A Shocking Dream

Qin Ruoyu's brow furrowed, his heart filled with worry. Under the gloomy sky, Linzhou City seemed shrouded in a haze, the oppressive atmosphere suffocating. The gloomy clouds hung low over the city, seemingly poised to unleash more disaster at any moment. The streets and alleys were filled with a pungent smell of medicine and decay, and the occasional painful groans made their hearts tighten.

Qin Rongchen's expression was solemn. The surrounding streets were silent, with only the occasional rustle of wind, a note of melancholy. The wind seemed to carry fear, stirring panic among the people. The dilapidated houses and the closed doors and windows all betrayed the city's dead silence and despair. "Ruoyu is absolutely right, but this plague is so dangerous, and everyone is so afraid. Finding people willing to care for the sick is not easy."

Qin Ruoyu clenched his fists, staring at the desolate scene, his resolve strengthened. His gaze swept over the crumbling signs and deserted shops, as if witnessing the dire state of the once-thriving Linzhou. "No matter what, we can't give up. Uncle, we can publish a notice promising generous rewards. Perhaps someone will step forward."

Qin Rongchen thought for a moment, "This plan is feasible, but we must also ensure the safety of these people and provide adequate protective measures."

Qin Ruoyu immediately instructed Zeng Mu, "Zeng Mu, immediately arrange for someone to post notices and prepare protective equipment. Once someone responds, immediately provide training and arrangements."

Zeng Mu took his orders and left. Qin Ruoyu's gaze returned to the patient area. Inside the simple shacks, patients groaned in pain, while Kankan's tiny figure bustled about, a ray of light in the darkness. He looked at the suffering people and Kankan's busyness, and vowed to himself that he would end this plague as soon as possible so that everyone could live a stable life.

"Damn it!" A furious curse echoed from the valley beneath the sheer cliffs. Lin Wunian stood on the cliff, leaning slightly forward, her hands tightly gripping the rocks beside her, her knuckles turning slightly white from the effort. Her hair fluttered wildly in the wind, plastering messily to her slightly pale yet stubborn face.

At that moment, her heart was a turmoil. She knew she shouldered the heavy responsibility of saving the people of Linzhou, and that the herb might be the key to controlling the plague. She blamed herself for not discovering it sooner, for putting herself in such a difficult situation. But she quickly suppressed these negative emotions, telling herself not to be weak, not to give up.

She stared at the herb across from her with wide eyes, her eyes filled with anxiety and annoyance. The herb swayed gently in a crevice on the opposite cliff, as if challenging her. Lin Wunian bit her lip tightly, leaving a faint mark on it with her teeth. Her brows were furrowed, and her eyebrows seemed to be twisted into a knot, and her heart was filled with resentment. She thought, this herb is right in front of her, but it seems to be separated by the ends of the earth and out of reach. If she can't get it, what will happen to those innocent people? They are still struggling in pain, still hoping for a miracle.

The valley was steep and precipitous, its sides sheared like blades. The bottomless depths seemed to conceal countless unknown dangers. The wind whistled through the valley, making a whistling sound that rustled Lin Wunian's clothes. She trembled slightly, not out of fear, but rather from the difficult situation and the anxiety within her heart. She feared the passage of time, the lives lost in waiting.

Lin Wunian glared fiercely at the herbs across from her, then began searching for a way to cross the valley. She paced slowly along the edge of the cliff, her steps heavy, her eyes scanning every possible path. Sometimes she squatted down to see if there was a crevices in the rocks that could be climbed; sometimes she stood up and gazed into the distance, hoping to find a path connecting the two cliffs. But no matter how she looked, she couldn't find a safe, feasible path. Her heart was filled with despair, but a voice within her heart kept shouting at her to persevere.

"Should I just give up like this?" Lin Wunian asked herself, but she quickly shook her head firmly. She couldn't give up. The people of Linzhou were still waiting for her. Those ravaged by the plague needed this herb. She took a deep breath, looked toward the cliffs across the way again, and vowed to herself that she would get the herb no matter what. The wind still howled through the valley, as if testing her resolve. Lin Wunian's eyes grew unwavering, a look of unwavering determination that she would not give up until she achieved her goal.

She began to carefully observe her surroundings, not missing any possible opportunity. She saw the occasional protruding rock on the mountain wall and considered whether she could use it to climb over. But she quickly rejected the idea because the rocks were too loose and could not bear her weight.

Lin Wunian bit her lower lip, her mind racing with other ideas. She thought of using a rope, but where could she find one long and strong enough? She looked around, seeing nothing but weeds and rocks. But she wasn't discouraged. She knew there had to be a way to cross this valley.

Suddenly, her eyes fell on a sturdy tree not far away. It occurred to her that she might be able to make a rope from vines. She immediately ran over and, with considerable effort, ripped some tough vines from the tree. Then, she began carefully weaving the rope.

When the rope was finished, Lin Wunian tied one end firmly to a huge rock and the other end around her waist. She took a deep breath and began to climb the cliff.

The cliff was incredibly steep, and every step was fraught with danger. Lin Wunian grasped tightly at the cracks in the rocks and moved cautiously. Her palms ached from the rubble, and sweat streamed down her cheeks. But she didn't flinch, her only conviction being to obtain the herb.

As she continued to climb, the altitude grew higher and the wind grew stronger. Lin Wunian's body swayed slightly in the wind, but she still held on to the rock tightly, climbing up step by step. Her eyes were always fixed on the opposite cliff, and the herb seemed to be calling her.

Finally, she reached the center of the valley. The rope was becoming increasingly tight, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of nervousness. But she didn't hesitate and continued to climb forward.

Just as she was about to reach the opposite cliff, a loose rock suddenly fell, shaking her body. Lin Wunian was startled, but she quickly adjusted her posture and held on tightly to the rock next to her.