"If you want to reach Zhelong Mountain, taking the trail from here is the shortest route," the tea merchant said, enthusiastically pointing toward a small path by the side of the road.
Apart from the four of them, there were three others who had gotten off the vehicle. One was a woman in her thirties, a local, carrying a bamboo basket overflowing with goods on her back while clutching a child in her arms. The other was a girl of about sixteen or seventeen. Both wore ethnic clothing—casual styles, yet unable to conceal the natural beauty of the local women.
Initially, Hu Bayi and Wang Fatty were hesitant and wary about traveling with these strangers. However, Xu Lang reassured them: "There’s still a long way to go to Zhelong Mountain. It’s safer to follow the locals, and we won’t get lost." Shirley Yang agreed, and since Wang Fatty already trusted Xu Lang implicitly, he had no objections. The group set off together.
Chapter 159