Xiao Hu recounted his experiences while observing Yun Zhonghe and Mu Jixue.
The man wore a red robe with white, looking very refined and luxurious, likely a disciple from some noble family. Moreover, he was handsome, tall, and well-built, a rare beauty, and his golden hair was even more uncommon in the world.
While hiding in the cabinet just now, Xiao Hu had also been observing Yun Zhonghe, feeling that although Yun Zhonghe was young, he was very mature and steady, cautious and meticulous, yet not lacking in ruthlessness.
He could feel that if they had been discovered just now, Yun Zhonghe would definitely not hesitate, quickly drawing his sword to kill all the searchers one by one.
As for the white-haired little girl next to him... well, it's hard to say, she just had a very clear sense of simple-mindedness.
"Hmm?"
Mu Jixue suddenly felt someone speaking ill of her behind her back and immediately subconsciously swept her gaze towards Xiao Hu.
Xiao Hu couldn't help but feel startled and quickly reined in his thoughts.
It seems she's not just simple-minded, but a very sensitive simple-minded person.
"In short, that's my experience. Afterwards, I woke up in the dungeon. While those people were preparing to feed me to the monsters, I injured a few of them and escaped. After that, I hid in this room and ran into you."
Yun Zhonghe nodded, feeling sympathy for this Xiao Hu.
Yun Zhonghe remembered that in the original game, after Mu Jixue defeated the quest Boss, she opened the dungeon, and besides the bodies of the previous dead team members, there were also some scattered Cultivators' remains inside.
Perhaps this person in front of him was one of them, a passerby character who was supposed to die here.
After all, Yun Zhonghe remembered that in the original game's plot, the only important character with the surname Hu was Hu Shang, one of the other female leads, a fox spirit. But there was still a long way to go in the story before Hu Shang officially appeared, so she shouldn't possibly be here.
What's more, a female lead whose selling point is charm and seduction doesn't seem to fit with this pig-headed person in front of him, no matter how you look at it.
But it doesn't matter, Yun Zhonghe is also somewhat related to minotaurs. He won't be prejudiced; they're all good brothers who frequently appear in beast-themed doujinshi.
"Hu Daoyou, my surname is Yun, and this is Mu Guniang."
Both sides only exchanged surnames.
At this moment, Yun Zhonghe had already obtained the clue to Lin Zhongyu's location, so he didn't intend to delay.
"Hu Daoyou, there's a secret passage under this floorboard that leads directly to an inn in the town. Our other companions are at the inn; you can meet up with them first. If anything happens, you can act together with them."
Yun Zhonghe told Xiao Hu the location of his teammates, which was considered doing his utmost.
However, who knew that after thinking for a moment, Xiao Hu refused the suggestion to escape through the secret passage.
"I'm not leaving. I, this Miss... oh no, I have never suffered such a huge loss. I was almost eaten! I must see that Yao Xiu die!"
When he spoke, his tone was full of unwillingness. Coupled with his face, which was already smeared with medicinal powder and was colorful, it made people instantly understand his feelings.
If it were Yun Zhonghe or Mu Jixue, after suffering such a huge setback, they would absolutely not be able to swallow their anger.
"I can lead the way for you two. The mechanism for that dungeon isn't that easy to find."
"And... having an extra helper provides an extra layer of security, doesn't it?"
Yun Zhonghe expressed his appreciation for Xiao Hu's spirit. Moreover, since the other party had said so, even if he tried to persuade him, he probably wouldn't leave.
So, after Yun Zhonghe and Mu Jixue exchanged glances, they agreed to let the other party join the team.
Thus, the three continued to sneak, using the Concealment Talisman and the small stone that enhanced concealment, gradually approaching the rock garden that Xiao Hu had mentioned.
By this time, the moon had risen high. A large, round moon hung high in the sky, but it was shrouded by a layer of pale, blood-colored clouds, appearing exceptionally eerie.
Only then did Yun Zhonghe and Mu Jixue realize they had arrived at the Town Head's residence. It was exceptionally exquisite and grand. Although not as impressive as the Yun Mansion or Lin Mansion, for Mortals, it could already be considered a luxurious mansion.
