The two groups, traveling together to the Central Continent, had traversed this path countless times. Even though they had devised and methodically implemented all sorts of ways to mitigate the danger, they remained on high alert, their nerves stretched taut, not daring to relax for a second. They ran until the forest grew completely dark, only stopping to rest and replenish their energy when they reached the shore of a lake.
Gong You gently pulled Si Shuo from Xiao Shisi's arms and led her to the lakeside.
"How about I grill some fish for you, sweetie? There are some small shrimp in here too. Weren't you just talking about wanting to deep-fry them with lard and chili peppers until they're crispy enough to eat shell and all?"
Si Shuo nodded and gestured to him. "Gong You, can you see if there are any loaches or eels at the bottom of the lake? The kind that like to burrow into the mud. They look like snakes but don't really bite, and they aren't too long."
