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"This should be considered a method of traditional Chinese medicine, and as you can see, the arrangement of this room is very typically Chinese." Lin Yi said.

"Absolutely, I've noticed that too. And everything here, including the herbs and the smell, complements one another perfectly."

"To be honest, I have nothing against Western medicine. I just feel that we need to pick up what our ancestors have left behind. Only by mastering these can we pass on our spirit, don't you think?"

"Ah, elder, if you put it that way, I really do agree. You're right, I believe the same. Traditional Chinese medicine has its merits, and at the moment, I'm researching the location of Xi Lian Mountain."

"What, what did you just say? Xi Lian Mountain?"

Upon mentioning this, he frowned slightly.

"Yes, Xi Lian Mountain. It's been nearly 10 years since anyone has ventured in there. I believe there must be an abundance of precious herbs inside."

"You're right, the place has always been known for its herbs, particularly the rare and valuable ones. But the problem is you can't just walk in there. I advise you not to take the risk."

"Elder, if I don't take the risk, then how can I bring these things out to benefit humanity?"

"Young man, inevitably full of youthful vigor. However, I too experienced that same spirit ten years ago."

"What do you mean?"

"Look at this."

As he spoke, Dean Lin stood up and abruptly removed his shirt.

He did look rather thin and frail.

But Lin Yi could clearly see distinct tears and scars on his arms and chest.

"What, what is that?"

Seeing them, he was genuinely shocked.

"This is the consequence of my impetuous venture into the mountains."

"You mean, you were attacked by wild beasts?"

"Exactly. I was fully prepared, convinced I could avoid the beasts. But in the end, I still failed."

Witnessing these painful remnants, Lin Yi, to be honest, started to waver.

Was it due to his lack of preparation, or were there indeed dangers lurking within?

After all, no one had ever successfully penetrated this forbidden zone of life.

But the words had been spoken, and all plans were in place. If he were to back out now, Lin Yi felt it would be such a waste.

"So, having seen these scars, do you feel a bit of fear now?"

While speaking, Dean Lin put his clothes back on.

"This happened 10 years ago, right?"

"Yes, 10 years ago. I wasn't exactly young then, but I was driven. I knew of the valuable medicinal herbs that grew there. Bringing them back could enormously benefit humanity. That was the hope that drove me."

"That's how I feel now. But from what you say, the place sounds truly terrifying."

"Yes, it is extremely daunting. Honestly, I even planned to circumnavigate it, and I managed to get a map of Xi Lian Mountain."

"A map? You have a map?"

At this point, he opened his eyes wide in astonishment and saw Dean Lin speak.

Lin Yi was very unfamiliar with Xi Lian Mountain, aware of its existence yet clueless about the situation inside.

"Indeed, I had a map. But I destroyed it a few years ago. Holding onto that map always led my thoughts back to everything that happened, so I chose not to cling to any hope."

Hearing this, Lin Yi felt it was such a shame.

If he could obtain that map, it might have greatly assisted them.

But then again, hadn't Dean Lin gone through the same? Even with that map, he hadn't managed to make his way into Xi Lian Mountain.

"Dean Lin, may I ask how far you got before the wild beasts attacked?"

"Let me think. I walked about 20 minutes inside, not all that far really. And the region of Xi Lian Mountain is quite vast, most of the herbs are in the innermost parts. I barely reached an outer edge."

"You mean you went in there alone?"

"No, I had two companions."

"And what about them?"

At this point, Dean Lin sighed deeply and inadvertently glanced towards a corner.

Following his gaze, Lin Yi saw that in that corner were two photographs, each with a tablet placed in front of it.

Seeing this, Lin Yi suddenly panicked.

"They...?"

"Yes, I was the only survivor. And if I hadn't run fast, I guarantee I'd be reduced to just another photo by now."

Lin Yi wasn't sure how to describe what he felt inside.

It was a threat to his very life.

"Dean Lin, what I find curious is how you got the map in the first place, given that no one knew the topography of Xi Lian Mountain at the time?"

"That's thanks to one of them, the one on the left. Do you see?" Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire

Lin Yi looked up to see a man who appeared to be around 40, not very old.

He wasn't sure if it was just the photo that made the man look young, or if he was indeed that young.

"Ah, I see. Are you saying he was the one who provided the map?"

"His ancestors were hunters. His great-grandfather has been in and out of Xi Lian Mountain many times, which is why this route map was passed down."

"But I heard that Xi Lian Mountain wasn't like this many years ago."

"True, back then the wild beasts weren't as ferocious, and there weren't as many of them. So, some hunters, especially those with exceptional skills, could manage relatively easily."