It was clear that Wu Zhenzhang (Town Head) was also a wealthy fellow.
In the exquisite courtyard, there was a well-arranged rock garden.
This rock garden was piled up with strangely shaped stones, its surface covered in moss and mottled marks.
Xiao Hu pointed to the side of the rock garden, where a inconspicuous protrusion could be vaguely seen.
That should be the hidden mechanism.
Yun Zhonghe carefully stepped forward, and after confirming that no one was around, he reached out and felt for the mechanism, pressing it down.
Only a muffled sound was heard, and the rock garden slowly split open, revealing a deep, dark passage.
"I feel it, Xiao Yu is in here!"
The moment the dark passage appeared, the telepathic connection between Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu instantly strengthened.
Very good, it seems they found the right place.
Yun Zhonghe scanned the dark passage.
The stone walls of the dark passage were damp, and there was a feeling of warm, moist air inside. And the shape, how should one describe it, was a bit subtle, like an abalone.
The very top was also covered in slippery moss, and an unpleasant smell permeated the air.
"This hole smells so bad!"
Mu Jixue pinched her nose, instinctively resisting.
But to rescue Xiao Yu, she would endure it no matter how much she resisted.
Yun Zhonghe poked his head in and checked the dark passage. The light inside was dim, with only a few flickering oil lamps providing a weak light source, barely illuminating the path ahead.
"You still have time to go back now."
Yun Zhonghe kindly reminded Xiao Hu. In the original plot, the subsequent battles would likely be very brutal, and he didn't want unrelated people to lose their lives in vain.
"I'm not afraid! I'm going to teach that Yao Xiu a lesson!"
Xiao Hu was fearless and stepped into the dark passage first.
He had been imprisoned here before and was somewhat familiar with this dark passage.
The dark passage twisted and turned, the walls layered with folds, wet and slippery, and there was a faint smell of blood.
People must have died here!
At first, it was extremely narrow, barely wide enough for a person. After walking several dozen steps, it suddenly opened up.
Finally reaching the end, Yun Zhonghe and the others saw the dungeon.
Hearing footsteps, Yun Zhonghe immediately felt the people in the dungeon slightly raise their heads one after another.
When Yun Zhonghe saw the situation in the dungeon, he couldn't help but feel his heart pound.
Although it had been described in the game, these people on the scene looked too miserable.
The people in the dungeon were chained by their hands and feet and were dressed in rags.
Many were missing limbs, and their faces revealed an aura of despair.
The only good news was that they were all still alive.
Yun Zhonghe stepped forward to check the situation. Most people were on their last breath, with only a very few retaining consciousness.
"Xiao Yu!"
Anxious Mu Jixue's gaze swept over countless people. After searching around, she finally saw Lin Zhongyu, who had fainted in the corner!
In terms of completeness, Lin Zhongyu, who had only recently arrived, was the most intact and neatest.
Mu Jixue quickly ran over to help her up. After confirming that Lin Zhongyu was safe and sound, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Chapter Seventy-Three: Huang Mao's Essence Content Is Still Rising
Lin Zhongyu's consciousness was hazy. She seemed to have a little awareness, but not much.
In her subconscious, she felt as though she was sinking into a dark ocean, submerged by water, and at a loss.
She could still vaguely remember what happened before she fainted. She understood that she had been ambushed by the Yao Xiu, and at the same time, a wave of regret surged into her heart.
Was this a punishment from the heavens? Because she was jealous that Yun and Xue'er's relationship had become good, she was a bad child, and bad children should be caught.
She regretted it very much. She also knew clearly in her heart that she shouldn't have had such incorrect thoughts.
She truly recognized her mistake now. If possible, she really hoped to sincerely apologize to Yun and Xue'er.
"Xiao Yu! Xiao Yu!"
In the hazy darkness, Lin Zhongyu seemed to vaguely hear Mu Jixue's call.
But submerged in the darkness, she was completely unable to move. She couldn't respond even if she wanted to.
And at this moment, a hand reached over, firmly grabbed her, and forcibly pulled her back from the darkness.
...
