Shen Zhi Qiu thanked her elder sister for her concern, paid the money, and resolutely walked forward.

Si Mingyu strode towards Shen Zhi Qiu, his eyes full of concern.

“Zhi Qiu.” He lowered his head slightly, his gaze meeting Shen Zhi Qiu’s. “I just happened to contact President Rong to ask about you. When I learned that you were coming to Baiyun Valley, I happened to be nearby, so I rushed over.” He explained that his appearance was not accidental.

Shen Zhi Qiu nodded, her gaze not lingering on Si Ming Yu for long, but turning to the towering mountains in the distance. Her eyes were resolute, as if she were prepared to face any difficulty.

“I’ll go with you. It’s dangerous along the way.” Si Mingyu’s tone revealed his concern. He looked at Shen Zhi Qiu with eyes full of protectiveness. “It’s even more dangerous for you, a girl alone.” As he spoke, Si Mingyu showed Shen Zhi Qiu the huge backpack he was carrying. “I’ve already prepared the necessities.”

Shen Zhi Qiu gently shook her head, her voice firm and strong, "Ming Yu, thank you, but like you said, it's dangerous, and I don't want you to take the risk for me."

Si Mingyu felt a pang of heartache as he looked at her, his eyes filled with helplessness and worry. He knew he couldn't persuade her, nor could he force her to change her mind.

But seeing her hurrying forward, Si Mingyu's voice became urgent. He grabbed Shen Zhiqiu's arm, his eyes revealing a pleading look. "I know you would do anything for Lu Jia, Zhiqiu, I can do the same for you." His voice trembled and was sincere, revealing the emotions deep in his heart.

However, Shen Zhi Qiu angrily pulled her arm back. A hint of displeasure and determination flashed in her eyes. "Ming Yu, I've said it before, I hope you won't say these things to me anymore." Her voice was somewhat stiff.

Si Mingyu was filled with helplessness and bitterness. He knew he couldn't change her decision, nor could he win back her heart.

"I'm sorry, I misspoke." Si Mingyu's voice trembled slightly, filled with guilt and self-reproach. "I'm sorry, Zhi Qiu. I know I shouldn't have brought these things up again, I'm really sorry."

Shen Zhi Qiu remained silent and simply walked towards the mountain peak.

Si Mingyu followed silently behind her, his eyes filled with worry and reluctance. He tightened his backpack on his back, thinking that no matter what, he would stay by her side.

Hearing the footsteps behind her, Shen Zhi Qiu felt a pang of helplessness. She knew Si Mingyu had followed out of concern, but she didn't want him to take any risks. However, she also understood that she couldn't change Si Mingyu's decision. So, she sighed and continued walking.

Suddenly, Si Mingyu snapped a photo of Shen Zhi Qiu's back. He quickly sent the photo to Rong Mo, letting him know about Shen Zhi Qiu's current situation. He knew Rong Mo must be very worried about her, and he hoped this photo would put Rong Mo at ease.

Without the slightest hesitation, Shen Zhi Qiu slowly made her way up the winding steps. The steps were only wide enough for two people to walk side by side, with bottomless cliffs on both sides, but thankfully there were railings about half a meter high on each side. She carefully stepped onto each step, her eyes fixed on the front, not daring to relax for a moment.

However, as she ascended, the steps became increasingly steep, some sections almost reaching a ninety-degree angle. Shen Zhi Qiu's steps gradually became slow and heavy. She had to stop, catch her breath, and then hold onto the railing slightly before continuing, but she dared not exert too much force, fearing that the wooden railing might break due to years of disrepair.

Si Mingyu followed closely behind her, keeping an eye on his feet while also paying attention to Shen Zhi Qiu's condition, his mind on high alert.

Finally, Shen Zhi Qiu reached the top of the steps. She looked up and found that there was no path ahead. A sign stood there that read: "Danger ahead, accident-prone area, please stop."

Shen Zhi Qiu surveyed the scene. Before him lay a steep cliff face. Although the slope had lessened considerably, it was riddled with protruding rocks and potholes. Needless to say, this was a path worn down by people like Shen Zhi Qiu themselves, and it looked exceptionally treacherous. One slip, and it would be a bottomless abyss.

Shen Zhi Qiu was filled with fear. She took a deep breath and tried to calm her inner fear.

"Zhi Qiu," Si Mingyu said softly, afraid that his voice would startle her, "the road ahead is very dangerous. Have you thought it through? We don't even know what it's like up there."

"I've heard that if you climb to the top of the mountain and pray to Buddha, your wishes will come true," Shen Zhi Qiu replied softly, pursing her lips.

“Zhi Qiu, that’s just what everyone’s saying. Nobody really knows what it’s like. Besides, there’s a sign here that means a lot of accidents have happened. Is it really worth risking your life?” Si Mingyu sighed and advised.

“Mingyu, you don’t need to try to persuade me anymore. Now that I’m here, I’m determined to get to the top. You don’t need to come with me.” Shen Zhi Qiu didn’t turn around, but just looked towards the mountaintop. “Back then, when Lu Jia risked his life to stay by my side and help me defuse the bomb, didn’t he also not hesitate at all?”

After saying that, she lowered her body and prepared to climb carefully.

“Wait a minute,” Si Mingyu called out to Shen Zhiqiu, who was about to move, and sighed helplessly. “Zhiqiu, I was the captain of the climbing team in college. I have more experience in this situation than you. I’ll go first.” Seeing that Shen Zhiqiu was about to refuse, Si Mingyu said seriously, “Don’t you want to live a good life? What if you fall down before you even get to the top? Wouldn’t all your efforts have been wasted?”

After saying that, Si Mingyu quickly walked past Shen Zhi Qiu without waiting for her consent.

"Follow the path I'm taking, and don't touch the rocks."

With each step, Si Mingyu would carefully grip the protrusions on the rock face with his fingers to ensure it was secure before pulling himself up with all his might using his hands and feet. His feet searched for footholds on the rocks, pushing off forcefully to gain momentum and climb upwards. Every climb was exceptionally arduous.

Shen Zhi Qiu followed behind him, and after a while her fingers began to ache, and her legs began to tremble. She glanced down at the bottomless abyss, and her heart raced, her breathing became rapid, and sweat slid down her cheeks, dripping onto the stone wall.

"Don't look down." Si Mingyu noticed Shen Zhi Qiu's condition and gently comforted her, "You just need to look up and follow my steps to climb. Once we cross this area, climb to the left. The slope there will be much flatter, and it will be easier to get up."

Shen Zhi Qiu's heart felt like it was about to jump out of her chest. She knew she had to adjust her state as soon as possible, or the consequences would be unimaginable.

However, at that moment, Shen Zhi Qiu's foot suddenly slipped. Her body instantly lost its balance and began to slide downwards. She screamed in terror, her hands instinctively grabbing at the stone wall, trying to find a foothold.