Chapter 50: 50, Canyon fright

Ren Xiaosu no longer needs to venture out in search of food. Beneath the specter of death, Liu Bu has even neglected Ren Xiaosu and provisions; their thoughts now center on surviving the night—or rather, how to live and escape—rather than fretting over tonight’s meal.

Some among them have not even pitched tents tonight, fearing that shelter might impede their flight. Yet Xu Xian stops them: “Set up your tents, all of you. It is deep autumn now—if you lack even a windbreak, and fall ill, you shall never leave Jing Shan alive!”

They kindle a bonfire, and all sit in silence around the great flames. Though none dared stray far to gather firewood, nor re-enter the woods, their combined efforts yield a substantial pile. The larger the blaze, the more secure they feel.

This time, Ren Xiaosu does not kindle a separate fire, as Xu Xian insists he join the discussion.

Xu Xian had once advocated going to Jing Shan, weighing his future and standing within the Barrier. Now, however, he wavers, as if the counsel of the supernatural beings has taken profound effect.

The private soldiers trust their icy rifles, but when they confront what lies before them, firearms may no longer suffice, and terror grips them.

Their greatest reliance can no longer grant them solace.

Seeing all fall quiet, Xu Xian speaks: “We face a dilemma. One path leads through the gorge, yet its dangers are unknown—perhaps creatures even supernatural beings cannot withstand. How else to explain the warning carved in stone: ‘Let no living soul enter’?”

“The other path,” he continues, “harbors hidden perils in the woods. The mysterious death of Xu Xia, and the equally enigmatic disappearance of his corpse, remain unsolved. Thus, on our return, we cannot know what awaits.”

Luo Xinyu suddenly interjects: “Though dangers have arisen in the woods, they have not doomed us all. Many still live. But what lies beyond the gorge is uncertain. I believe facing the woods is wiser.”

Only one perished during their passage through the forest. Even if another dies on the way back, the ill-fated soul may not be oneself. Returning is likely their best choice.

Yet Xu Xian hesitates—truly, must they return? What awaits them in the Barrier, where superiors may torment him?

All fall silent again. Ren Xiaosu glances at Yang Xiaojin, noting her unruffled composure, as if she cares naught for their plight.

Wait—could Yang Xiaojin be one of the legendary supernatural beings?

Ren Xiaosu cannot confirm, but for reasons unknown, he senses her purpose here differs from theirs. When they ate fish, he thought her perhaps Luo Xinyu’s protector.

Yet Luo Xinyu and Yang Xiaojin share no evident closeness—only the rapport of employer and employee.

Ren Xiaosu harbors admiration for the supernatural beings Xu Xian speaks of, yet feels no envy. He, too, is a so-called supernatural being—only not yet fully matured…

Luo Xinyu studies Xu Xian’s expression and says, “Are you worried about your standing upon return to the Barrier? Fear not—I can secure your transfer from the private forces. Even a desk job would suffice.”

Xu Xian startles: “You think I fret over unfinished tasks?”

Luo Xinyu replies earnestly, “Is that not so? You need not be ashamed. We face this peril together. If we return now, I shall spare no effort to mitigate the consequences of your failure.”

Yet these words miss their mark. Xu Xian shakes his head: “My concerns run deeper. You cannot fathom them. Still, I agree with your decision. The path ahead is too fraught. Rest here tonight; tomorrow, we return to the Barrier.”

At that moment, the wind in the gorge ceases. The cacophonous roar abruptly fades, and the entire forest falls hushed.

Yet in that silence, they hear chewing sounds from the pickup truck. All hairs stand on end. Liu Bu trembles: “What sound is that?”

“From the pickup’s cargo bed!”

They gaze over, bewildered. The cargo bed holds only supplies, and Ren Xiaosu stands among them. From whence comes that sound?

Xu Xian, shaken, darkens: “I’ll not believe anything can withstand bullets!”

He beckons the private soldiers forward, advancing slowly toward the pickup. The chewing should persist—the recent gorge winds had merely drowned it out.

Ren Xiaosu rises too, his enhanced physique rendering the autumn chill negligible in only a thin coat.

His bone knife remains clutched. Glancing back, Yang Xiaojin’s hand rests on her sidearm.

As Xu Xian and the others draw near, a shadow suddenly leaps from the pickup’s cargo bed. Startled, they fire before thought.

The figure meets a hail of bullets midair, hurled backward. From the cargo bed comes another clamor, and they unleash a frenzied barrage without hesitation.

Click-click!

The guns empty. The private soldiers have expended an entire magazine. The pickup lies riddled, a ghastly sight. Its fuel tank leaks—someone has fired upon it, a bullet hole marking the spot.

Yet Ren Xiaosu feels no panic; advanced firearms training teaches that igniting a fuel tank requires incendiary rounds.

Xu Xian approaches, intent on examining the fallen shadow, only to grow irritated. The terror they felt stems from a rat, come to pilfer food.

“How enormous this rat has grown,” Liu Bu stammers, unnerved. “Surely the size of two human heads.”

Xu Xian, reassured, peers into the pickup. Inside, another rat lies perforated.

It was a false alarm. Their nerves stretched too taut—any rustle sends them spiraling into paranoia.

It is time to leave; none can withstand such mental strain.

But then, Ren Xiaosu turns abruptly toward their path. A silver wolf stands afar atop the hill, gazing down upon them—the Wolf King!

Damnation, how swiftly they have returned!

…

Thank you to Pure and Innocent Little Dragon and Changhe Jiuyou Bai for becoming the new book alliance leaders.