Chapter 380: Tracing Our Ancestry

What is "periodic weak water"? It means that the Tianshui River flows with weak water from 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM. However, between midnight and 2:00 AM, the river turns into an ice river. The water is drinkable but extremely cold. Most people cannot withstand it. Weak individuals might freeze to death instantly if they drink this ice water. This is what we call the ice river phase.

The Tianshui Snow Ginseng requires irrigation during this specific window because the water contains spiritual energy. If irrigated with weak water at other times, the ginseng seeds would be destroyed.

Tianshui, truly the water of the heavens, offers only a sliver of hope for life; the rest is destruction. Yet, nearby stands a bridge crossing the Tianshui River. This is no ordinary bridge. It is a natural bridge formed by heaven and earth. Some say it was created by tectonic activity. Others claim an ancient deity discovered the river and used divine power to forge this bridge. Regardless of the origin, the bridge is natural.

Because of this, no one has ever managed to destroy it. Perhaps the myths protect it. No one has ever attempted to damage it, not even during wartime. Even if someone tried, it would be futile. Legend tells of an ancient general who discovered the location and planned to blow up the bridge to seize the area. Before his men could act, countless lightning bolts struck from the sky, killing them all. Thus, the bridge remains untouched to this day.

Yan Aohan finished the last bit of dry rations. Reaching out unnoticed, he caught a single drop of water from the Tianshui River in his palm. He examined it, then closed his hand, letting the drop fall back into the river. Turning around, he returned to the resting spot. "It is time. Let us depart."

The seven men stood up silently and followed Yan Aohan. This was a lawless zone. If they died here, no one would care. Their bodies would merely become food for passing eagles and crows.

The moon hung high in the sky. The chirping of crickets emphasized the cold silence. Yan Aohan led the seven men quietly across the Tianshui Bridge and into a forest. Beyond the forest lay a mountain range. They climbed until 4:00 AM, reaching the summit. From the top, they could see a large city on the other side of the mountain.

Yan Aohan waved his hand. "Rest here. We will return via the third tunnel after dawn." Yan Aohan did not intend for anyone to know of his return.

"Yes." The seven men answered softly. They rested on the ground. Some lay down directly on the earth. Others leaned against rocks or tree trunks. Some climbed trees to rest. Yan Aohan was one of those who climbed a tree.

Gazing at the sky, the morning star shone particularly bright. The moon’s glow had slowly faded, and dawn light seemed to spill from the east. Yan Aohan sighed slightly. Many thoughts flashed through his eyes, but they ultimately turned into helplessness. His only thought was wondering what Zhu Yanyi was doing at this moment.

Yes, Yan Aohan did not deny that he missed Zhu Yanyi. He was only eleven years old. His feelings for her were mostly familial affection. Yet, at this moment, he missed her. He looked at his left hand. The purple-gold rope had not appeared. But since the purple-gold ropes had appeared simultaneously for both of them, he could feel his longing for Zhu Yanyi growing deeper. He had his own duties to fulfill. To ensure they could share a peaceful future, there were matters only he could handle.