Chapter 348: To the Top of the Mountain
"What should we do? Should we continue climbing? Even if we reach the summit, it might be shrouded in mist and we won’t be able to see clearly. How are we supposed to find anything?" Lu Yi’s words were very reasonable. Even the townsfolk, as fervent as they were about eternal youth, were beginning to reconsider in the face of their harsh reality.
Seeing everyone hesitating, Du Changhui complained, "Climbing this mountain peak was your idea, Gu Fan. Are you suggesting we just give up now?"
Though he sensed the accusation in the remark, Gu Fan was unfazed: "Yes, it was my suggestion, but everyone agreed to it. Besides, do you have a better idea? If not, keep your criticisms to yourself. It’s easy to blame others when you have no solutions of your own."
Du Changhui was infuriated by this retort and made a mental note of the ordeal.
"Yuxueyun Mountain, in a sea of clouds, at the mountaintop, in the vastness of heaven and earth, another mountain rises higher still," Gu Fan muttered to himself. Then, determined, he called out, "Old man Tian, do you think we can press on? If so, let’s keep moving."
"The mist may be thick, but at least we can still see the path under our feet. Follow the rope and move slowly." Encouraged by old man Tian’s words, everyone summoned their courage to continue the climb.
Clinging to the rope, everyone carefully ascended, the mist growing thicker as they neared the summit. Initially, they could see ten steps ahead, but now, they could only see five. Even the person in front appeared as a faint silhouette.
The only consolation was that the path towards the summit was gradually becoming less steep. Surprisingly, they realized they were walking on steps. Someone had carved out a path near the top of the mountain.
"Damn, there’s actually a path here. We’re unlucky to only find it now," Lu Yi regretted. But Gu Fan was exhilarated—if there was a manmade path here, it meant they were on the right track.