"Since we're guarding Shenxian, how could there not be a shortcut to Mantou Mountain?! All of our descendants, with the exception of the snake tribe led by Liu Xiyao, are skilled in digging holes. A hundred years ago, we dug an underground passage directly to Mantou Mountain. From Wujia Village to Shenxian Cave, it only takes half an hour on a rat sled!"
The straight-line distance from Wujia Village to Mantou Mountain is actually not far, but there are several hills in the middle. To reach Mantou Mountain, you have to take a detour or climb over these hills, which makes the journey more than three or four times longer.
Qingshan and Yin Zheluo looked at each other and saw surprise in each other's eyes. Huang You and Huishu stood up and took Qingshan and his party to the side hall. After passing through a long corridor, they walked down the stairs to the entrance of the underground passage.
The passage was about a man's height and half a man's width, its walls covered in tiny scratches, the size and shape of which suggested the marks of rodents. The ground was flat and dry, covered with a layer of fine sand. Near the entrance stood six improvised sleds carved from tree trunks, with dozens of ropes twisted from animal hides trailing loosely along the ground.
"Junior sister, you sit on the sled, and the boys from Huishu will take you to Mantou Mountain."
Qingshan nodded and got on the sled first. Yin Zheluo and other Qilin team members also got on the sled. Each sled could hold three people, so there was just enough space for eighteen people.
Huishu blew a whistle, and a rustling sound was heard in the passage. A large group of two-foot-long rats rushed over like a tide, grabbed the animal skin rope in front of the sled, and prepared to pull the cart.
Qian Duoduo looked back at Yuanbao lying on Huang You’s shoulder, his lips moving, as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.
Huang You said to Qian Duoduo, "My dear Qian, your snow ferret is originally a descendant of my weasel clan. Its bloodline is precious and it is full of spirituality. If it has the skills to cultivate immortality, it will soon achieve some success. I have to tell you the unpleasant truth, it is a hundred times better for it to cultivate here than to stay with you."
Qian Duoduo's face was gloomy. Although he knew that Huang You was right, he had been with Yuanbao day and night for three years, and it was inevitable that he would feel reluctant to let go of him when they suddenly had to separate.
Huang You noticed Qian Duoduo's reluctance to leave, so he beckoned over a slender little weasel with sleek fur. He said to Qian Duoduo, "This little weasel is the ninth of its generation, a rare and clever descendant of our clan. From now on, let Little Nine follow you and serve you at your side. Think of it as my spiritual pet as compensation to you! You must treat it well. If one day I, your child, also get the opportunity to cultivate immortality, you must find a way to help it!"
The little weasel jumped in front of Qian Duoduo in a few steps, stood up, opened his dark round eyes wide, raised his two little paws and bowed to him. Bai Yun, who was standing next to the cute Qian Duoduo, had hearts in her eyes.
Qian Duoduo carefully lifted the weasel and placed it on his shoulder. He solemnly assured Huang You, "Don't worry, old man. I will take good care of it. Please... also take good care of Yuanbao..."
Qian Duoduo's voice choked with sobs, and he lowered his head to wipe the corner of his eyes. The little weasel on his shoulder quickly pressed against his cheek, as if to comfort him. Huang You saw Qian Duoduo's behavior and knew that he was a kind-hearted person who would definitely not mistreat the little weasel he sent.
"Junior sister, Xiaojiu is familiar with the terrain of Mantou Mountain. Once you arrive, let him lead the way. Huishu and I will be waiting for your good news here!"
Qingshan agreed with a smile. Seeing that the time was almost up, Huishu screamed and the big rat pulling the sled started to move, pulling the animal-skin rope and running towards the passage.
Jiang Ling had personally experienced being dragged by rats, so it wasn't surprising. But the other Qilin team members found it new and skeptical. How strong could rats be? Could fifty or so of them pull three adults? Just as they were pondering this, the sled suddenly shot off. One of the Qilin riders lost his grip and nearly fell. Fortunately, a nearby teammate pulled him in time, preventing a complete embarrassment.
The six sleds disappeared into the passage in an instant and sped towards Mantou Mountain at an astonishing speed.
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