In order to find Liu Cuilan without being noticed by others, Xia Wan and Xia Tao had no choice but to take the more secluded mountain path, winding their way from the foot of the mountain to the location of the cowshed.

The road at the foot of this mountain is a series of obstacles carefully set up by nature.

Stones of varying sizes were scattered haphazardly, some as sharp as blades, gleaming coldly in the dim light. That cold light resembled the fangs of a hungry beast, waiting for those who knew no danger to approach, and then deliver a fatal blow.

Some are as slippery as eels, making it difficult to get a foothold. Every step you take is like a difficult struggle with the stones under your feet. If you are not careful, you will slip and fall, ending up with bruises all over your body.

The overgrown weeds grew wildly, taller than a person, shivering in the cold wind and rustling, almost completely covering the road.

These weeds not only obstructed their view but also posed hidden dangers. If they weren't careful, they might trip over sharp stones hidden among them or get scratched by thorns hidden in the grass. The thorns on those thorns were like little devils, baring their teeth and claws, waiting for their prey. Once they caught on their clothes or skin, it would cause a piercing pain.

Xia Wan and Xia Tao held their breath, took each step lightly, and carefully made their way forward from the foot of the mountain.

Their figures appeared and disappeared among the mountains and forests, like two cheetahs lurking in the shadows, remaining highly vigilant about everything around them.

Xia Wan's eyes were firm and sharp, like a cold star twinkling in the night sky. She was always aware of the movements around her, not missing any subtle changes. Even the falling of a leaf or the startled flight of a bird could attract her attention.

Xia Tao followed closely behind, his steps slightly heavy, each one firm and solid, yet he was equally careful, afraid of making the slightest sound.

He deliberately kept his breathing very light, so light that it was almost inaudible, and his ears were perked up, trying to catch even the slightest sound around him—the sound of the wind, the rustling of leaves, the chirping of insects—nothing unusual could escape his ears.

The two of them made their way step by step toward the cowshed, each step filled with hardship and caution, each step requiring immense energy, as if they were climbing a towering, treacherous peak.

Before even approaching the cowshed, a pungent, suffocating stench assaulted the senses. The smell was extremely complex, a strong odor of animal manure mixed with a damp, putrid smell, as if emanating from the depths of hell, instantly sending chills down one's spine and making one's stomach churn.

Xia Wan frowned subconsciously, her features contorted by the stench. She quickly covered her mouth and nose with her hands, trying to block the nauseating smell from invading her.

However, the stench seemed to have a life of its own, stubbornly seeping into the gaps between her fingers, irritating her nasal cavity, making her want to vomit, and causing a tightness in her throat, as if something was rising up.

Xia Tao was not spared either. He couldn't help but cough violently a few times, his face showing undisguised disgust. His eyes were slightly red from the smoke, tears welled up in his eyes, and his steps slowed down involuntarily, each step feeling like he was dragging a heavy burden.

The two slowed their pace, taking each step with extreme caution, barely daring to breathe, for fear of making the slightest noise and disturbing the people in the cowshed.

They were like people on a dangerous covert mission, where every movement had to be made with utmost care, and every breath had to be controlled perfectly, as if the slightest mistake would lead to utter ruin.

Before they even stepped into the cowshed, a fierce argument erupted like a surging tide.

The cowshed was located in a remote area, far from the village, and the surrounding area was so open that there was no obstruction. The people inside spoke without any restraint, and their voices echoed unrestrainedly in the open mountains. Every word was like a heavy hammer blow, clearly reaching their ears.

"I've had the worst luck in eight lifetimes, being sent down to this poor, remote place to suffer because of your family! Look at you, you good-for-nothing, and your parents are completely useless too!"

Liu Cuilan's sharp complaints were like a sharp blade, piercing the originally silent air, carrying endless resentment and bitterness, and stabbing straight into people's hearts.

Her voice was sharp and piercing, echoing through the mountains, amplified as if it would shatter the entire forest.

The sound echoed back and forth in the valley, striking the surrounding rocks and reflecting back, creating a chilling reverberation that sent shivers down one's spine.

At first, the man's response was only a long period of forbearance and silence. Perhaps he had long been used to Liu Cuilan's nagging in countless arguments, or perhaps he was desperately suppressing the raging anger in his heart.

He clenched his fists so tightly that the veins on the back of his hands bulged, and his nails dug deep into his palms, leaving crescent-shaped marks. Blood seeped from between his fingers, but he was completely unaware.

But as Liu Cuilan's nagging became increasingly unbearable, those hurtful words were like salt sprinkled on a wound, each one piercing his self-esteem.

Finally, his emotions, like a burst dam, could no longer be controlled and erupted: "How dare you say that! Aren't you just a snob, a vain person who loves the rich and hates the poor? You're always hanging around with those shady characters in the village!"

The man's voice was filled with anger and grievance, a release after long-term suppression. His chest heaved violently like an angry bull, the veins on his forehead bulged, and the veins on his neck stood out like earthworms. His face was flushed red with anger, as if it were about to bleed.

Immediately afterwards, a loud slam of the door rang out, the sound particularly loud in the silent mountains, as if it were the man's final angry shout.

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