Sha Yi had chosen a path crisscrossed with weeds and dead branches, its difficulty was self-evident. However, this path seemed to be significantly higher than the normal ground level, with only a small portion shallowly covered by stagnant water, while the rest appeared completely unaffected.
Yet, Sha Yi still felt uneasy.
Before nightfall, she had ventured into a deep waterlogged area while searching for the infant in her arms. The series of events she encountered during that time still sent chills down her spine, even now. Though they had moved to a different location with a much higher and safer surface, she couldn’t quickly shake off the lingering fear.
Xi Yi, on the other hand, moved with ease, as if he were exceptionally familiar with the place. While she hesitated, he had already leaped onto the chaotic path. Then, he turned back and extended his hand to her. In the flickering torchlight, she saw a warm glow in his eyes, which inexplicably calmed her.
As they walked along the path of weeds and dead branches, Sha Yi realized it wasn’t what she had initially thought. Their footing was actually a fallen tree, and what she had mistaken for weeds were parasitic plants growing on it. Whether due to age or the perpetually damp and shadowy conditions of the dense forest, the dead tree serving as their bridge was covered in moss-like growth, making it treacherously slippery.
Because of this, she stumbled unsteadily after just a few steps. Worried she might slip and fall, Xi Yi took the infant from her arms again.
Sha Yi was grateful for Xi Yi’s thoughtfulness, though she also worried it might hinder his movement. But considering that insisting on holding the child herself could lead to her falling into the water and causing even more trouble, she relented.
At least now she could focus on her footing without feeling like she was walking on thin ice with every step.
With the torch’s light and no longer needing to be overly cautious, Sha Yi quickly followed Xi Yi across the massive tree. Only after crossing did she confirm that they had traversed what must have been a natural river. The heavy rain and low-lying terrain had made it impossible for the forest to drain, resulting in severe flooding.
Beyond that, Sha Yi noticed the water here was unusually dark and murky, unlike the stagnant area she had encountered earlier in the evening. Though that place had been unpleasant, at least some plants still survived there. Here, aside from the occasional vine or leaf hanging from the dead tree, there was no sign of life in the water.
It was strange.
Sha Yi didn’t have time to investigate further because Xi Yi was already urging her onward. Lightning flashed, thunder roared, and the rain began to pour. They had to move quickly.
Once past the river, the terrain began to rise. Though the path became easier to walk, it was also more physically demanding. Just as the rain started falling harder, soaking them within moments, Sha Yi suddenly felt a peculiar weakness in her legs, as if they had gone numb from maintaining the same position for too long. Worse, she could barely control them.
Xi Yi noticed her unsteady and sluggish movements. Without a word, he handed the infant back to her, gestured for her to hold the torch, then crouched slightly and patted his back, signaling for her to climb onto him.
Sha Yi hesitated. The conditions were harsh, and he was still injured. If she added to his burden, he might exhaust himself. If he collapsed, everything would be over.
Shaking her head, she tried to convey that she could walk on her own.
But this time, Xi Yi was adamant. As she protested, he abruptly pressed against the back of her knees.
Already struggling with her unresponsive legs, Sha Yi was caught off guard by his sudden move and stumbled forward against his back. Instinctively, she tried to push away, but before she could, he hooked his arms under her legs and stood up in one swift motion.
Caught completely by surprise, Sha Yi barely had time to react before she found herself securely on his back, moving swiftly and steadily through the rain.
She abandoned the idea of insisting on walking.
Her legs truly weren’t obeying her—she could barely feel them even as he carried her. Besides, Xi Yi moving with her on his back was faster than if he had to drag her along.
Holding the infant close, Sha Yi adjusted her grip as the rain intensified. The torch was on the verge of being extinguished, and Xi Yi was rushing through the thick foliage. In a moment of quick thinking, she grabbed a large leaf brushing against her face and shielded the torch with it, saving the flame from dying out.
It was then that she noticed the towering trees lining Xi Yi’s path. Though not as colossal as those in the area they had come from, they were still imposing.
The deafening thunderclaps made her uneasy. She tapped Xi Yi’s shoulder and pointed ahead, signaling for him to stay away from the trees.
Xi Yi understood immediately, widening the distance between them and the surrounding trunks as he walked.
Sha Yi guessed his quick comprehension might stem from his own concerns. Perhaps he didn’t know about the danger of lightning strikes under trees, but his familiarity with the blood-sucking, flesh-eating plants likely made him wary of them regardless.
Whatever the reason—whether sharp intuition or sheer coincidence—his actions were undeniably beneficial for both of them.
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