Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 331: An Extra Line of Text

Chapter 331: Chapter 331: An Extra Line of Text

Upon awakening the next day, old man Tian, whom everyone expected to leave the group, was actually still there. Though he remained silent even when greeted, it was clear to all that he had decided to stay, indicating his willingness to continue leading the group onward.

However, they were faced with a painful predicament. Following the snow monster attack the previous night, Du Jun and Luo Jingrong’s teams both suffered a quarter of their members dead or injured. Numerous people were still crying from their injuries, rendering it impossible to set out. They also couldn’t just abandon them.

Ning Qi frowned: "What’s the situation? Are we supposed to wait until they’re healed before we set out? That would waste so much time."

Lin Xi, with a look of disdain, responded: "Are you implying that if you were injured, we should just leave you be?"

Feeling singled out, Ning Qi became agitated: "What kind of statement is that? I’ve weathered hardships alongside everyone here. Can I be likened to those others?"

"Alright, alright. Let’s all say less. We have enough troubles as is." Seeing the two were on the verge of arguing, Gu Fan decisively curtailed it. Otherwise, no one would be able to mediate.

Lin Xi glared at Gu Fan, huffed, and walked away.

While Gu Fan was left feeling bewildered, Lu Yi approached, patted Gu Fan on the shoulder and sighed, appearing rather sympathetic towards him.

Not just Lu Yi; everyone else shook their heads with expressions of resignation, before they all walked away.

"What’s the issue here, everyone?" Gu Fan felt as if he had been forsaken by all but didn’t know where he had gone wrong.

From a distance, Su Hui asked Qin Jia who stood next to her, "Lin Xi seems to dislike Ning Qi. What do you think about this?"

"Though we are all women, there are times when I truly do not understand what Lin Xi might be thinking." Qin Jia finished speaking, glanced at Ning Qi and frowned, "As for Ning Qi, she seems eager to throw herself at Gu Fan. But Gu Fan has been maintaining a suitable distance - he might just be a decent man, after all. Still, I wonder if he can keep this up in the long run."

After hearing Qin Jia’s thoughts, Su Hui inwardly contemplated. Indeed, all heroes have a weakness for the charms of a beautiful woman. As time went on, and Ning Qi continued to gravitate towards Gu Fan, there’s no telling when he might fall for her.

"There must be a way to handle this." Su Hui started thinking, causing Qin Jia next to her to become curious, "It seems like Sister Su cares a lot about Gu Fan’s life, doesn’t she?"

Su Hui was momentarily stunned before quickly explaining, "I’m just showing concern for a friend. After all, Gu Fan already has a girlfriend, and if he gets entangled with Ning Qi, who knows how he’ll explain it later."

"Oh, right." Qin Jia nodded in agreement, but she still felt there was something off about Su Hui’s explanation.

At this time, Zhuo Hang invited everyone to examine the carcasses of the snow monsters they had killed the night before. However, upon arrival, they found the bodies were gone, presumably taken away by the monsters’ peers.

Lu Yi was taken aback and remarked, "No way, the snow monsters care so much about their comrades?"

Finally, old man Tian interjected, "It’s rumored that snow monsters like to eat their own kind to derive strength. Perhaps they’re preparing for the next attack."

"No way!" Circling dread filled everyone’s hearts upon hearing this.

Lu Yi asked, "Wait a minute, old man. Didn’t you once mention that snow monsters usually dwell in the woods at the foot of the mountain? Why would they come up here?"

"There’s another rumor that the snow monsters are the mythical beasts guarding Yuxueyun Mountain. If they discover anyone approaching, they will immediately come to defend." Having finished speaking, old man Tian turned his gaze towards Lin Xi.

At this point, Lu Yi, still unclear of the situation, questioned, "Lin Xi, Qianye Country is surrounded by so many creatures. Is it your territory?"

Lin Xi appeared embarrassed by the question, seeming unwilling to answer. But she quickly diverted the topic, "Since the old man has decided to stay, could he please assist us? We, your juniors, really do need your guidance."

In response, old man Tian looked indifferent, "Do you still need my help? Didn’t you already know the password?"

Knowing that old man Tian was unhappy, and understanding she shouldn’t have tried to pry into his secrets, Lin Xi immediately showed reverence, "Old man, you’re joking. I merely know you hold a secret, not what the secret is."

"Oh!" Old man Tian wore an unconvinced expression.

It was then Gu Fan stepped forward, "Alright, old man. We don’t have much time. We need to know the way up the mountain. Please help us."

"If something is found, will everyone share the benefits?" Old man Tian asked as if seeking reassurance, which Gu Fan and Lin Xi confirmed with a nod.

In truth, old man Tian was the fifth custodian appointed to protect the secrets of Yuxueyun Mountain. However, upon discovering that the original four had long since abandoned their vows, he saw no reason to remain blindly faithful. Additionally, the chance to uncover secrets left behind by the Eternal Life Clan offered opportunities for immortality, an enticing prospect.

Human principles and concepts often change when confronted with personal interests and old man Tian was no exception.

Therefore, old man Tian gave a slight smile, seemingly accepting Lin Xi’s explanation. He then wrote a note and handed it to Lin Xi with instructions on rotating the compass.

Gu Fan and Lin Xi each took their pieces of paper and pieced them together, revealing the compass drawing at the center of all the pieces.

The next moment, Lin Xi extended a hand towards the compass, controlling its rotation using her Qi. Under her command, the compass on the paper came alive, truly rotating.

"No way, that’s magical!" Everyone watched in disbelief, especial Ning Qi, who could hardly believe what she was seeing.

As the compass spun in the correct order, the map became increasingly vivid. The illustration of Yuxueyun Mountain was more complete, but there still wasn’t a clear path up the mountain.

"Ancestors, can you provide more information, please?" Lu Yi clasped his hands in prayer for heavenly assistance.

"Look, looks like there are extra words appearing." Jie pointed at the map and couldn’t contain his excitement.

"Both of you, quieten down, don’t distract me." Lin Xi’s interruption led Lu Yi and Jie to pull away, miming the action of zipping their lips.

Indeed, beyond Yuxueyun Mountain, additional words began to appear, one by one. As the secretive layers unfolded, everyone’s heartbeats quickened.

The following words appeared: "Yuxueyun Mountain, amidst the sea of clouds, at the end of the mountains, between heaven and earth, stands another towering peak."