Chapter 246: Rolling Stone
Chapter 246: Rolling Stone
There wasn’t time to escape. The explosions were so powerful that people were sent flying into the sky, creating a spectacular scene of chaos.
The group of people behind the car witnessed the whole process. At first, they were stunned, then they quickly dispersed like startled birds and beasts.
Without stopping, the Hummer charged forward, coming to a steady halt in front of the spiked board.
Ensuring there were no prying eyes around, the two put on bulletproof vests and helmets before getting out of the car.
The quality of the spiked board was good; it could be taken home and used as a trap.
Jiang Ning couldn’t bear to discard it. The two of them lifted it onto the roof of the car and tied it securely.
They continued driving forward.
Encountering two more roadblocks, with few people and no heavy weapons, seeing the formidable appearance of the fierce apocalypse war chariot, they hesitated and did not dare to approach.
Dongqiao Mountain was about thirty kilometers away from Huicheng District.
They left the national highway and slowly headed towards the mountain forest.
Along the way, ruins occasionally emerge. The once thriving village houses are now devoid of human life.
In the distance, the towering and steep Dongqiao Mountain came into view.
Driving along the bumpy road, they finally managed to bring the car to a flat and safe place at the foot of the mountain.
Without rushing to get out of the car, they first had a meal inside, then opened the windows to air out the smell, lowered the seats, and began to sleep.
They hadn’t rested properly for the past two days and needed to recuperate to be able to enter the mountain.
Although the deep mountain forests were rarely visited by people and the car was bulletproof, Jiang Ning still left a crack in the window.
Once there was any movement, the dog could immediately detect it.
They slept for a good seven to eight hours, then got out of the car, stretched their limbs, had another meal, and then put on their mountaineering protective gear.
Parking the car, the three of them, along with the dog, entered the mountain.
The dog always enjoyed leading the way on road explorations. This time, after Jiang Ning scolded it repeatedly, it stopped its naughty habit and obediently followed Jiang Ning, sticking closely to the command not to stray more than five steps away.
Huo Yishen was no different, never letting Doudou out of his sight.
The geological structure here wasn’t as stable as Jinshi Mountain’s, with numerous rocks and soil. After a powerful earthquake, the safety index plummeted.
Arriving at the foot of the mountain, Jiang Ning was shocked by what she saw.
The entrance to the mountain had been blocked by huge rocks and collapsed soil.
Huo Yishen reminded, “Be careful.”
It had only been half a year since the earthquake passed, and it was the time when the structure was most unstable, far more dangerous than five years later.
This was also the reason why he didn’t want Jiang Ning and the others to come here. In order to find the medicine to cure the disease here, three team members had paid with their lives.
Even if he were to do it again, the thrilling memories had already been ingrained in his mind.
To be honest, looking at the scene in front of her, Jiang Ning was also worried and didn’t want the two to take risks.
But if she left them alone, what if they encountered evil people?
Dealing with a few individuals together might not be a problem, but what if it was a large group?
Sigh, the troubles of bringing the kids along.
After much thought, Jiang Ning left the decision to the two, “It’s very dangerous in the mountains. Would you like to find a safe place to hide and wait for us to come out?”
Hearing the danger, the dog decisively bit her pants leg.
Doudou looked determined, “Brother and sister-in-law, I want to go with you.”
Jiang Ning and Huo Yishen shared a glance before reluctantly leading the two into the mountains.
They climbed over rocks, carefully stepping on the collapsed soil, leaving a trail of footprints behind.
Many parts of the mountain trail were destroyed, so they had to stick to the safer areas for walking.
Returning to Dongqiao Mountain, looking at the mountains and vegetation in front of him, Huo Yishen’s memories became clearer as they headed towards where the dragon grass was.
Afraid of getting lost or encountering danger, Jiang Ning came up with a good idea, taking out a rope and tying it around the wrists of the three, with a certain distance between them, and finally looping it around the dog’s neck.
If they unfortunately encountered danger, she could immediately retract them into the space along with the rope.
Climbing mountains and crossing through water, stepping on soft ground, soil collapses, rocks roll…
It took two hours of uneventful climbing to reach the depths of the valley.
Compared to five years later, the valley before them was desolate, with little visible greenery.
Huo Yishen was somewhat worried. Finding the medicine five years later didn’t guarantee finding it now; it was highly likely that it hadn’t even grown yet.
Looking around, there was no sign of it.
Jiang Ning reassured, “Don’t worry, let’s search slowly.”
Using trekking poles to clear away the dry leaves and grass, paying attention to the extremely inconspicuous green sprouts…
After flipping through for two hours, Jiang Ning noticed a very short green sprout that was very similar to dragon grass.
After the two of them confirmed it several times, it was indeed dragon grass. Although it is just newly sprouted seedlings.
Jiang Ning took out a shovel and dug out a piece of soil along with the medicine.
“It’s here too.” Doudou was extremely excited beside her.
“Woof, woof!” The dog, unwilling to be left out, became excited at the sight of the weeds.
Carefully searching the valley, they found a total of twelve dragon grass plants.
Unfortunately, there was none on Jinshi Mountain; otherwise, they could share half with Ma Guangnian and the others.
Of course, they hadn’t forgotten the real purpose of coming to Dongqiao Mountain.
Back then, Huo Yishen and the others had also found dragon grass without any danger, but…
What followed was the real danger and test.
Another type of medicine grew at the mist-shrouded mountain top all year round.
Dongqiao Mountain was about 2000 meters above sea level. Climbing the mountain was extremely steep and treacherous, and it would take eight hours to reach the summit along the mountain trail.
This was the speed of people with ample physical strength before the apocalypse, but now, after the earthquake…
Last time, Huo Yishen and the others climbed for two full days.
Since they were here, giving up was not an option, but he was more nervous than last time. After all, they were the most important people in his life, and he couldn’t afford any mistakes.
Huo Yishen walked in the front, followed by Doudou, Jiang Ning, and the dog…
As they walked, suddenly the road disappeared, and a large section of the mountain trail collapsed.
The mountain was exceptionally steep. They took out the flying tiger claws and cautiously climbed up using the dead branches.
It wasn’t being overly dramatic, but it was really tiring. They walk and rest from time to time.
With danger lurking everywhere, it took a whole day to reach halfway up the mountain.
Taking out high-calorie braised pork, chicken soup, vegetables, and rice noodles, they ate until they were full to replenish their energy.
After eating and drinking, they were just about to get up to continue when suddenly the dog let out a sharp howl…
It seemed like something was rolling down from above.
“Not good.” Huo Yishen’s face changed suddenly. “It’s rolling stones.”
Jiang Ning looked up. Although she couldn’t see it, the sound grew louder and louder, rumbling…
“Quick, hide.”
Last time, a team member was killed by rolling stones, and Huo Yishen instinctively held Doudou tightly against him.
The rolling stones arrived in an instant!
Just in time, Jiang Ning retracted into the space with the rope.
Huo Yishen reacted quickly, pressing his sister’s head against his chest. “Don’t be afraid, Doudou, close your eyes.”
Accustomed to her brother’s voice, she subconsciously closed her eyes.
In the silent space, surrounded by familiar surroundings, the dog quickly calmed down, constantly nudging Jiang Ning with its head.
Ignoring it, Jiang Ning looked down at her watch.
About five minutes later, she and Huo Yishen exchanged glances and then flashed out of the space.
There were traces on the ground where the giant rocks had hit and crushed, and the mountain was quiet.
Huo Yishen put his sister down. “It’s all right.”
Doudou opened her eyes, a little scared but not daring to hug her brother again. In the end, she threw herself into Jiang Ning’s arms.
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