Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Xi Xi also felt that Xiao Zhuzi made a valid point, and the three friends reached a consensus. They cautiously adjusted their positions and began to move deeper into the crevice.
The crack was exceptionally narrow, with some places requiring them to bend and turn sideways to pass through. Fei Bao had to keep his wings tightly pressed against his body to avoid being scraped by the sharp rocks. As they ventured further in, the sounds of bats outside gradually faded into a deep silence. In this confined space, only their footsteps and breathing echoed, as if the entire world consisted solely of the three of them.
In the pitch-black tunnel, they relied on touch and each other’s voices to navigate. Xi Xi led the way, occasionally warning her companions behind her:
“Be careful where you step; there are many sharp stones ahead!”
“Watch your heads! There’s a protrusion here; I almost bumped into it…”
The fissure tunnel resembled a giant dragon deeply embedded in the earth, dark and profound, with no end in sight. Xiao Zhuzi, Xi Xi, and Fei Bao pressed closely against the rough rock walls, struggling to move through the narrow Cave Tunnel. In some places, the tunnel became particularly constricted, with sharp rocks scraping against their skin. Fei Bao’s wings were scratched multiple times, but he gritted his teeth and remained silent.
Suddenly, Xi Xi let out a cry of pain: “Ah!” Her voice echoed in the tunnel.
“What happened?” Xiao Zhuzi and Fei Bao asked anxiously at the same time.
“Ugh… my antenna… got scraped by a sharp rock,” Xi Xi said softly, trying to suppress her pain.
Xiao Zhuzi immediately stopped: “Xi Xi, let’s take a break; let me see your wound.”
Fei Bao took out the Small Horn Time-Space Spiral Gem from Xi Xi’s backpack to use as a light source. In the soft, colorful glow, they saw a noticeable wound on one of Xi Xi’s antennae, oozing a pale yellow liquid.
Xiao Zhuzi sighed with concern and retrieved a potion prepared by Dragonfly Elder from her backpack. “Hang in there; it might sting a bit,” she said gently to Xi Xi before carefully applying the potion to the wound.
Xi Xi inhaled sharply but soon felt a wave of coolness wash over her. She gratefully said, “I feel much better; thank you.”
After tending to Xi Xi’s injury, Xiao Zhuzi carefully put away the Little Gem. The three friends rested for a moment before continuing onward. Time seemed to lose all meaning in the darkness; they had no idea how long they had been walking or how much further they had to go.
“This must be the longest underground tunnel in the world,” Xiao Zhuzi murmured, her voice filled with exhaustion and frustration. Her legs were sore from bending for so long; each step felt like carrying a heavy weight.
Fei Bao weakly nodded; his wings had become stiff from being unable to stretch: “I can’t remember how long we’ve been walking; it feels like several days have passed or maybe just a few hours.”
Although Xi Xi’s antenna was treated, it still throbbed with pain as she hung her head dejectedly. She softly said, “Guys, I have some bad news—our food is running low. And…” she paused before continuing in an even softer voice, “and we have less than half a jug of water left…”
Xi Xi’s words fell like a heavy stone on their hearts; they fell silent as fear and despair spread through the darkness. After a long pause, Fei Bao hesitantly suggested, “Maybe… maybe we should turn back.” He knew how impractical this proposal was.
Xi Xi gently shook her head: “We’ve come this far; turning back might be even more dangerous. And who knows if those Cave Bats are still waiting for us at the entrance?”
Xiao Zhuzi took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down as she spoke to her companions: “Xi Xi, Fei Bao, we must keep moving forward; it’s our only choice.” The little girl’s voice trembled slightly but was filled with determination.
The three friends held each other’s hands tightly in the darkness, silently encouraging one another. They endured hunger and fatigue as they continued to feel their way forward in the dark. Their steps grew slower and heavier with each passing moment. Every minute felt like a struggle against despair.
Xiao Zhuzi felt her consciousness beginning to blur as she moved forward purely on instinct. She had never missed her mom and dad more than she did at that moment; tears slipped down her cheeks unnoticed, falling onto the cold ground below. She was terrified—terrified that she might never have another chance to see her loved ones again.
Xi Xi and Fei Bao were not in a much better state; Xi Xi's antennae hung limply, her ability to sense the surrounding environment weakened. Fei Bao struggled to stay awake, his heavy eyelids drooping continuously. Just as they were about to succumb to despair, Xi Xi suddenly stopped in her tracks. Her antennae quivered slightly, as if sensing something.
“Wait!” Xi Xi exclaimed, raising her voice. “Xiao Zhuzi! Fei Bao! Did you feel that?”
Xiao Zhuzi and Fei Bao looked at Xi Xi in confusion, unsure of what was happening.
“There’s a breeze!” Xi Xi said excitedly. “I can feel a faint airflow!”
This news was like a ray of hope piercing through the darkness, instantly igniting a spark of optimism in the hearts of the three friends.
Comment 0 Comment Count