Gu Nanxun nodded: "My uncle's men are inside; they're already waiting for us here."
They entered the cave, where several oil lamps were lit and a few people in plain clothes were busy at work. When they saw Gu Nanxun and Lin Qing enter, they immediately stood up.
"Young Master Gu, Miss Lin, you've finally arrived."
A man who looked like the leader walked over. His eyes revealed a hint of fatigue, but even more so, determination.
"Uncle Zhang, how is the situation?" Gu Nanxun asked directly.
The leader took out a map and pointed to a mark on it: "According to our latest intelligence, Young Master Lin was last seen here, in a place called 'Black Stone Valley'."
The terrain there is complex, and our people have already searched the area, but haven't found any clues yet.
Lin Qing frowned. She had heard of Black Stone Valley, one of the most mysterious places in Tibet, where legend had it that there were many unknown dangers.
"We can't delay any longer; we must set off immediately," Gu Nanxun said decisively.
The leader nodded: "We have everything prepared and are ready to depart at any time."
Lin Qing and Gu Nanxun exchanged a determined look. They knew that this would be a journey full of unknowns and dangers, but they had no choice. For their elder brother's sake, they had to move forward.
Outside the cave, the night grew even deeper, and the twinkling starlight seemed to be guiding them.
Led by their leader, Lin Qing and Gu Nanxun quickly prepared their equipment and got ready to depart. They checked communication equipment, weapons, food, and necessary medical supplies to ensure everything was ready.
"This is our guide. He is a local and has led teams through Black Rock Valley many times. This time he will take us through Black Rock Valley."
The leader pointed to a middle-aged man with dark skin and sharp eyes.
The guide nodded, his voice a little hoarse: "Black Rock Valley has a treacherous terrain, but I know a safe route. We'll proceed carefully, and as long as everyone stays on the right track and avoids any trouble, we'll definitely be able to get through Black Rock Valley. However, I need to make this clear before we set off: once you enter Black Rock Valley, you must follow my instructions. If you don't follow my instructions, I will not be responsible for any problems that arise."
The guide explained to Lin Qing and Gu Nanxun that he didn't know why this group of people wanted to cross Black Stone Valley, but they had given him too much, so he had no choice but to risk it.
However, I need to tell these people the unpleasant truth upfront: if they don't follow my orders, I'll have no choice but to abandon them when the time comes.
Gu Nanxun patted the guide on the shoulder: "Thank you. We are pressed for time, so let's set off now."
Lin Qing held Gu Nanxun's hand tightly, her palms sweaty. The guide's words made her feel both nervous and excited, and thinking of her older brother made her even more worried.
But she also knew that they had to stay calm in order to find their elder brother in this unknown land.
The group emerged from the cave, a cool night breeze brushing their faces. They continued along the rugged mountain path, the outline of Black Stone Valley appearing and disappearing in the moonlight, seeming mysterious and dangerous.
"Everyone be careful, the terrain here is very complicated, don't get separated from the group."
The guide reminded him.
They traversed dense forests and crossed streams, each step taken with utmost care. Lin Qing's heart pounded faster as they drew closer to Black Stone Valley.
Several hours later, they finally reached the entrance to Blackrock Valley. It was a narrow valley with towering cliffs on both sides, and the bottom was pitch black, as if it had swallowed up all the light.
"Let's go inside."
Gu Nanxun took a deep breath and was the first to enter the valley.
Lin Qing followed closely behind, her heart filled with unease, yet also with a firm belief. She believed that as long as they didn't give up, they would definitely find her elder brother.
The valley was silent except for the sounds of their footsteps and breathing. They walked along a stream, the water shimmering silver in the moonlight.
"Young Master Lin disappeared in Black Stone Valley. At that time, Young Master Lin and his team were chased into Black Stone Valley by the enemy. Young Master Lin got separated from the team. As a result, when the team came out of Black Stone Valley, they could not find Young Master Lin."
Uncle Zhang explained to Lin Qing and Gu Nanxun.
"Now that it has been confirmed that my elder brother disappeared in Black Rock Valley, why haven't any soldiers come to search for him?"
Lin Qing asked in confusion, "We haven't seen a single soldier along the way, so it's clear that no one from the army has come here to search."
Uncle Zhang paused for a moment after hearing this, and then said, "It's not that we didn't look for them, but many of the people who came looking for them also disappeared along with them."
Uncle Zhang paused for a moment after speaking, and then continued, "In the past week, the army has come in three waves, and more than 100 people have gone missing."
"How could this happen? How could so many people go missing?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Qing's expression instantly turned grim. He had initially thought that his elder brother might have gotten lost in the forest, but if so many soldiers were also missing, then... Lin Qing dared not think any further.
"You, you're here to find someone."
Suddenly, the guides loudly questioned them.
"That's right, of course we're here to find someone. Who would want to cross Blackrock Valley for no reason!"
A young man from the uncle's side answered the guide's question.
"You...you actually lied to me."
The guide's voice grew louder; his eyes were bloodshot as he glared at the young man who had spoken and roared.
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