"What should we do with these people?" Xu Yuehuai looked at the terrified people, his heart filled with anger and helplessness.
"Let them rest here first," the Ghost Doctor said, taking out a bottle of pills from his pocket. "These are antidote pills that can temporarily relieve the toxins in their bodies."
Xu Yuehuai took the pills and distributed them to the people one by one. Looking at their trembling bodies, she felt a strong urge to protect them.
"We must find the source of that mysterious power," Xu Yuehuai said in a deep voice, "otherwise such tragedies will continue to occur."
The Ghost Doctor gazed into the distance and said, "I know a place where we might find clues."
"Where?" Xu Yuehuai asked hurriedly.
"Forbidden Land—Thousand Hands Valley." The Ghost Doctor's voice carried a hint of solemnity. "It is one of the forbidden lands of the Eastern Mulberry Kingdom, and legend has it that it hides many ancient secrets. However, there will be many dangers."
A deep light flashed in Xu Yuehuai's eyes: "No matter how dangerous it is, we must try! For the innocent people of the four countries, for the peace between the four countries!"
The Ghost Doctor smiled faintly and said, "I will obey the Princess's orders!"
As night deepened, Xu Yuehuai and the Ghost Doctor quietly led the injured civilians away from the chaotic street.
Their figures faded into the night, leaving behind only chaos and despair. Yet, within this despair, a glimmer of hope quietly burned.
Xu Yuehuai and the Ghost Doctor will embark on a journey to find the source of the mysterious power, carrying this strong hope!
However, it was already late. Xu Yuehuai and the Ghost Doctor returned to the Tianxianglou branch to rest for a while.
In the brightly lit room, the two sat facing each other, their brows furrowed in deep thought about the impending crisis.
The door opened slightly, and Yan Qing's hurried footsteps, accompanied by soft breathing, came through. His expression was somewhat tense and worried.
"Your Highness, where did you go? I searched almost the entire Tianxiang Pavilion, but I couldn't find you anywhere," Yan Qing asked anxiously as soon as he entered.
Xu Yuehua nodded slightly and sighed softly: "I went to follow some clues, Yan Qing. We are probably facing an unprecedented challenge."
"Oh? What exactly happened?" Yan Qing frowned, clearly shocked by Xu Yuehuai's words.
Xu Yuehuai then recounted her experiences in the bustling commercial district and intricate streets, concluding, "We learned of a place that may be hiding the source of a mysterious power—Thousand Hands Valley."
"Thousand Hands Valley?" Yan Qing exclaimed in surprise. "That's a forbidden area of the Eastern Sang Kingdom! It's said to be fraught with danger, and ordinary people can't even get close to it."
The Ghost Doctor nodded and said in a deep voice, "Thousand Hands Valley is indeed a mysterious and unpredictable place. But in order to explore the source of that mysterious power, we have no choice but to take the risk."
Xu Yuehuai said calmly, "I understand. We cannot act blindly this time; we must make full preparations."
"What are your plans, Your Highness?" Yan Qing asked.
Xu Yuehuai said according to the pre-arranged plan: "First, we need to thoroughly understand the terrain and various potential dangers of Thousand Hands Valley and its surroundings. Then, we need to prepare sufficient medicines and weapons. Finally, we need to formulate a perfect plan."
"Okay, I'll go prepare right away." After saying that, Yan Qing hurriedly left.
In the days that followed, Xu Yuehuai, the Ghost Doctor, and Yan Qing threw themselves into the intense yet well-organized preparations.
They collected a wealth of detailed information about Thousand Hand Valley, and conducted in-depth research and discussion on its topography, climate characteristics, and the distribution of flora and fauna.
At the same time, they also carefully prepared various medicines, sophisticated weapons and equipment for any eventuality.
Throughout this time, Xu Yuehuai's brow was constantly furrowed. But for the sake of ultimate peace, she had to be willing to pay a price, even if it meant sacrificing her life!
On a dark and windy night, Xu Yuehuai, the Ghost Doctor, and Yan Qing stood at the beginning of a winding path, their eyes resolute, preparing to head towards Thousand Hands Valley.
The surrounding area was a tranquil forest, the night as dark as ink, with only the night wind rustling through the treetops, like whispers in the darkness.
Xu Yuehuai gripped the dagger tightly, her eyes sharp and calm, maintaining a high level of vigilance at all times. Her movements were clean and efficient, revealing an undeniable tenacity and determination.
The Ghost Doctor, on the other hand, had a solemn expression, toying with a few herbs in his hands, as if he was thinking about how to deal with the potential dangers.
Yan Qing appeared relatively more relaxed, but his eyes were still full of caution.
The three of them walked slowly along the path, each step taken with great care.
In the darkness, their figures appeared and disappeared among the shadows of the trees, like ghosts wandering in the darkness.
Suddenly, a low growl from a wild beast broke the silence. The sound was deep and terrifying, like a roar from hell.
Xu Yuehuai's expression changed, and she immediately signaled the two to be on high alert. The three of them huddled together, cautiously observing their surroundings.
Suddenly, a huge beast burst out of the darkness, its eyes gleaming with a ferocious light, its fangs bared, as if it wanted to tear the three of them to pieces.
Without hesitation, Xu Yuehuai brandished the dagger in her hand and engaged in a fierce battle with the beast.
The Ghost Doctor and Yan Qing quickly joined the battle, and the three worked together seamlessly, soon cornering the beast.
Moments later, the beast was instantly defeated by the three of them working together, turning into a bloody mess.
The three breathed a sigh of relief, but their vigilance did not diminish.
This is only the first step into Thousand Hands Valley; the road ahead will be even more dangerous!
...
After three days of arduous travel across the vast land, they finally arrived at the entrance to Thousand Hand Valley.
A majestic stone gate stands there, like an ancient guardian, silent and solemn, protecting a secret that has lasted for thousands of years.
The stone gate is carved with intricate symbols and patterns, each stroke like a mark of time, containing endless wisdom and power.
Xu Yuehuai stood before the stone gate, her eyes gleaming with a sharp light as she carefully examined the strange symbols. She stretched out her slender fingers and gently touched the texture of the stone gate, feeling the vicissitudes and weight left by time.
Suddenly, she felt a faint vibration at her fingertips, and her heart skipped a beat, as if she had caught some secret call.
“I think I’ve found something.” Xu Yuehuai’s voice carried an undisguised excitement. “There’s a mechanism on this stone door.”
Upon hearing this, the Ghost Doctor and Yan Qing immediately gathered around. Both were seasoned veterans, yet even they couldn't help but feel a surge of tension and curiosity in the face of this mysterious stone door. The Ghost Doctor, his eyes wary, asked, "Are you sure?"
Xu Yuehuai's eyes were sharp, as if she had already seen through the secret of the stone gate.
“I’m 70% sure,” she said.
The three of them worked together to search for the mechanism on the stone door. After some searching, they finally found a seemingly inconspicuous protrusion.
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