LRAB Page 241
Page 241
After making some preparations, they prepared to enter the valley. However, before leaving, Xia Yan still wanted Qianhua and Ram to stay at the inn, since he thought the valley was quite dangerous. When Qianhua and Ram saw this, a hint of displeasure flashed in their eyes. Moreover, they were also very worried.
Moreover, they already had a vague suspicion that Xia Yan's good friend's disappearance was definitely related to that valley. So even though Xia Yan was being led by someone else, they were still worried. As Xia Yan entered the valley alone, their determination deepened.
Chapter 477 Searching
Seeing this scene, Xia Yan's helplessness deepened. He looked at Qian Hua and Ram with a serious expression, then said to them:
“I know you two are very worried about me right now, but you haven’t thought this through. If you come with me to that valley, you’ll definitely face great danger. It’s better to wait here in this town.”
After hearing these words, Chika and Ram exchanged glances, a hint of displeasure flashing in their eyes. The only reason they followed Xia Yan to this place was to have 680 protect Xia Yan's safety and not to let Xia Yan act independently.
Therefore, they were determined to follow Xia Yan into that valley. Realizing this, the resolve in their eyes deepened. They glanced at Xia Yan beside them and said to him again:
"Let me tell you, our hearts have already made up. This time, we're definitely going to follow you. Besides, it's not like we haven't been to that valley before. It's just that this time, we're going to go to the very back of the valley. Don't worry, we've already made preparations. Moreover, we now have a guide. What are you worried about?"
"Yes, yes, don't worry, we'll definitely be fine. Besides, we've assured you we won't run around. Aren't you reassured?"
After saying these words, Chika and Ram looked at Xia Yan with expectant eyes. The helplessness in Xia Yan's eyes was also slowly deepening. Although he really wanted Chika and Ram to stay in this small inn, he sighed softly when he thought about the way people in the town would look at them, and could only nod to the two of them.
Upon seeing this scene, Qianhua and Ram slowly smiled. After packing their things, they didn't waste any time and followed the person into the valley.
The person seemed to be somewhat wary of the valley, and performed many rituals before entering it. Xia Yan, who was standing to the side, looked increasingly puzzled upon seeing this, but he did not ask any further questions.
Chika and Ram asked the person what exactly they were going to do, but the person remained silent, and the two of them lost interest in the matter.
And so the four of them entered the valley. But after walking for a while, Xia Yan, who was standing to the side, decided to rest there for a while to take care of Qian Hua and Ram's mood and physical condition.
The man observed the sky for a moment, then sighed softly before approaching Xia Yan. He spoke to him very seriously:
“We can’t stay here any longer. We must continue on our way. If these two young ladies are not comfortable with this, please ask them to leave. After all, this valley is quite dangerous at night.”
This person was genuinely kind-hearted, and Xia Yan, standing nearby, initially agreed wholeheartedly. However, Qian Hua Lamu was filled with resentment. She glanced at the person beside her and then said to him:
"What do you even know? Xia Yan did this just out of chivalry."
Chapter 478 Traces
"Besides, you were just showing us the way. You shouldn't get involved in this anymore. If you say we're leaving, let's leave now. We don't need to prove to you that we're not weak women."
"Yes, if you want to leave, you can just tell us now. Why did you have to say all that?"
After saying these words, a hint of dissatisfaction flashed in Chika and Ram's eyes. The man frowned slightly, but did not say anything in rebuttal.
The helplessness in Xia Yan's eyes deepened, but he didn't know how to persuade them. So they continued to venture into the valley and searched for a while.
However, it seemed that they had already traveled a long way without finding any trace. Seeing this, Xia Yan's eyes grew increasingly gloomy. But then, just as they were thinking this, they seemed to discover a series of traces.
Upon seeing this, the guide frowned slightly, but at the same time, he knew very well that if they could successfully find Xia Yan's good friend, his salary would certainly be substantial.
