Chapter 45: Parting Ways

She is simply unreasonable!

Ye Wan stamped her feet in anger, unable to help but curse in a low voice,

That Li Si Si is simply an idiot! And that Li Dong is also unable to tell right from wrong, utterly clueless!

She looked at Jiangnan, only to find his expression still calm, and thus her face filled with bewilderment and incomprehension.

Mr. Jiang, aren't you angry? That unreasonable woman treats you like this, don't you want to say something?

Jiangnan glanced at her, but did not answer. Instead, he turned his head, slightly furrowed his brows, and looked in another direction.

Almost just a few seconds later, a piercing cry for help penetrated the thick black fog and reached everyone's ears.

Everyone's hearts tightened, and they instinctively turned toward the sound.

But the night was as dark as ink, and the surroundings were shrouded in thick fog. Trying to find the person calling for help was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Help! Save me!

Mr. Jiang, we...

A flicker of reluctance flashed in Murong Wan's eyes.

Jiangnan, however, kept his usual composure and spoke lightly:

It's just showing off my modest skills before an expert; follow me.

Okay!

Murong Wan and the two others didn't have time to think further, and hurriedly followed.

The black fog roiled, gusts of yin wind blew, and a putrid aura permeated the air, making breathing difficult.

The further they went, the clearer and more piercing the cry for help became, as if it exploded right beside their ears, stimulating everyone's nerves.

Finally, after passing through a dense thicket of shrubs, they saw the source of the sound.

A person in a white protective suit lay collapsed on the ground, clutching his arm and groaning in pain.

His protective suit was smeared with mud and blood, torn in several places, exposing skin covered in dense red rashes, a shocking sight.

It's someone from the investigation team! Murong Wan recognized the protective suit at a glance and exclaimed.

Jiangnan stepped forward, squatted down, and tapped the person's body. At the same time, he asked calmly:

Who are you?

The person seemed utterly exhausted, lifting his head,

Seeing Jiangnan and the others, a glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes, and he spoke in a hoarse voice:

Save…… save me……

You won't die for now.

Jiangnan's voice was low, yet it carried an inexplicable soothing effect.

He took a deep breath and spoke haltingly:

I, I am an investigator from the health station, my name is Wang Qiang.

We received a temporary mission, formed a team to investigate the River God Spring. As a result, we suffered an unknown attack and sustained heavy losses.

An attack? Murong Wan frowned tightly, "What attacked us?"

I…… I can't say exactly. But I can be certain they are also humans, merely possessing some unfathomable abilities!

Wang Qiang spoke with difficulty, continuing:

However, his words caused Murong Wan and the two others' faces to change abruptly.

Even Jiangnan's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise. He continued asking without changing his expression:

What about the others?

I, I don't know……

Wang Qiang's eyes were filled with despair,

We got separated, and I'm not sure either. However, Director Qu is trapped in the River God Spring; please, you must find a way to save him!

Jiangnan's gaze fell on the wound on Wang Qiang's arm; those dense red rashes made his pupils contract slightly.

He reached out and lightly touched those rashes, and his brows furrowed instantly.

The smallpox rash virus has mutated.

Jiangnan's voice was low and solemn.

Su Meiruo's face changed dramatically, because among those present, only she understood what Jiangnan's words meant!

How could this happen?

Jiangnan did not answer, but simply took out a small porcelain bottle from his bosom, poured out a pill, and handed it to Wang Qiang:

Take it.

Wang Qiang hesitated not, took the pill, and swallowed it directly.

After all, the other party had saved his life; if they wanted to harm him, there would be no need for this.

The pill melted upon entering his mouth, a cool sensation instantly spread through his body, and Wang Qiang's originally pained expression eased somewhat.

Thank……

Wang Qiang said gratefully.

What about Li Si Si?

Jiangnan suddenly asked, his tone still calm but carrying a subtle sharpness.

Upon hearing the three words 'Li Si Si', Wang Qiang's already pale face instantly turned even worse; he jerked his head up, his eyes filled with fear and anger, and he spoke in a trembling voice:

She…… she is a traitor!

What?!

Murong Wan exclaimed in disbelief, her eyes wide open, 'How is this possible? How could Li Si Si be a traitor?'

Wang Qiang gritted his teeth and said, "She, she's the traitor! She's the one who led us here, and then deliberately pushed Director Qu into the spring mouth."

"But why would she do that?" Murong Wan asked, puzzled.

"I—I don't know…"

Wang Qiang shook his head in pain,

"She's been disguising herself well all along; we were all fooled…"

"What about Li Dong?"

Murong Wan suddenly thought of something, her complexion changing again,

"Could Li Dong be in danger?"

"Li Dong?"

Wang Qiang was momentarily stunned, then a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.

"The two siblings—could they have already colluded?"

Jiangnan remained silent, merely listening quietly to Wang Qiang's words, a complex glint flickering deep within his eyes.

"Let's go, to River God Spring."

"It's been chaotic for so long; it should be settled now."

Jiangnan stood up, speaking calmly.

……

Meanwhile, on the barren hill at the entrance of Divine Spring Village.

Cold winds gusted, ghosts wailed and wolves howled, and a rotting scent filled the air, sending chills down one's spine.

On the hill, jagged rocks and twisted dead trees tangled like a clawed monster, flickering in and out of view within the Black Fog.

Li Si Si led Li Dong along a winding path toward the deep interior of the barren hill.

Li Dong's complexion was pale; he clung tightly behind Li Si Si, his heart full of doubt and unease.

"Si Si, where are we going?"

Li Dong couldn't help but ask.

"Brother, don't ask. Just follow me."

Li Si Si said without turning her head, her tone a bit cold.

Li Dong frowned, feeling something off about his sister today, yet unable to pinpoint what.

He opened his mouth to ask again, but Li Si Si cut him off.

"Brother, do you trust me?"

Li Si Si suddenly halted, turned, and looked at Li Dong, her eyes complex.

Li Dong was momentarily stunned, then nodded:

"Of course I trust you, you're my sister; I don't doubt who you trust."

Li Si Si's mouth curved into a bitter smile as she whispered:

"Then don't ask, just follow me."

Having said that, she turned again and kept walking forward.

Li Dong, helpless, could only continue to keep up.

The two walked one ahead of the other on the hill for a long time, the surroundings growing increasingly desolate and ominous.

Li Dong's heartbeat quickened, and the ominous premonition grew stronger.