Even women who travel through time can become prime ministers and nobles.

In the sweltering summer heat, the continuous rain over the past few days was like a refreshing and timely downpour, bringing much-needed relief from the heat. The sky was covered with dark clouds, and occasional rumbles of thunder seemed to be nature cheering for the arrival of the rain.

The three traveled through the forest. Although the path was muddy from the rain, it didn't dampen their spirits. They wore light raincoats, and their feet stomped on the wet grass, making a soft "plop, plop" sound. The air was filled with the scent of earth and grass, which was invigorating.

The trees in the forest appeared even greener after the rain, and glistening water droplets clung to their leaves like pearls. Birds sang merrily in the branches, seemingly happy for the cool weather as well.

"Brother Shen, Young Master Cui, be careful, there's a small puddle to your left ahead, remember to go around it."

"Although my feet are covered in mud from the continuous rain these past few days, thankfully it's not hot and I don't have to rush around sweating profusely. Otherwise, the smell of sweat would ruin my image as a pretty girl."

Shen Yanchu and Cui Yu'an were speechless upon hearing this, their usual cool and elegant demeanor faltering. This girl's speech and actions were completely out of character; what girl spoke and acted with such a slightly vulgar style? Cui Yu'an was somewhat reluctant to agree with the girl's occasional shocking remarks; he had long been accustomed to her outrageous pronouncements.

Shen Yanchu used his lightness skill to fly up to the treetop like a nimble swallow. Standing atop the tree, he gazed into the distance, where he saw only endless mountain peaks and dense forests. These peaks soared into the clouds, shrouded in mist, giving them a mysterious and magnificent feel. The trees, on the other hand, were lush and vibrant, like a green ocean.

However, Shen Yanchu's heart was filled with despair. He had been walking in the Cangyan Mountains for months, yet he still hadn't found a way out. The mountains seemed endless, and no matter which way he went, he couldn't escape the forest. He felt as if he were in a giant maze, unable to find an exit no matter how hard he tried.

Shen Yanchu's mood grew heavy. He began to doubt whether he could leave this mountain range and whether he could return to take revenge.

"How is Brother Shen? Which way do we go next? The river has changed course, and we can't find it. Blindly searching for directions is futile. What should we do next?" Shi Wanxia asked Shen Yanchu, who was standing under the tree. He looked up at the lush green forest in the distance. It was midsummer, and many snakes, insects, tigers, and leopards were out. Shen Yanchu's internal energy had not yet recovered. He could only handle large beasts like jackals and tigers. After thinking for a moment, he jumped down from the tree.

"Let's continue following the river's course. We've now reached roughly the outer edge of the mountain range, though this outer edge covers a considerable area. I estimate we'll be able to exit the mountain range in another three or four months. The river flows southeast, so let's continue in that direction." He looked troubled, his face full of worry as he stared at the distant mountain peaks.

"Really? That's great, Brother Shen, Young Master Cui. Let's hurry on our way. Since we've reached the edge, it means we're almost there." Shi Wanxia clapped her hands happily. We really are almost out of this forest. She'd been dressed like a wild man all this time, her clothes torn by branches, and without any staple food, she was incredibly thin. She'd never looked so disheveled.

Shen Yanchu nodded. Seeing her optimism, he didn't discourage her enthusiasm. After all, this girl usually didn't think too badly about things and always looked on the bright side. She was a very strange girl.

The three continued their journey through the forest, encountering snakes and insects from time to time. Shi Wanxia, ​​however, remained calm and composed, chasing away the snakes as they appeared.

Time flies, and the three of them, including Shen Yanchu, trudged through the dense forest. They had been walking for over three months and had finally emerged from the mountains. The dense forest before them gradually thinned out, and their view opened up considerably.

However, they were still in the mountains, surrounded by rolling hills. The distant peaks soared into the clouds, shrouded in mist, creating a sense of mystery and grandeur. A gentle mountain breeze blew by, bringing a cool breeze and the breath of nature.

The three stopped and looked back at the dense forest they had just traversed, their hearts filled with emotion. In the past year, they had endured countless hardships and challenges, battling wild beasts, crossing thorny terrain, and suffering hunger and exhaustion. But they had never given up, supporting each other and moving forward step by step.

Now, they have finally emerged from the dense forest and seen a glimmer of hope. Although the road ahead is still long, their confidence is even stronger. They believe that as long as they persevere, they will surely be able to leave these mountains and return to their hometown.

After a short rest, the three continued their journey, heading towards the unknown future. Their figures gradually disappeared into the mountains, leaving behind a trail of firm footprints.

"Brother Shen, Young Master Cui, look! There's a small wooden house over there!" Shi Wanxia was surprised to find a small wooden house halfway up the mountain. Upon seeing this, Shen Yanchu and Cui Yu'an, the girls from Jiangzhe, protected each other behind them and glanced at Cui Yu'an, signaling him to go forward and take a look.

Cui Yu'an cautiously approached the wooden hut, sword in hand. He looked around warily; some unidentified animal carcasses and pelts, already dried, hung under the eaves. Pushing open the wooden door, a musty smell wafted out.

As Cui Yu'an stepped into the room, a chaotic atmosphere assaulted his senses. A faint stench of decay permeated the air, and the walls were covered with various strange tools and specimens. In one corner stood a dilapidated wooden table, piled high with books and papers. Cui Yu'an approached the table, picked up a book, and began to peruse it. The book contained ancient script, causing him to frown. He had never seen this script before and could not decipher its contents.

In another corner of the room, there was a huge stove with a roaring fire. Water was boiling in a rusty pot. It was almost autumn, and there were many dried wild grasses or vegetables drying in the room.

The house was filled with various handcrafted household items, including rough wood carvings, woven baskets, and clothing made of animal hides. Hunting tools, such as bows and arrows, traps, and sharp daggers, were placed in a corner, indicating the owner's identity as a hunter.

He looked around, trying to find any trace of the owner, but the house seemed to have been abandoned long ago. Dust filled the air, and sunlight streamed through the dilapidated windows, illuminating the messy scene.

Cui Yu'an carefully navigated the clutter, his mind filled with questions. Where had this hunter from the deep mountains gone? Had he met with some misfortune? Or had he left this dwelling for some other reason? Every corner of the house exuded an atmosphere of loneliness and desolation, as if time had stood still.

“Come on over here. There’s no danger. This is the dwelling of hunters deep in the mountains, but we haven’t seen anyone. The fire is still burning, so they must have gone out hunting.” Cui Yu’an circled the cabin several times but couldn’t find any trace of them.

Shen Yanchu sighed and, with Shi Wanxia's help, entered the wooden house. The three of them looked around the small wooden house. Shi Wanxia put down her backpack, rolled up her sleeves, and tidied up the wooden house.