Realizing this, he hurriedly called Xia Yan over. When Xia Yan saw the scene, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes. Then, he carefully observed it and found that it was indeed traces left by humans, not by a series of animals in the valley.
Xia Yan was extremely careful with these traces, and he knew perfectly well that the presence of these traces proved that someone had definitely entered this valley. However, the guide beside him, upon seeing this scene, sighed softly and said leisurely:
"Don't blame me for being nosy, but I have a feeling your friend is in grave danger. You know, this valley is cursed. The only reason I brought you here was because I was desperate for money. If I could avoid going hungry, I would never have come. But you've entered this valley, so if your friend isn't familiar with the area, you might never see him again in your life."
Upon hearing these words, Chika and Ram simultaneously turned their gazes to Xia Yan. Xia Yan's brows furrowed slightly, but at the same time, he was also seriously studying these traces.
0 ····Requesting flowers···· ········ -
Xia Yan had initially hoped that there was still a glimmer of hope, but after studying the traces, he discovered some of his good friend's belongings. Realizing this, his unease gradually deepened.
...... ........ ...
Moreover, he had just observed that this was likely the trace left by several people. Realizing this, he sighed softly, but the trace seemed to stretch for a very long distance.
The man's expression became even more serious. He led Xia Yan and Qian Hua, following the trail to find the person. Then, in the direction where the trail disappeared, a cave appeared in front of them.
Upon seeing this, a hint of wariness flashed in Xia Yan's eyes. However, after careful observation, they discovered that there were no wild animals or anything else in the cave; it was simply dark and somewhat frightening. The guide, however, instinctively took a step back.
Chapter 479 Fear
Xia Yan didn't waste any time and slowly walked into the cave. But when he saw the scene inside the cave by the dim firelight, the shock in his eyes deepened, and he subconsciously took a step back.
Because what appeared in front of Xia Yan was a pile of white bones, after realizing this, the worry in his eyes gradually deepened. Of course, Qian Hua and Ram, the two "683" people standing to the side, also saw this scene, a trace of panic flashed in their eyes, and then they subconsciously took a step back.
Upon seeing this scene, the guide on the other side was at a loss for words and immediately ran out of the cave, shouting as he ran. Seeing this, Xia Yan sighed softly, but at the same time, he understood Qian Hua and Ram's thoughts.
Realizing this, Xia Yan tried to calm himself down and then said to Chika and Ram who were standing beside him:
"You two should go outside and calm down. I'll take care of things here. Besides, it looks like these people have been dead here for a long time, so you shouldn't stay here."
Chika and Ram were filled with fear. Although they had prepared themselves mentally, they hadn't expected to encounter such a situation in this valley. Realizing this, they frowned and looked at Xia Yan beside them.
Although they didn't want to leave Xia Yan alone there, they knew they were only hindering him. Realizing this, a hint of helplessness flashed in their eyes, and they nodded to Xia Yan. However, as they left, Qianhua, who was standing to the side, still worriedly instructed Xia Yan:
“In that case, the two of us will go out and wait for you. But you must be careful here. It would be bad if there were other things in this cave. Also, let’s go find the guide. If we don’t have him to guide us, we’ll be in danger here.”
A hint of approval flashed in Xia Yan's eyes. He sighed softly and nodded to the two of them. Chika and Ram didn't waste any time either...
Watching the two figures slowly leave the cave, Xia Yan's helplessness deepened. He didn't want them to be frightened by his actions.
Realizing this, Xia Yan came to the pile of bones and the corpses. Actually, Xia Yan was a little scared, but for his good friend, he carefully examined them.
Xia Yan felt extremely fortunate that he didn't find any of his good friend's belongings among the pile of bones and corpses. This proved that his good friend was very likely not among the bones and corpses. Realizing this, he sighed softly.
However, Xia Yan 4.9 was not careless here. Instead, he checked again. Not only that, he also determined the pair of skeletons and the time of death of the body. After some confirmation, he thought of his good friend. Based on his actions during this period, Xia Yan deduced that his good friend was indeed not among them.
