The cave wasn't large, and the air inside carried a moist and cool scent, as if it could wash away the dust of the world.
In one corner of the cave, there is a flat stone with some seemingly ancient artifacts on it, which appear to be traces left by previous people.
The cave was completely silent, with only the occasional dripping of water and the sound of wind from afar.
Not knowing whether the black bear had left or not, Li Xi lay down on the flat rock.
The fight with the black bear had taken a toll on her energy, and all she wanted to do now was rest.
Li Xi closed her eyes, feeling the cool air inside the cave, and a sense of tranquility welled up in her heart.
Just then, she suddenly heard a faint sound, as if something was approaching.
She immediately opened her eyes alertly and saw a furry little animal cautiously approaching.
It was a little squirrel, which seemed curious about Li Xi's scent, sniffing it incessantly with its little nose.
Seeing this, Li Xi couldn't help but chuckle and gently gestured to the little squirrel with her palm.
The little squirrel seemed to sense Li Xi's kindness. It hesitated for a moment, then carefully jumped onto Li Xi's palm.
Its claws are soft yet powerful, and its tail is fluffy like a cloud, giving it a warm and adorable feel.
Li Xi gently stroked the little squirrel's head, feeling its soft fur, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart.
"It seems this isn't just my refuge," Li Xi said with a smile, casually taking out some walnuts from her backpack and handing them to the little squirrel.
The little squirrel sniffed curiously, then happily began to nibble on the food, making a "crunch crunch" sound.
Li Xi felt much more relaxed watching the little squirrel eat with relish.
After the squirrel finished eating, it seemed to become even closer to Li Xi.
It jumped onto Li Xi's shoulder and gently brushed her cheek with its fluffy little tail.
Li Xi smiled and shook her head, thinking to herself that this little squirrel was quite a rascal.
Just then, she suddenly noticed a small golden object hanging on the squirrel's tail, sparkling in the sunlight.
Curious, she reached out and carefully removed the golden object.
It turned out to be a gold ring with a crystal-clear gemstone set in it, radiating a captivating light.
Li Xi looked at the ring in surprise, a strange feeling welling up inside her.
She turned the ring over, observing its exquisite carvings and inlaid gemstones, and could tell that the ring's owner was either very wealthy or of high status.
"Where did this come from?" Li Xi asked the little squirrel a silly question.
She then realized how silly she was and laughed again.
The little squirrel seemed to sense her change in mood, blinking its bright little eyes, seemingly puzzled by her actions.
Li Xi gently stroked the little squirrel's head and said with a smile, "Here you go, little guy. Go back now!"
As she spoke, she slipped the ring back onto its tail.
The little squirrel seemed to sense Li Xi's gentleness and gently took her hand, as if wanting to take her somewhere.
Li Xi's heart stirred, and she curiously followed the little squirrel into the depths of the cave.
After passing through a narrow and winding passage, we arrived at a stone door.
The stone door was carved with strange patterns. She tried to push it open, but the stone door did not budge.
Just as Li Xi was wondering, the little squirrel suddenly jumped onto a crevice in the rocks next to it. The crevice was big enough for the little squirrel to squeeze in.
Suddenly, a buzzing sound came from the stone gate.
Then, the stone gate slowly opened, revealing a passage leading to an unknown world.
Li Xi carefully stepped into the passage and followed the little squirrel.
The passageway was dimly lit, but Li Xi felt a mysterious force guiding her. She walked through one passageway after another, finally arriving at a spacious area.
They were stunned by the sight before them.
Before me lay a mountain of gold and silver jewels!
A dazzling light illuminated the entire space, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Stacks of chests filled with gold and silver were piled up like towering mountains, the glittering treasures exuding an alluring charm.
Li Xi's eyes widened, and her mouth opened so wide that she could hardly close it.
So this is what gold and silver mountains look like! They're dazzling and awe-inspiring!
The little squirrel leaped merrily among the gold and silver jewels. It picked up a ring and handed it to her, chirping as it gestured for her to put it on.
It turns out that the little squirrel thought she wanted a ring too, so it brought itself here.
Li Xi accepted the ring.
The gemstones set on the ring were even more luxurious than those on the squirrel's tail, their vibrant colors captivating and alluring.
If such wealth were to fall into the hands of those with ill intentions, the entire Jingyuan would likely be plunged into utter ruin.
She recalled that dream from before. Could it be that ten years later, the Red Lotus Cult used this wealth to overthrow the entire Jingyuan?
But how did they find out this?
etc······
Lan'er was probably captured for this purpose!
Not only was she highly skilled in medicine, but her ability to use and prepare medicines was also unmatched by ordinary doctors.
Therefore, the person who kidnapped her must be someone connected to the Red Lotus Cult.
She must also be near this dense forest. Perhaps the other side used some means to prevent the messenger from finding their location.
Li Xi gently stroked the ring on her hand; these treasures could not be found by them.
If Lan'er really manages to concoct an antidote to overcome the miasma, they will discover this place sooner or later!
She somehow ended up here. These treasures should be used to benefit the people, not to cause trouble and conflict in the world.
Logically, such a place should be heavily guarded by various agencies.
But the fact that this little squirrel can dart around inside suggests that there are no hidden mechanisms inside.
On second thought, it makes sense. With all that miasma outside, who could possibly get in? And there's that black bear here too!
She probably stumbled upon this place by accident. Since it's fate, then all of this is hers!
Li Xi finally followed the little squirrel out of the hole.
Sunlight filters through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
The woods are filled with birdsong and the fragrance of flowers, brimming with life and vitality.
The little squirrel hopped along, leading Li Xi through forest after forest, until they finally arrived at a secluded valley.
A clear stream flows gently through the valley, its water shimmering with silvery-white light under the sunlight.
Li Xi stood at the edge of the valley, overwhelmed by the beautiful scenery before her.
She had never seen such a peaceful and beautiful place, as if she were in a dream world.
The little squirrel seemed quite pleased with its choice; it stood on a large rock, the ring on its tail sparkling in the sunlight.
It squeaked a few times toward Li Xi, as if inviting her.
It was getting late, so Li Xi decided to head back. She used a handful of sunflower seeds to successfully 'kidnap' the little squirrel away.
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