Chapter 140 Darkness Follows
Guided by the light from Lu Yi’s counterfeit phone, Gu Fan, Du Jun, and Xu Haowen tread carefully along the narrow riverbank, one behind the other. Every step feels extraordinarily terrifying. Xu Haowen’s body is even trembling. If another monster fish attacks now, they certainly won’t have the ability to defend themselves.
Gu Fan’s idea is to return to the place where they had previously come ashore, and then make their way back to the palace to rejoin the others. The problem is that they have no sense of direction at the moment, not knowing if the place where they had previously come ashore is ahead or behind them.
After walking for a while, Du Jun expresses a different opinion, "I think we are going the wrong way, we should turn back."
To this, Gu Fan shakes his head, "It’s hard for all of us to say whether we are going in the wrong direction or not. So let’s just go a bit further. If we still can’t find our way, let’s turn back."
With a grave expression, Du Jun counters, "Do you realize what it means to stay here? Every minute, every second, carries risks. Going in the wrong direction will only waste more time."
"I know, you don’t need to remind me. We can’t choose the correct direction, so we have to take a gamble. You think we should go back, I think we should keep going. We disagree, but I won’t force you, and I don’t want you to force me. We can each go our own way." Gu Fan’s indifferent tone implies that he’s not seeking Du Jun’s approval, which infuriates the usually superior-feeling Du Jun.
Having no other choice, Du Jun falls silent. Since Lu Yi, the only light source, is definitely with Gu Fan, Du Jun has no choice but to follow along. This situation is similar to when Du Jun wanted to move forward with Ouyang Jin, the guide, which left Gu Fan and his group with no choice but to follow as well.
However, Du Jun maintains a hostile gaze at Gu Fan, seemingly implying that this matter is far from over. As for Gu Fan, he has no interest in paying it any mind. He is acutely aware of the current situation: if they can’t find their way in the shortest possible time, everyone will be in danger.
Seeing the tense atmosphere between Gu Fan and Du Jun, Xu Haowen quietly interjects, "Sorry to interrupt, but I feel like there’s something following us from behind."
"Oh, come on!" Lu Yi quickly shines the light toward Xu Haowen’s back. Everyone’s nerves are on edge. Upon closer inspection, they notice that there appears to be nothing behind them.
An annoyed Du Jun retorts, "Seriously, at a time like this, please stop frightening us."