Only then did the worry in Xia Yan's eyes gradually lessen.
Chapter 480 Search
He originally came here to look for clues about his good friend, but things have become increasingly complicated. Xia Yan always felt that there was someone behind the scenes pushing things forward.
However, Xia Yan had no clue whatsoever. He could only search for clues here. Realizing this, he sighed softly and tried to sort out his thoughts. The things he had encountered recently were truly strange and incomprehensible. If he didn't think about them carefully, it would be difficult to understand the underlying principles. Nevertheless, he continued to carefully search for clues in the cave.
However, after searching the cave for a long time, Xia Yan found no useful clues. Realizing this, he sighed and walked out of the cave. Seeing this, Qian Hua and Ram rushed to Xia Yan's side and asked him:
"How are you? Are you alright? Is your good friend in there? This place is too dangerous. Why would your good friend come to this place? I think he's really in grave danger this time."
"Yes, yes, that's what I thought too. Did you find any new clues inside? By the way, the guide said he was waiting for us not far away. He seemed to have been quite frightened as well."
Ram, standing to the side, looked at Xia Yan with a worried expression after he finished speaking. Xia Yan naturally understood their feelings, sighed softly, but still said to them:
"Although what we just discovered makes us very uneasy, I'm certain my good friend isn't among them. Besides, I've searched the cave for a long time without finding any other clues. Why don't we start searching around this cave? Maybe we'll find some useful clues?"
After hearing these words, Qianhua and Ram exchanged glances, a strange look flashing in their eyes. After all, they felt that Xia Yan's good friend was probably in grave danger after what had happened.
However, to their surprise, Xia Yan was still not letting his guard down. They were too embarrassed to say anything hurtful, so they could only nod to Xia Yan and then began searching the area around the cave.
However, for some reason, Xia Yan felt that after arriving here, the traces seemed to have been covered up by someone. They had followed some obvious traces to get to this cave, but after they discovered the ginkgo nuts and the corpse, they couldn't find any traces at all.
Realizing this, his brows furrowed even more deeply. Meanwhile, Qianhua and Ram, who were standing nearby, didn't discover anything else. The guide, seeing this scene, frowned slightly and a hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes. In fact, he was quite regretful in his heart.
If he weren't so desperate for money, he wouldn't have come to help Xia Yan come to this place. Moreover, in his opinion, this valley was cursed. Realizing this, he glanced around warily, and a look of panic flashed in his eyes. However, perhaps because they had been here for a while, Qianhua and Ram, who were beside him, gradually became more accepting of it and saw the bones and corpses.
Chapter 481 Clues
Seeing this scene, Xia Yan's eyes gradually filled with relief. Before, he had been quite worried about Chika and Ram.
After all, in his opinion, this matter had nothing to do with the two of them. The two women had only come with him because they were worried about him, and besides, they were both girls.
Realizing that this situation didn't belong to the two of them at all, he sighed softly, his helplessness deepening. But Chika and Ram, standing to the side, were already able to openly face the skeletons and corpses before them.
At first, they thought this was terrifying, but now that they've gotten used to it, it doesn't seem like much anymore. After realizing this, the two of them looked at each other and a smile slowly crept onto their lips.
However, they were also very clear in their hearts that their previous thoughts had already told them that there were no new clues in this cave. Realizing this, they came outside the cave and began to search around it.
They searched the vicinity for any other clues, but after a long search, they found not a single trace. Realizing this, they looked at each other, sighed softly, and then Qianhua, standing nearby, continued:
"Do you think we're going in the wrong direction? Besides, we've already wasted so much time here and haven't found a single clue. Could it be that person lied to us?"
“We can’t say for sure about this. Look at this valley, it’s so big. Xia Yan said it’s very strange here, and there’s a reason for that. Before this, Xia Yan’s good friend should know the terrain here very well. It’s impossible for him to just disappear like this. Let’s search carefully, just in case we find any useful clues.”
