Chapter 7, The Giant Ape

Ye Hai did not continue to dwell on this issue; she asked, "May I know what organization you belong to?" Shu Yi replied, "Aren't you good at analysis? Then analyze what our professions might be." Ye Hai said, "I can't say for sure. As for you, you appear cultured and refined, like a teacher. The others, except for the young one, seem to exude a sense of killing intent; they must be military personnel, right?"

On both sides of the canyon, many white cow skulls hung from the sheer cliffs and tree trunks, most of which were covered with dark green moss. The sun seemed to have hidden away, making the canyon appear increasingly dim. Occasionally, a mountain breeze would blow through, bringing a bone-chilling cold, and the sound of the wind howling past was even more mournful and sorrowful, leaving everyone with a sense of dread.

Yehai also crossed her arms in front of her chest and shivered.

On the way back from Qian Niu Valley, Shu Yi always felt that something was amiss, but could not articulate why.

Shu Yi had to admit that the young girl had a keen sense of perception. He nodded and said, "We are colleagues, sent here by the organization." Ye Hai smiled and shook her head, saying, "It doesn't seem so. Among you few, except for you, the others don't look like they are here for a vacation. Traveling is supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, yet they seem burdened with worries."

After walking for a short distance, we arrived at a canyon

Gradually, the forest became denser, blocking out the sun and obscuring the stars. Occasionally, a mountain breeze would blow through, bringing a refreshing chill. Sheng Rongguang remarked, "Why does it feel a bit eerie?" Shi Qingxuan uttered, "Amitabha," and then said, "That is because there is fear in your heart." Sheng Rongguang and * Tu * Shu laughed and said, "How could that be? What am I afraid of?"

The eyes of Ye Hai would occasionally glance in the direction of someone approaching, a gaze that conveyed to Shu Yi that she should be waiting for someone's arrival. Yet it was not a hopeful anticipation, for her voice had a slight change, occasionally trembling, a result of fear.

She said: "In fact, the name 'Qian Niu Gu' was given later; it was previously called 'Ji Shen Gu'. A long time ago, wars frequently broke out between the Wa people's tribes. The victorious side would decapitate the enemy and place the heads on this sacred mountain as offerings to the gods. Later, the Wa people lived in peace and no longer experienced wars, and the ox head became a very important sacrificial item in the Wa people's rituals to honor the gods"

After having breakfast, Ye Hai will lead everyone to begin today's journey

Ye Qinghan smiled and said, "I also feel quite chilly." Ye Hai remarked, "Our Wa family has regarded this place as a sacred mountain for generations. No one has ever ventured into this mountain to cut down trees, fearing to offend the deities, which is why it remains a pristine forest."

Upon reaching a fork in the road, Ye Hai inquired, "Which path do you wish to take?" Shu Yi smiled and replied, "You are the guide; it is up to you to decide." Ye Hai said, "To the left is Qian Niu Valley, and to the right is Ling Yin Terrace." Shi Qing pondered for a moment and remarked, "Ling Yin Terrace?" Ye Hai chuckled and explained, "I named it that. In truth, it is merely an open space with a dirt platform resembling a table. Every time I calm my mind there, it feels as if I can hear beautiful music, refreshing and soothing to the spirit"

Not far along, a large lake came into view. The coconut sea informed everyone of m.hetushu.com. This is the Divine Lake. It turns out that the new city is actually built by the lakeside. As we walked along the lake, we gradually left the city. Surrounded by green mountains and towering ancient trees, the Divine Lake resembled a mirror, embedded within the forest.

Shu Yi did not answer her question directly, but instead responded with a rhetorical question: "Is that so?"

A rustling sound suddenly arose, and Ye Qinghan and the other three hurried to Shu Yi's side. Ye Qinghan said, "There is movement in the grass, be careful." Shu Yi did not respond, but his eyes turned towards Ye Hai, who shook his head, appearing innocent. Xi Men Wuwang wanted to go over to investigate, but Shu Yi stopped him.

Shu Yi found the girl in front of him increasingly interesting

However, no one responded to her words, and Shu Yi and the others continued toward the mountain demon. The mountain demon was indeed as tall as a person, and calling it a giant demon would not be an exaggeration. It seemed to sense the approach of danger and suddenly leaped up the mountain, disappearing from everyone's sight in just a few moments

Yehai smiled

However, this time they walked very slowly; the distance of six to seven hundred meters took them a full ten minutes. Strangely, there was no more movement in the grass. Ximen Wuwang gently asked Shu Yi, "Why didn't you let us go over to see clearly just now?" Shi Qing replied, "Why must we see clearly? What is meant to come will always come."

Yehai was introducing the origin of the Sacred Lake, while Shuyi listened attentively, yet not a single word registered in his mind. His eyes remained fixed on Yehai, as if to show respect for Yehai's earnest explanation

Shi Qing looked at Shu Yi with some excitement, but to his surprise, Shu Yi did not glance at him. Shu Yi said, "Let's go to Qian Niu Valley and take a look." A hint of disappointment appeared on Shi Qing's face, and a similar expression briefly flashed in Ye Hai's eyes.

Shu Yi asked, "How much further?" Ye Hai replied, "We will arrive in about six or seven hundred meters."

