Inside the cave, the group, having eaten and drunk their fill, straightened their backs and looked serious upon hearing Xiao Wujie's words.
The atmosphere was warm and cheerful, filled with laughter and conversation, simply because they still had ample supplies and each person had some means of self-preservation.
Once resources run out and manpower is insufficient, the true horror of this desolate place will be revealed.
Seeing this, Xiao Wujie didn't waste any time and went straight to the point.
"This ghost realm is surrounded by towering ice walls. It is essentially a walled city enclosed by ice walls. Because the ice layers inside are constantly breaking and shifting, the internal terrain is changing every moment. It is basically a place where you can enter but not leave."
"Since this place has never been developed or explored, the only known connection to the outside world is the entrance we came from."
"So our breakthrough lies in finding the entrance we came from."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Lu Zhufeng, unusually serious, said:
“I remember you said you had a backup plan, so your solution is to find the entrance you came from.”
Xiao Wujie nodded slightly upon hearing this, and continued in a deep voice:
“That’s right, I left a mental imprint at the entrance, and I can sense the approximate location of the mental imprint.”
"If it's just me or there aren't many people around, I can use the Phantom Clone Technique to instantly move to the entrance."
"But with so many of us right now, I can't take everyone out at once, because the Phantom Clone Technique consumes a lot of energy, and I can't use it multiple times in a short period of time."
"So the best way I can think of right now is to try to go back along the same route by sensing the location of the spiritual imprint."
Seeing the thoughtful expressions on everyone's faces, Xiao Wujie took a light breath and slowly said:
"That's right, as you probably thought, although this method is theoretically feasible, it is very difficult to put into practice."
"First, the terrain here is constantly changing, so there is no absolutely original route. We can only look for a way out along the general direction."
"I roughly sensed that the straight-line distance between us and the entrance is only five or six hours by car, but due to the terrain, this time may more than double."
"Secondly, the temperature in the Ghost Realm is too low at night and the snow is too heavy, making it impossible to travel. We can only arrange our trip during the day, which will further extend the journey."
"I've roughly estimated that in the best-case scenario, we could get out in about two to three days, but there's no guarantee against unforeseen circumstances."
"There's also the issue of supplies. I checked the fuel reserves; they should last about three days, which is just right. If we conserve our daily necessities, we can last five days without any problem."
"Based on the above situation, it would be best if we could go out in two to three days, and the longest we can delay is five days."
"However, some unexpected factors are beyond our control, such as blizzards, ice collapses, and polar creatures, so the process is still quite challenging."
At this point, Xiao Wujie paused for a moment, giving everyone time to think and process what he had to say.
Everyone who heard his words had a solemn expression and pursed lips, and the atmosphere in the cave became somewhat silent and oppressive for a moment.
The polar bear lying at Xiao Wujie's feet also sensed the oppressive atmosphere. It propped itself up on its two paws, raised its head slightly, and let out a few low "oohs" from its throat.
After a moment, Lu Zhufeng broke the silence, a confident and generous smile spreading across his face.
"Hey, why are you so nervous? We're all together, anyone can make way. There won't be any problem!"
Seeing this, Yunmo responded softly.
"Old Lu is right. With our abilities, plus the leadership of our teacher and his wife, we can break through even the most inescapable net."
Leng Ruxue leaned closer to Chu Wan affectionately, her voice sweet and charming.
"Wan Jie and I weren't afraid at all. We treated it like an adventure. Where else can you find such an interesting place on a normal day!"
Xiao Wujie rubbed the white bear's head, then leaned closer to Chu Liyue, lowering his eyes and chuckling softly.
"A single drop can become a vast ocean; countless tiny sparks can become a torch that brings forth the sun."
"We already possess skills, and now that we are united, we will surely dispel all evil and forge ahead without hesitation."
Seeing that the atmosphere had eased slightly, and glancing at the time, Chu Liyue made a timely suggestion:
"It's getting late, and the car is too crowded. Let's rest in this cave for a while. We'll set off as soon as the snowstorm eases tomorrow morning."
Upon hearing this, no one objected. They each found some coats, mats, and other items to lay on the ground and set up makeshift beds.
Chu Liyue laid two thick coats on the ground, and the white bear next to her, being very perceptive, took the initiative to lie down next to the coats and act as a backrest pillow.
Under the warm, bright firelight, Chu Liyue leaned gracefully against the white bear, half-lying on the ground, and waved to Xiao Wujie.
"Sweetie, the ground is cold, lie on me."
Xiao Wujie's eyes flickered slightly. After hesitating for a moment, he obediently snuggled into her arms and lay on top of her.
Chu Liyue unbuttoned her fox fur coat, wrapped it tightly around him, and took his cold hands and put them inside her sweater.
"You don't usually like to put your arms around my waist, so be good and warm your hands up."
Xiao Wujie felt the delicate warmth from her palm, fell silent for a moment, gently brushed his lips against her neck a few times, and rested his head on her neck with a touch of affection.
Chu Liyue wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, feeling the hands that were slow to warm up, and couldn't help but kiss his earlobe tenderly twice.
"Sweetie, why are you so silly..."
Even if you don't come, I know how you feel. I will find a way to get out and I will never leave you alone.
Xiao Wujie lowered his eyes, snuggled closer into her warm and soft embrace, and murmured softly.
"I miss my sister so much, I can't help it."
If lovesickness were an illness, he might be beyond cure.
Upon hearing this, Chu Liyue's eyes flickered, and she hugged him even tighter. After a long while, she kissed his cheek, her voice deep and resonant.
"Are you feeling warmer now?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Wujie did not answer her question. Instead, he raised his head, his eyes somewhat unfocused, and gently nibbled at her neck.
"Sister, please be kind to me..."
Feel more affectionate towards me, and I won't feel cold anymore.
Having endured countless lonely, cold nights, I am no longer afraid of the icy chill in my body.
With you by my side, everywhere is warm.
Chu Liyue's red lips pressed gently against his thin lips, lingering and rubbing against them, trying to soothe the discomfort and unease he had felt these past few days alone.
"I only love my darling, I will always love my darling..."
After a long while, breathing heavily, Xiao Wujie blinked his eyes wearily, pressed his face against her chest, and murmured as if in a daze.
"Sister, I'll be eighteen in three months..."
"My sister said she'd give me anything I want..."
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