Ram, who was standing to the side, also encouraged Chika, saying that he knew very well that Chika had been working too hard lately. After realizing this, he sighed quietly. In this way, the two of them did not give up.
Meanwhile, as they continued their search through the cave, Qianhua inadvertently entered a trap.
A hint of worry flashed in Ram's eyes, and then she immediately said to him:
"Don't move. Don't wait for me to call someone to rescue you."
After hearing these words, Chika nodded to Ram and then obediently stayed there without moving. Seeing this, Ram naturally didn't waste any more time and hurriedly ran towards Xia Yan's direction. Meanwhile, Chika was still quite scared in this trap.
Although he wasn't injured, the trap was completely dark. Realizing this, he instinctively leaned against the wall, but then he touched something sticky.
Realizing this, he frowned slightly, but following the light filtering down from the trap, he still noticed the bright red on his hands.
The panic in his eyes deepened, but he no longer knew where to retreat. At the same time, just as Qianhua was in this state of panic and helplessness, he suddenly heard Xia Yan's voice ring out from above him:
"Qianhua, Qianhua, how are you? Don't you have time? Hold on a little longer, I'll be able to get you out of here soon."
After hearing these words, Chika's expression gradually calmed down. At the same time, Xia Yan found a rope and climbed down it. He then saw Chika huddled in a corner, seemingly afraid of something.
Realizing this, a hint of wariness flashed in his eyes, while Chika's expression had completely calmed down after seeing Xia Yan.
He glanced at Xia Yan beside him, and then immediately said to him:
"Perhaps what we're looking for is in this trap. Look, there's even blood in here."
Upon hearing these words, Xia Yan frowned slightly, and a strange look flashed in his eyes. However, after seeing that Qian Hua had no expression, he went to check other situations. When he saw that there were indeed bloodstains on the ground, the worry in his eyes gradually deepened.
He had been very worried about his friend's safety after discovering the skeleton in the cave, and seeing the bloodstains only made him more anxious. Realizing this, he sighed softly, but at the same time, he hurriedly brought Qianhua up with him.
Seeing this, Ram's worry lessened somewhat; he had been truly terrified. But then he noticed bloodstains on Chika's hands and, realizing this, quickly went to her and asked, "..."
"What happened? Are you injured again? Where exactly are you hurt? Let me bandage you up."
A hint of emotion flashed in Chika's eyes, then she shook her head at him. She then told Ram about everything he had found in the trap. Ram's shock deepened, but he still stared blankly at Xia Yan beside him.
He knew perfectly well that the more they found here, the more dangerous Xia Yan's friend was. Realizing this, he sighed. But then they discovered that there was some blood on the ground not far from the trap.
Realizing this, Xia Yan pondered for a moment, then addressed the group of people before him:
"In that case, why don't we follow these bloodstains and keep going? Where there's blood, there's bound to be someone. They must have been injured and that's why they're hiding. Although we don't know who this person is, what if it's my friend? What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Chika and Ram's eyes flashed with agreement. Since they couldn't find any new clues, they sighed softly and then nodded to Xia Yan.
Xia Yan didn't waste any more time, but because there was so little blood, their search was extremely slow. Although Xia Yan was very anxious, he was helpless.
Chapter 483 Meeting
Realizing this, Xia Yan's brows furrowed even more deeply. Qian Hua, standing nearby, naturally understood his thoughts, sighed softly, and then went directly to him, saying:
"I'm telling you not to worry right now. Besides, no news is usually good news, which means your good friend is definitely still alive. Moreover, we already have a lead, right? As long as we continue to search along this lead, we will definitely find your good friend."
Xia Yan sighed softly. Although Qian Hua had said those words, he also believed that his friend was in grave danger after discovering these clues. Realizing this, the difficulty in his eyes gradually deepened.
However, Xia Yan would not give up until he found his best friend's body. A determined look flashed in his eyes, and he nodded to Qian Hua beside him. Qian Hua glanced at Ram, and the two of them did not waste any time, but continued to help Xia Yan search.