Yehai walked ahead, leading the way, while Ximen Wuwang walked beside her, chatting casually. Shiqing took a few steps to reach Shuyi's side, and Shuyi deliberately slowed down, creating a distance of several meters from Yehai and the others. Shiqing asked softly, "Mr. Shu, why not go to Lingyin Valley first?" Shuyi replied with a faint smile, "Shiqing, it's surprising that you are still a monk, yet your composure is so lacking. We will definitely go to Lingyin Terrace, but not right now"

Everyone came to a halt, and the sounds from the grass also abruptly ceased. Shu Yi said lightly, "Let it be, let us continue forward; we are almost there." This time, Shi Qing, along with Shu Yi and Ye Hai, walked together, while Ye Qinghan, Sheng Rongguang, and Xi Men Wuwang closely followed behind them, no more than two meters apart.

The hand of the coconut sea points deep into the canyon: "If we go further in, we can still see the skulls that were hung in ancient times"

Ye Hai said, "This is Lingyin Terrace, Mr. Shu. Look, doesn't that earthen platform resemble a table?" Shu Yi replied, "Is that so? I actually think it looks more like a qin platform." Ye Hai examined it closely and then exclaimed in surprise, "If you hadn't mentioned it, I really wouldn't have noticed. It does indeed look like a qin platform. You all sit down and quietly listen; you will surely be able to hear beautiful melodies." Shu Yi smiled and asked, "Is it the sound of the qin?"

As we move further away from the county town, the sun gradually rises higher in the sky

The introduction of Ye Hai came to an end, and everyone continued to move forward. Shu Yi was walking beside Ye Hai, either intentionally or unintentionally, and Ye Hai was engaging in casual conversation with Shu Yi. Ye Hai glanced at the few people following behind and then said to Shu Yi: "Why do I feel like you all are not here for tourism?" Shu Yi smiled and replied: "Why do you think so?" Ye Hai said: "It seems like they are all quite afraid of you, as everything is decided by you. Friends should not behave like this when they are out having fun; you must be their leader, right?"

Yehai informs everyone that today is the day to visit the Sacred Lake and Sacred Mountain. There is no need to drive; taking a leisurely walk will ensure that one does not miss the beautiful scenery along the way. Today, Yehai is wearing a set of sportswear, with a pair of somewhat worn-out sneakers on her feet, and her hair tied back, giving her a youthful appearance

Shu Yi took out a bottle of mineral water and took a sip: "Don't worry, she will take us there, because she also hopes we can go to Lingyin Valley." Only then did Shi Qing feel relieved and smiled shyly: "I was too impatient."

What attracts him is not the Sacred Lake itself, but the gaze of the Coconut Sea

The path to Lingyin Valley is a narrow trail, flanked by dense weeds that are as tall as a person. The sky is overcast, and the surroundings appear dimmer. It seems that the mood of Ye Hai has significantly dropped due to the appearance of the giant ape, and conversation has become sparse. Shu Yi walks beside her and gently asks, "What are you thinking about?" Ye Hai tilts her head, looks at Shu Yi, and smiles, saying, "I’m not thinking about anything, just a bit tired after walking for half a day."

Yehai ran up and said, "Mr. Shu, do you still want to go further?" Shu Yi smiled and replied, "Forget it, let's not go any further. Let's head back." Yehai said, "It's still early; it's only noon. How about this: we have some dry rations, and then I can take you to see the Library Spirit Sound Platform over there?" Shu Yi responded, "Hmm, you are the guide, we will follow your lead."

Shu Yi said lightly, "Let's go take a look at the past." Ye Hai replied, "No, let's leave this place."

She smiled at Shu Yi and said, "Shall we set off?" Shu Yi nodded.

Shu Yi smiled and said, "You say it is, so it is." After saying this, he quickened his pace and walked a few steps forward, standing by the lake. "Xi Men, did you bring the camera?" Xi Men Wu Wang nodded. Shu Yi said, "Come, help me take a photo for a keepsake." Xi Men Wu Wang took a picture of Shu Yi, who waved to Ye Hai, saying, "Let's take a group photo together." Ye Hai did not refuse. After the photo was taken, Shu Yi remarked, "What a pity, it would have been even more meaningful if you had worn that ethnic costume from yesterday."

After walking another two or three kilometers, there were no more tourists on the road. Ye Qinghan suddenly pointed ahead and said, "Look, what is that?" Following the direction of his finger and looking up, it seemed that there was a person crouching on the sheer cliff, but they were covered in hair, making it difficult to see their face. Ye Hai was taken aback and shouted, "Not good, it's a mountain demon." Xi Men Wuwang said, "How can there be such a large mountain demon? It looks just like an ordinary person." Ye Hai bit his lip and said, "I have also heard my father mention that deep in Qinniu Valley, there are a few giant demons living there. When my father was young, he heard many legends about giant demons harming people, and some elders even said that these giant demons have already become sentient."

Sunlight filters through the dense gaps in the leaves, scattering like fragments of gold upon the stream flowing towards the Sacred Lake. The air is filled with the fragrance of earth, mingled with the fresh scent of flowers and grass. Surprisingly, the Sacred Lake, surrounded by a lush forest, has not a single fallen leaf.