brother Lin, what do you think? Is this the place?" Li Wuling enthusiastically splashed some lake water onto his face, wiping away the droplets before breaking into a proud grin.
"Yes, this is the place," Lin Wanrong replied, his gaze lingering on the horizon where lake and sky merged into one. Suppressing his excitement, he said, "Only the celestial spring water of the Helan Mountains could irrigate the fertile grasslands of Bayanhot. I'm certain the stronghold of the Turks lies just ahead of us."
Hu Bugui clapped his hands in excitement. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's march through the night. With one concerted effort, we can cover another hundred miles and reach Bayanhot."
"We must not act rashly," Lin Wanrong said, shaking his head solemnly. "We've already covered most of the distance, and yet this vast lake has remained undiscovered. That means natural barriers must lie ahead, preventing others from finding this place."