Chapter 275: Mudslide

Lin Xiao, with his professional training, knew that during thunderstorms in the wilderness, it was safest to find shelter in a cave or under rocks. Standing under a tree was absolutely out of the question.

Without lightning rods, taller objects were far more likely to be struck by lightning. Moreover, wet trees acted as excellent conductors, making standing beneath them extremely dangerous.

Leading the two girls through the torrential rain, Lin Xiao moved quickly. Fortunately, their luck held. They soon found a small cave that could provide some shelter. However, the cave was so cramped that it could only fit two people.

Lin Xiao instructed Yuan Yu and Huang Caixing to take shelter inside, place the backpack in a corner, and stand outside in the rain.

“Lin… Big Brother Lin, come inside,” Yuan Yu said timidly.

Huang Caixing added, “Yeah, Big Brother Lin, what if you catch a cold out there?”

Lin Xiao wiped the rain off his face. “Stay here and don’t move. I’ll scout the area and see if there’s a shorter route down the mountain.”

“No!”

Both girls shouted in unison.

They exchanged glances, Yuan Yu lowering her gaze in silence, while Huang Caixing blushed and hesitated, “Big Brother Lin, just stay here with us. We’re scared.”

“Alright.”

Lin Xiao was left with no choice if even the bold Huang Caixing admitted she was afraid. He gave up on his plan to scout and bent down to squeeze into the cramped cave.

With Lin Xiao inside, the cave immediately felt crowded. Yuan Yu and Huang Caixing huddled close to him, sitting with their knees bent and leaning their heads on his shoulders.

Though the rain poured relentlessly outside, the tiny cave felt strangely cozy.

They waited for over an hour, but the rain only intensified, showing no sign of letting up. The sky was also growing darker. Both Yuan Yu and Huang Caixing were soaked through, their clothes clinging to their skin. Despite leaning against Lin Xiao for warmth, they couldn’t stop shivering. Yet neither of them complained.

Lin Xiao’s eyes flickered with thought as his expression remained calm, though inwardly, he grew increasingly anxious.

At this rate, the rain likely wouldn’t stop even by nightfall.

Such harsh conditions were nothing new to Lin Xiao. Surviving in the wilderness had been routine during his time in the military. But Yuan Yu and Huang Caixing were different. They had been delicately raised, unused to such hardships. After getting drenched and potentially spending the night outdoors, their bodies might not withstand it.

“We’re leaving,” Lin Xiao made his decision. Taking a deep breath, he stood and patted the girls on their shoulders. He extended a hand toward them. “If we don’t move now, it’ll be dark soon.”

“I’ll listen to Big Brother Lin,” Huang Caixing said, grabbing his hand and using his support to stand up.

Yuan Yu was slower to react. She also grabbed Lin Xiao’s hand but didn’t move from the ground.

Lin Xiao’s expression changed slightly as he crouched to lift Yuan Yu’s delicate face.

“Big Brother Lin, I… I’m not feeling well,” Yuan Yu said softly.

Her face was burning hot, her smooth forehead covered in cold sweat, and her body weak and limp.

Having a naturally frail constitution, Yuan Yu had exhausted herself climbing the mountain. Drenched by rain and frightened by thunder, she had developed a fever.

“YuYu, are you alright?” Huang Caixing crouched down, embracing Yuan Yu.

“I’m fine.” Yuan Yu struggled to stand. Though physically uncomfortable, her inner resilience shone through. She didn’t want to burden Lin Xiao and Huang Caixing. “Big Brother Lin, Caixing, let’s go.”

“Wait a moment.”

A determined look flashed in Lin Xiao’s eyes. He unsheathed the dagger from his calf and slashed it across the backpack.

With a sharp tear, the backpack split open, spilling its contents. Among the items was a raincoat.

Lin Xiao stuffed a bottle of water and a pack of biscuits into his pocket, retrieved cold medicine from the first aid kit, and gave it to Yuan Yu. He then draped the backpack over Huang Caixing’s head and helped Yuan Yu put on the raincoat.

“Little Yu, climb on.”

Lin Xiao turned his back to Yuan Yu and crouched.

Yuan Yu didn’t argue. She obediently climbed onto his back, wrapping her arms around his neck.

With one hand supporting Yuan Yu and the other pulling Huang Caixing along, Lin Xiao strode into the rain.

The phrase “easier to climb than descend” perfectly described their current predicament.

Boulder Mountain’s rugged and steep trails were treacherous even in good weather. Under the torrential rain, they became slippery and perilous. Lin Xiao, carrying one person and dragging another, moved slowly but steadily.

Rain lashed down in sheets, soaking Lin Xiao from head to toe. He could barely keep his eyes open, yet his steps remained firm.

Yuan Yu tried to lift an arm, attempting to shield Lin Xiao’s head with the raincoat. Though he didn’t seem to care, both girls felt heartache watching him endure the downpour.

“I’m fine. This rain won’t stop me,” Lin Xiao reassured, stopping Yuan Yu’s movement.

Just as he was about to continue speaking, the ground beneath them began to shake violently. In the distance, a deep rumbling grew louder.

Caught off guard, Huang Caixing slipped. Lin Xiao reacted swiftly, pulling her into his arms and holding her tight.

Pressed against his chest, Huang Caixing could feel his heartbeat. Her face flushed red as she shyly glanced up at him, a mix of embarrassment and joy in her eyes.

But Lin Xiao’s expression was grim, his mind elsewhere.

Landslide. Mudslide.

Both thoughts flashed through his mind.

Whether a landslide or a mudslide, the consequences could be catastrophic.

Unaware of the danger, Yuan Yu and Huang Caixing stared at Lin Xiao in confusion, not understanding why he had stopped.

“Big Brother Lin, what’s wrong?” Huang Caixing asked softly.

Lin Xiao’s serious expression made her realize something was amiss.

Yuan Yu, too, lifted her head from his back, looking in the direction of the sound.

“It’s nothing. Let’s keep moving,” Lin Xiao said, not wanting to alarm them. He resumed walking toward the base of the mountain.

After about ten minutes, the scene before them left Yuan Yu and Huang Caixing speechless.

The trail they had climbed was gone, transformed into a sea of rolling mud and debris. Rushing torrents carried countless rocks, destroying everything in their path.

They weren’t alone. Other climbers, also caught in the storm, stood nearby, staring at the devastation in disbelief.

“How could there be a mudslide here?” one climber muttered, his face pale with shock.

“Good thing we were slow. Otherwise…” another climber shuddered, his voice filled with lingering fear.

The climbers’ words echoed the gratitude on everyone’s faces. It was clear to all that had they moved faster, they might not have survived.

Suddenly, a woman covered her mouth in horror, pointing to a flat patch of ground amidst the rushing mud. She screamed.

“Oh my god, look over there!”