We traversed the ruins for more than two hours, yet in reality, we did not venture far.
Wandering aimlessly in the ruins wasted much of our energy. In some places, it was apparent that we could easily pass through, but Xiao He pointed out snake traces, indicating it was unsafe. Thus, we had to climb over some broken walls, consuming not only time but also considerable physical strength.
Both of them seemed somewhat pale, especially Xiao He. Though he was originally the most robust among us, prolonged fasting and his existing injuries had taken a toll. Sweat began to form on his face. I requested his backpack, but he insisted, forcing us to take a break.
As they sat down to catch their breath, I changed Xiao He's bandage and whispered, "Perhaps we should rest here for a while. Pushing ourselves like this won't do."
Licking his parched lips, Xiao He hoarsely replied, "No, we can't rest like this. If we fall asleep, we won't wake up."
Big Head took out the map from his pocket, threw it to me, and said, "You take the map. If we can't go on later, you go ahead. If you manage to get out, bring help. My brother and I might still have a chance."
I didn't understand why people around me always sacrificed themselves to protect me. A deep-rooted cowardice angered me. "Stop talking nonsense. If you don't go, I'll smash your precious items."
Surprisingly, Big Head didn't get angry, just calmly smiled, as if he had already seen through something. "There aren't many left anyway. Go ahead and smash them if you want."
After a short rest, I redistributed their burden onto me, took the map, and led the way.
Not long after, a relatively large structure appeared ahead, seemingly not completely collapsed. According to the map, we originally planned to detour around it. Just as I was about to explore the path, Xiao He suddenly said, "Turn off the lights." Although I didn't understand, I complied. Big Head, behind me, pressed my shoulder, indicating I should crouch down.
As the lights went out, darkness enveloped us immediately. We could see the faint glow inside the partially collapsed building.
There were people inside. The thought had just formed in my mind when the lights inside went out too, plunging the ruins into complete darkness.
Big Head lowered his voice, "They probably noticed us."
Almost instantly, I heard some faint rustling sounds coming from there. Xiao He identified, whispering, "Quite a few people."
A thought crossed my mind, realizing their identity. Simultaneously, a bold idea emerged. I couldn't help but breathe rapidly, feeling a bit crazy about my plan.
Gritting my teeth, I whispered, "Whether we live or die, let's find out now." Turning on my flashlight, I shouted, "Cao Zixiong, greetings!"
In the flashlight's glow, I saw Cao and his men cautiously hiding behind the structure. They seemed surprised by my unexpected move. Cao Zixiong, somewhat puzzled, stood up from behind a collapsed wall, smiling bitterly, "Second Young Master, we meet again. What kind of play are you staging now?"
I gave them a meaningful look. The three of us walked out from the rubble. Cao Zixiong frowned, his men also watching us warily. He sighed, "Impressive, Second Young Master, for Cao's men, I trust you."
Relieved, I sighed, realizing it was a close call. If he hesitated a few more seconds, I might not have held up.
He gestured for us to enter the building, where we found a few wounded people. Despite not causing heavy losses to the Cao family, this journey had worn them down significantly. After some discussion, we learned they had been wandering in this place for a long time.
As Cao Zixiong left, he chatted with me, inquiring about Hansheng's whereabouts. I didn't respond directly, expressing regret instead. He then asked about our progress, and I shared a partially true story, mentioning the ancient temple and a ghostly attack that forced us to flee.
As he left, Big Head approached, warning, "Be cautious of that sick guy over there. I don't know what grudge you two have, but I have a bad feeling."
Looking at Cao Zixiong's back, I agreed with Big Head, "We need to be careful. He might stab us in the back." Big Head nodded thoughtfully.
After a rest, we resumed our journey. However, Cao Zixiong proposed that one of our group should act as a hostage for them to cross to the other side. Although Xiao He volunteered, Big Head intercepted him and volunteered himself, winking at me before leaving. I didn't know what he was up to, but I was sure he had a plan.
We continued forward, and after a few hours, we approached our destination. However, my anxiety grew. I wondered if we should delay a bit. Considering Cao Zixiong's nature, he would probably try to eliminate us once we reached the exit. But with Cao Zixiong present, deliberately taking a detour might raise suspicions. Just as I was torn between decisions, a commotion erupted behind us.
We turned around to see Big Head confronting some of Cao's men, who were clearly angered. I didn't know what was happening, but Big Head, with a mischievous smile, challenged them. "Come on, shoot again if you dare."
Unexpectedly, one of them aimed his gun at Big Head and cursed, "I'll give you one shot."
Big Head's expression changed instantly. Jokingly, he said, "No, no, no. I know you're awesome. Your whole family is awesome."
While they argued, a strange sound suddenly erupted around us. Everyone instinctively looked around, but I couldn't discern the direction. Xiao He, however, frowned and turned pale. "Not good."
Suddenly, all the sounds vanished simultaneously, and the surroundings fell into extreme silence. I also sensed something was wrong.
The Cao family members were confused, and only Cao Zixiong's face changed slightly. In the next moment, at least three or four giant pythons raised their heads from the darkness, their enormous scales gleaming metallic in the flashlight's glow. Almost all sides were surrounded by these colossal serpents.