The night was as thick and heavy as pool ink, wrapping the entire village in a tight embrace. Amidst the universal hush, an occasional dog bark echoed through the open night, making the quietness all the more profound.
Wang Jianguo lay on his bed inside, staring blankly at the pitch-black ceiling while a tempest raged in his mind, granting him not a moment of peace. The thought of the mysterious space in the mountains burned like a fire deep in his chest, driving him to take action.
Finally, gritting his teeth, he resolved to head into the mountains under the cover of night. Wang Jianguo lifted the quilt with slow, gentle movements, terrified of making the slightest sound. First, he edged his feet out of bed onto the freezing floor, then slowly stood up, every single movement executed with the utmost caution. It was as if any carelessness might shatter the silence of the night. Holding his breath, he cocked his ear to listen for any commotion outside. His heart hammered violently against his ribs, the thudding sounding unusually loud in his own ears.
Chapter 532