"Xue'er...?"
Mu Jixue was transferring spiritual energy to Lin Zhongyu. The Cultivators captured and brought to the dungeon had all been given Spirit-Dispelling Pills, which was why they were completely defenseless.
Fortunately, Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu knew each other well, so she could directly help replenish her energy. As Mu Jixue's pure spiritual energy flowed into Lin Zhongyu's Dantian, the mist enveloping her spiritual world gradually dispersed.
She finally opened her eyes.
"Xiao Yu, that's great, you're finally awake!"
Mu Jixue was overjoyed. Her worried expression finally relaxed a little, and she couldn't hold back, tears welling up in her eyes.
Lin Zhongyu was not seriously injured. Mu Jixue observed carefully and found that Lin Zhongyu had some Heather Grass essence sprinkled on her. It was likely that she had quickly used it when in danger, which allowed her to avoid injury and merely be captured.
Unexpectedly, the item Yun Zhonghe had given her played a crucial role at the critical moment.
Otherwise, Lin Zhongyu might have also ended up like the others, missing limbs to prevent her from escaping.
"Xue'er, were you... also captured?"
Mu Jixue subconsciously wanted to speak but glanced at Yun Zhonghe, who was busy behind her, and after a moment of thought, said, "Yun and I snuck in to rescue you."
"Ah..."
At that moment, the impact on Lin Zhongyu's heart was imaginable.
She had been troubled by the matter between Yun and Xue'er before, even feeling a bit unhappy. However, when she encountered danger, these two stepped forward for her, risking danger to rescue her.
Both of them were willing to risk their lives for her, yet she had been so petty.
Feelings of shame, regret, and gratitude overwhelmed her, almost causing her to shed tears.
"Xue'er, I..."
"Don't say anything. Rest well first, and we'll talk after we get out."
Mu Jixue tightly held Lin Zhongyu's hand. Their eyes met, and everything was unspoken.
Given their relationship, there was no need for many words.
"Very good. The female lead must be incredibly moved now. Her favorability towards Huang Aotian has increased by another level."
Yun Zhonghe, who deliberately stood far away to give Mu Jixue a chance to shine, sighed inwardly.
But it must also be admitted that Mu Jixue's care for Lin Zhongyu was indeed unmatched, and it was selfless concern. Just based on this point, Yun Zhonghe felt it was worth shipping them.
Especially just now, although both of them were covered in dirt, when they looked at each other, they gave off a sense of incredibly pure beauty. Yun Zhonghe dared to say that if this scene were in the original plot, a beautiful CG would definitely be included.
Stick together well! Only if you two are good, can I be good!
Yun Zhonghe secretly revealed an aunt-like smile, while the injured Cultivators he was feeding Qi Recovery Pills to couldn't help but tremble when they saw Yun Zhonghe suddenly reveal a strange smile.
Oh my! Why does this guy look so much like a villain when he smiles? Could it be that we have a traitor among us?!
After Mu Jixue took care of Lin Zhongyu, she immediately walked towards Yun Zhonghe.
"Xiao Yu is fine now. I'll help you."
What was unexpected was that Mu Jixue actually took the initiative to approach Yun Zhonghe. This surprised Yun Zhonghe greatly and also made him feel incredibly moved.
My good brother didn't forget loyalty for beauty! He didn't just stick to the female lead after saving her.
Just based on this point, Yun Zhonghe felt it was worth it! His efforts and hard work had paid off.
"It's alright, just me and Xiao Hu are enough here."
"Xiao Yu is fine now. I've helped her counteract the effect of the Spirit-Dispelling Pill. She can recover her spiritual energy on her own."
The Spirit-Dispelling Pill needs spiritual energy to counteract its effects. If the pill's effect persists, one cannot accumulate spiritual energy, and the effect will remain, leading to a vicious cycle.
But the method to break it is also simple: either have a companion infuse a small amount of spiritual energy to counteract it, or take a pill that restores spiritual energy to counteract it.
Seeing that Mu Jixue insisted on helping, Yun Zhonghe couldn't refuse. After all, the situation was urgent, and having one more person to help was the correct choice.