Chapter 189 (1/2)

The muffled sound resonated throughout the mountains like rolling thunder. It was as if a huge rock was crashing down a cliff. The rumble went on for at least half a minute and then, it stopped. Becky was left staggering. “Could it be a landslide?”

Hao Ren’s face dimmed. “F*ck, are we that unlucky?”

“Keep going, the least we have is time.” Nangong Wuyue led the way before she wheeled around and said, “Becky, you take the lead. I don’t know the directions…”

They did not say a word since as they hustled through the rugged ancient trail.

The trail was built by Holletta Royalty several hundred years ago. It was now in disrepair. Only the bravest and most skillful mercenaries or adventurers in urgency would take this route. The ancient trail ran across the slope of the mountain like a snake. Certain stretches were wider and layered with slabs while the steeper and narrower stretches had stone steps. Some other areas were just part of the natural rocky slope with safety railing made of thick, iron chains. Even the toughest breed of horses found this terrain extremely challenging. Theirs had slowed down quite a bit after passing the gentle terrain earlier.

Shortly after that, they came to a renowned and dangerous section of the ancient trail. It was a narrow stretch carved out from a steep cliff—there was a rock face on one side, and cold wind and a 1000m fall on the other. The trail only allowed two persons, walking side-by-side at a time. Even though there were safety iron chains on the outer side, the metal columns that held the chains were rusty, and slanted outward. If you slipped, you could fall straight through the gaps, and down the cliff easily. So, the safety railing there was more form than function. Hao Ren walked one step at a time while Lily was held on to Hao Ren and followed closely behind—the maiden was still in her human form. If she had shapeshifted into a werewolf, her tail would have been between her legs at that point.

“It must hurt, falling down there,” said Lily breathlessly as drafts of cold, mountain wind swept past.

Hao Ren rolled his eyes. Lily said that because she had a body made out of steel. “Hurt” would be an understatement if humans were to fall down there.

Vivian was the most relaxed one because, she could fly…

Before they set off on this dangerous stretch, Becky made sure the horses walked in front while they followed from behind; it was a strategy she learned from her experience as a mercenary: these horses knew their way on the dangerous trail, and it was to prevent these horses from crashing into people in front of them should they become frightened, and run amok.

“I can smell…” Vivian was walking in front of Hao Ren, they were halfway on the trail when Vivian turned around and frowned. “…blood ahead. And it’s fresh.”

“Blood?” Hao Ren was taken aback. Some guy from this foreign world probably had a bloody encounter. “Keep going!”

The group finally passed through the narrow cliff path. As they went around a huge rock, the road opened up in front of them. Meanwhile the stink of blood became stronger as they went farther ahead. Even Hao Ren could smell it a little.

Just then, a noisy commotion was heard, with sounds of angry shouts, blades hitting each other, and some kind of explosion. There was probably a fight happening.

Becky drew her enchanted sword. “How many of you can fight?”

Vivian’s eyes had turned blood-red while Lily’s ears and tail had come out from their hiding place. They shapeshifted into their true selves at once without having to worry about anything. It was a different world. Becky was relieved seeing that. “Aha, a werewolf and a member of the Blood Clan! At least, self-defence isn’t going to be a problem. Let’s go nearer but, be very careful.”

They were getting nearer to the sound of battle because they could hear people groaning in pain. As they came out from the last corner, Hao Ren could see what was happening right in front: a group of people were fighting some rock monsters.

Judging from their attire, these people were mercenaries. About 12 or 13 of them, wearing all kinds of armour, equipment and weapons—a typical, ragtag squad. Attacking them were some strange creatures. Hao Ren did not know what to make of them. These creatures looked like stone sculptures. They were about four or five metres tall, greyish brown in colour like rocks with heads and limbs. Additionally, their bodies were covered in moss and broken vines which made them look like something that just walked out from some grotesque fairy tale.