Chapter 52: Lost in the Mountains

"That's right, that's right! Ethan, you absolutely can't agree to this," the old village secretary insisted, his voice full of concern. "Do you know how dangerous the Immortal Mountain is now? The fog has gotten so thick that you can barely see a few meters ahead, and the number of poisonous snakes and wild beasts has increased. A few years ago, some poachers went in, but none of them ever came out!"

"Since you have money now, why not settle down, find a good girl, and live a peaceful life? Why take unnecessary risks?"

"Exactly! If it's so dangerous, why can't they find their own guide?" Suzie folded her arms, clearly disapproving of the plan.

"Ethan, you haven't been inside that mountain in over ten years. Are you sure you still remember the way?" Natalie added, worry evident in her tone.

Ethan smiled faintly. "I already promised to go. It's been a long time since I was last there, and I've been thinking about it."

"Tsk, Boss, why don't you just tell them the real reason?" Henry smirked mischievously. "Two beautiful leaders, do you want me to expose why our dear Ethan is so determined to go?"

"Go ahead!" The two women said in unison, curiosity flashing in their eyes.

Henry grinned. "He's got a few female friends in Dongzhu. One of them, a chubby and adorable little beauty named Yuyu Tang, clings to him all day. Now that her brother has asked for his help, do you think Ethan would dare refuse?"

Silence. Everyone stared at Ethan, their expressions a mix of surprise and amusement.

"Don't listen to this nonsense!" Ethan rolled his eyes. "They're just friends. If I really had a girlfriend, would I still dare to give jade bracelets to Natalie and Suzie? My girlfriend would kill me! Now, let's eat."

Seeing that Ethan was set on going, no one tried to stop him anymore. Instead, they just gave him a barrage of safety instructions before he left.

After the meal, Henry departed with Joe, while Ethan distributed seeds and poultry to the villagers before heading into town to buy climbing gear.

The next morning, a military truck pulled up. Ryan stepped out, accompanied by Third Battalion Commander Victor, Political Commissar Ren Bida, ten soldiers, and Ethan's old acquaintance, Zack. Along with them were two local guides, ten warhorses loaded with supplies, and two wolfdogs.

Suzie immediately put her hands on her hips. "Mr. Ryan, why are you so stingy? Couldn't you bring more horses? Are you bullying Ethan?"

Ryan raised his eyebrows. "You misunderstand. The horses aren't for riding; they're for carrying supplies."

"Then why not bring extra horses for the people?" Natalie pressed.

Ethan chuckled. He knew she wasn't actually concerned about the horses—she was just giving Ryan a hard time.

"There are no proper paths in the mountains," he explained. "Riding is even more dangerous than walking."

"Alright, alright. You all should get back to work. We're heading out now. Blackie, let's go!"

"Meow~!"

Before Ethan could react, Whiskers leaped onto Blackie's back.

"Hey! Whiskers, we're going on a mission, not a stroll. Why are you following us?" Ethan tried to shoo the cat away.

But Whiskers ignored him, darting away every time he reached for her. When he gave up, she proudly sat on Blackie's back, ready for the journey.

Suzie smirked. "If she insists on going, let her. Whiskers, you and Blackie must protect Ethan, understand?"

"Woof!"

"Meow~!"

Ryan and his soldiers looked stunned. "Wait… your dog and cat actually understand human speech?"

Ethan grinned. "They're highly intelligent."

Before they set off, a small voice suddenly called out:

"Dad, Mom said to come back soon! We'll be waiting for you at home!"

Ryan nearly stumbled. "Your… child?"

Ethan coughed. "No, no. That's my goddaughter, Natalie's little one."

Ryan gave Natalie a knowing glance. The road of love is long, and the rivals are many…

The group—seventeen people, ten horses, three dogs, and one cat—entered the dense mountain forest. As they went deeper, the fog thickened until they could barely see three meters ahead.

An hour later, the two guides began arguing. One insisted they should turn left, while the other was convinced the right path was correct. In the end, their arguments led them in circles.

It was official. They were lost.

Panic set in. Old Lui, one of the guides, paled. "Captain Ryan, the fog is too thick! We can't find the way anymore. We can't just keep walking aimlessly—it'll only get more dangerous!"

"We have enough rations for five days. I suggest we camp and send out a distress signal. If we're lucky, we might get rescued in time," the other guide added.

The Third Battalion Commander scoffed. "What kind of guides are you? You got lost in just an hour?"

"Oh my, Commander, the fog is too strange! Even our dogs can't track the scent properly."

One of the wolfdogs whimpered. Meanwhile, Blackie trotted along confidently, completely ignoring them. Whiskers sat lazily on his back, looking unimpressed.

Ryan sighed. "Ethan, what do you think?"

Ethan smirked. "You're asking me? Fine, I'll take the lead. But if I do, no one questions my directions. Just follow me, and I guarantee we'll get out safely."

"From now on," he continued, "I walk in front. Everyone else lines up behind me. No one strays. If you need to stop for any reason—even just to relieve yourself—you tell me first. Got it?"

"Got it!"

"Woof!"

"Meow~!"

Ryan chuckled. "Damn, Ethan, your dog and cat are turning into little demons!"

"They're just smarter than the average pet," Ethan replied casually, drawing his mountain cleaver. "Alright, let's go!"

And with that, he led the group deeper into the foggy wilderness, Blackie and Whiskers at his side.