第41章

I hired a local guide to take me into the mountains. He was a tough, weathered man named Jian, who had spent his whole life in these mountains. He knew the trails, the weather patterns, and the local folklore.

I didn’t tell Jian anything about the林灵 or the fused sculpture. I simply said I was a writer interested in exploring the area and its ancient history and culture.

Jian was skeptical at first, but he agreed to take me on a multi-day trek to a remote area of the mountains where the ancient structures were said to be located.

As we hiked higher into the mountains, the scenery became more spectacular. Steep cliffs, deep valleys, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The air was thin and crisp, and the silence was profound, broken only by the sound of our footsteps and the wind whistling through the rocks.

I noticed that Jian had a deep respect for the mountains. He would often pause to offer a small prayer or leave a small offering of food at certain spots on the trail.

“The mountain has spirits,” he told me one day, his voice serious. “We must show them respect.”