The group finally reached the open clearing halfway up the mountain, and the exhausted ordinary people finally allowed themselves to relax the strength they had been forcing themselves to muster.
Without a shred of dignity, they knelt, slumped, and lay all over the ground. Watching them, the three companions silently took out three large buckets of water from the portable duffel bags they had brought.
Looking at them earnestly, Shen Yong said, "Divide up these three buckets of water among yourselves and take a few sips first to get your strength back. I can tell you for a fact that just over this mountain, right at the foot of the slope, there is a river, so there's no need to fight over these three buckets. We haven't touched anything on this mountain during all these days, so don't rush, take your time. You have a whole day. When evening comes, we'll come back and lead you down."
Chapter 75