The sun gradually rose higher, scorching the parched earth.
The fleeing caravan moved extremely slowly, with people falling behind from time to time.
Several elderly people couldn't hold on any longer and were helped by their families to sit down and rest by the roadside.
Jiang Chan, holding Xiao Tao's hand, had already reached the middle of the line.
At noon, the team finally stopped to rest.
Village Chief Chen and several villagers were arguing around a tattered map.
"At this speed, we should be able to reach Lijia Village this afternoon." The village chief pointed to a blurry mark on the map. "There is a well in the village."
"Li Family Village?" Old Li frowned. "That village is even smaller than our Willow Tree Village. How can it accommodate so many people?"
"We have to go, even if there's no room!" the village chief gritted his teeth. "If we don't find a place to rest soon, the elderly and children won't be able to hold on!"
Everyone fell silent.
After a short rest, the team set off again.
Jiang Chan, holding Xiao Tao's hand, silently followed the crowd.
Her steps were much steadyer than in the morning, but her lips were still pale.
Xiao Tao would look up at her from time to time, and only continue walking after making sure she was alright.
As the sun began to set, the outlines of a dozen or so low earthen houses came into view.
"We've arrived! We've arrived at Lijia Village!" someone cheered.
The crowd stirred, and a glimmer of hope finally appeared on their weary faces.
Jiang Chan squinted and looked at the village in the distance.
A cheer erupted from the crowd.
"We're here! We've finally arrived!"
"There's water! There's a place to rest!"
His heavy footsteps suddenly became rapid, and he staggered forward.
Jiang Chan, holding Xiao Tao's hand, glanced at the low, earthen houses, her brows furrowing slightly.
It's too quiet.
The cheers abruptly ceased as the crowd surged into the village.
The scene before them was like a bucket of ice water, extinguishing the flames that had just ignited in everyone's hearts.
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