Even if one were halfway up, and accidentally fell, with another rope protecting them, they could still rush over to rescue.
While he was lost in thought, Yang Chun had already tied the rope and begun to climb across.
Yang Chun also climbed very quickly. From this, one could tell that this method was something these mountain bandits practiced often.
Yang Chun quickly reached the other side, and now it was Chen Xiaobei's turn.
Chen Xiaobei cautiously stepped onto the rope. After taking just one step, he immediately gave up.
It was safer to hang upside down after all.
Fortunately, he was facing the sky and didn't have to look down. If he had to look down, Chen Xiaobei estimated he would break out in a cold sweat. The gorge, tens of zhang deep, with dense forest below. If he fell, even if he didn't die from the fall, he would be pierced to death by branches.
Therefore, the importance of the safety rope was evident at this moment.
Chen Xiaobei endured patiently, trying to climb for about two zhang first. He felt that everything was fine.
However, after climbing to the middle, Chen Xiaobei still felt his hands and feet beginning to ache.
He quickly understood the reason. The opposite bank was higher than where he was. He was hanging while also climbing uphill, so it was naturally tiring.
The bundle on his back felt like a ton of rock, pulling him down. Chen Xiaobei regretted it a little, wishing he had flipped the bundle over and held it in front of him.
Several times, he truly wanted to let go. But he thought of Chen Qiao'er's innocent smile, and Cui Hongyu's delectable face.
No, he couldn't. He had to persevere. He hadn't even consummated his marriage with such a beautiful wife yet. He had finally transmigrated, and dying would end everything. Who could guarantee he would transmigrate again next time? Even if he did, who knew where he would end up?
Yang Chun and Hou Liu, who had already reached the other side, clearly saw that Chen Xiaobei's strength was nearing its limit. Yang Chun began to shout, "Brother, hold on! Just one more step and you'll be up!"
Chen Xiaobei gritted his teeth, not daring to speak, for fear that if he spoke, he would lose his spirit and truly let go.
Three feet, two feet, one foot.
Finally, Yang Chun reached out and grabbed his arm. Chen Xiaobei felt relieved.
Hou Liu also extended his hand, and the two of them helped pull Chen Xiaobei up.
Chen Xiaobei lay on the ground, panting heavily. "Thank you both. If it were another foot, I couldn't have made it."
Yang Chun and Hou Liu exchanged glances and burst into laughter. "Brother, you jest. How could you, from the mountains, not be able to climb such a short distance?"
As they spoke, Yang Chun untied his water pouch and handed it over.
Chen Xiaobei sat up, took the water pouch, and still with his mouth wide open, drank a few mouthfuls. He said thank you and handed the water pouch back. Although he had brought his own water pouch, since Yang Chun offered, he drank a few sips.
After drinking the water, Chen Xiaobei sat for a while longer before standing up to examine his surroundings carefully.
The ground beneath his feet was all rock, bare and devoid of even a blade of grass. Further ahead, perhaps a dozen zhang, the ground gradually became greener. A few dozen zhang beyond that was a stretch of low-lying bushes.
What surprised him even more was that from this vantage point, the main peak of Qingniu Mountain was already faintly visible. He figured they wouldn't have to take many more detours.
Victory seemed within reach.
By the time Da Lao Hei and the others arrived, the sky was already dim.
Da Lao Hei glanced back at the gorge and sighed, "If it weren't for Brother Hou Liu, we wouldn't have made it across today. By the way, Brother Hou Liu, have a few extra drinks tonight."
Receiving praise from the boss made Hou Liu naturally happy. He chuckled dryly, "Great Chieftain, you flatter me. It is my good fortune to be able to contribute to our mountain stronghold."
As they spoke, they walked forward. The sky was darkening, and everyone unconsciously quickened their pace.
Perhaps it was the high altitude, or perhaps there were no obstructions around, but the sky seemed to darken a little later.
However, after walking for three to four li without stopping, the sides of the road were still lined with low bushes. When camping outdoors, the most ideal scenario was to find a patch of forest.
The mountain wind was strong at night, and the temperature was low.
Choosing a forest would not only provide firewood for a fire but also effectively resist the cold. Furthermore, if any wild beasts appeared, one could climb a tree to escape.
Fortunately, they had good luck. After walking another li or so and rounding a pile of rubble, they came upon a dense forest.
Seeing the forest, everyone let out a cheer. They could finally rest.
Once the campfire was lit, and the dried lamb legs and beef were placed on the fire to roast, the atmosphere quickly livened up.
One had to admit that these mountain bandits lived quite luxuriously. Beef was considered very precious at this time.
After the meat was roasted, someone produced a wine pouch.
Da Lao Hei took it and, as usual, first offered it to Chen Xiaobei. "Everyone, we are able to reach this place today thanks to Brother Xiaobei. Therefore, tonight, Brother Xiaobei will have the first drink."
Following custom, Chen Xiaobei politely refused a few times. Da Lao Hei did not insist further. He opened the lid himself and took a few gulps. This time, however, he did not hand it to Yang Chun but offered it to Chen Xiaobei once more.
This time, Chen Xiaobei did not refuse. He took a symbolic sip and passed it to Yang Chun.
After the wine went around, they began to eat and drink, and the atmosphere became more lively. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Yang Chun nudged Chen Xiaobei's arm and whispered, "Brother Xiaobei, why don't you join our mountain stronghold? Our Great Chieftain thinks highly of you."
Chen Xiaobei ate a couple of bites of meat and then sighed, "As an ordinary commoner, how could I do this kind of business? I just hope for a wife, children, and a warm hearth every day, and I'll be content."
Upon hearing his words, Yang Chun chuckled dryly, "A man, born between heaven and earth, should accomplish something earth-shattering. Our Great Chieftain is currently recruiting talent. We want to..."
Just then, Da Lao Hei nearby coughed.
"Brother Xiaobei, have another drink." He then handed the wine pouch over again.
Chen Xiaobei took it, poured a mouthful into his own mouth, and then smilingly passed it to Yang Chun.
Taking advantage of the moment, Da Lao Hei asked with a smile, "Brother Xiaobei, how much further is it to the mountain summit?"
Chen Xiaobei shook his head. "I don't know how far. This is my first time in these places too."
Da Lao Hei chuckled, "That's right, that's right. Then hurry up and eat. Rest early after you're full."
With that, he stood up, stretched, looked around, and walked towards a large tree not far away.
He sat down again, leaning against the tree and closing his eyes.
Seeing Da Lao Hei retire, the other followers quickly ate a few bites and found places to rest.
Chen Xiaobei also stuffed a few bites of meat into his mouth and then quickly chose a stone closest to the campfire and leaned against it.
Being close to the campfire had two benefits: it wouldn't be too cold at night, and it would be safer if any wild animals appeared.
Closing his eyes, Chen Xiaobei found himself unable to sleep.