Siheyuan: The Temptation of the Mountains

Everything around me is so strange, as if I were in another world.

The once lush and vibrant forest has disappeared without a trace, replaced by an endless, uninhabited desert!

Above our heads, a scorching sun was hanging high in the sky like a blazing fireball, mercilessly releasing its scorching light and mercilessly baking the dry land below.

The air seemed to be on fire, becoming hot and suffocating, making every breath difficult.

Lin Ze rubbed his eyes vigorously, thinking to himself: Is what he saw just an illusory dream? Or is it some strange illusion? However, no matter how hard he stared, the surrounding scene was always displayed in front of him, so real that it was beyond doubt.

At this moment, they seemed to have fallen into a completely unknown mysterious realm, filled with endless dangers and mysteries.

Faced with such a sudden change, the companions could not help but look at each other, with deep confusion and fear in each other's eyes.

Lin Ze took a deep breath and tried his best to calm the waves in his heart and regain his composure as soon as possible.

"Don't panic, believe me, we will definitely find a way to survive." His voice was steady and powerful, with an unshakable belief.

After saying this, everyone resolutely embarked on this arduous journey, staggering across the endless yellow sand, desperately pursuing the slim hope of survival.

The unbearable heat seemed to melt the whole world, and the air seemed to become sticky. Every step was as difficult as dragging a heavy burden. Beads of sweat kept flowing down people's foreheads, and soon soaked the thin clothes on their bodies.

Just when everyone was feeling exhausted and almost unable to hold on, they saw an alluring green at the end of the horizon in the distance.

This sudden sight made everyone's eyes light up. Their originally exhausted bodies were instantly filled with strength again. They all quickened their pace and ran towards the oasis.

However, as they gradually approached with great anticipation, they were shocked to find that what they saw was not a real oasis, but an illusory mirage!

This cruel reality was like a basin of ice water poured over one's head, and the fire of hope that had just been ignited was extinguished in an instant without a trace.

Just when everyone was in despair, a violent gust of wind came without warning.

The strong wind was like a ferocious beast, sweeping up the dust all over the sky with its fangs and claws, forming a sand wall that covered the sky and the sun.

For a moment, sand and rocks flew everywhere between heaven and earth, the sky was pitch black, and it was impossible to open one's eyes.

After the storm gradually subsided, everyone was horrified to find that one person was missing from the team!

Lin Ze's heart sank suddenly, and an ominous premonition came to his mind.

He knew very well that in this vast and dangerous desert, any negligence could lead to fatal consequences.

Now that they have lost a companion, it has sounded a wake-up call for everyone - they must be extra careful on the next journey, as any carelessness could result in death.

Only in this way can there be a chance to survive and get out of this desolate land.

Lin Ze's eyes were as sharp as an eagle's. He slowly swept across everyone's face. His face was so gloomy that it seemed as if water could drip out. He said in a serious tone: "Everyone, things have come to this point. We can no longer act independently and separately. Only by helping each other and working together can we find a glimmer of hope and find a way out." Hearing this, everyone nodded silently, indicating that they deeply agreed with what Lin Ze said.

So the team regrouped and continued to move forward towards the unknown with heavy but unwavering steps.

Time passed quietly, and the sun gradually slid to the west like a tired bird returning to its nest. The originally unbearable temperature in the desert began to gradually drop.

The severe cold and hunger were like two ferocious beasts, pouncing at them with bared fangs and claws, making their already difficult situation even worse.

At this moment, suddenly, someone pointed to the distance excitedly and shouted loudly, as if he had discovered a new continent: "Look! There seems to be a little light over there!" This voice was like a flash of lightning that cuts through the dark night sky, instantly igniting the fire of hope in everyone's hearts.

Everyone was immediately energized, and they ran towards the light impatiently.

However, when they got closer, panting, they saw that the so-called "lights" were just a few broken lanterns.

These lanterns hung alone on a long-abandoned building, swaying in the strong wind, as if they might fall at any time.

The fire of hope that had just been ignited was ruthlessly extinguished by reality, and people's mood was like a roller coaster, falling from the clouds to the bottom of the abyss.

However, facing such a cruel blow, Lin Ze did not give up easily. He straightened his back and encouraged everyone with a determined look: "Don't be discouraged! As long as we grit our teeth and persevere, we will find the door to the outside world one day."

Under his encouragement, the exhausted team mustered up their courage again, dragged their heavy bodies, and continued to grope forward in the vast sea of ​​sand, step by step.

Suddenly, Lin Ze's sharp eyes caught a faint trace in the golden sand on the ground - like a string of mysterious footprints!

This discovery made his heart tremble violently, and an indescribable impulse surged in his heart.

Without hesitation, he waved to his companions to follow him, his voice filled with a hint of urgency and excitement: "Quick! Look over there, there seems to be some clues!"

Upon hearing this, everyone was cheered up and quickly gathered together.

Looking in the direction Lin Ze pointed, I saw that the trail of footprints looked like a winding path, stretching away into the distance.

Without saying a word, they followed the footprints and moved forward at a staggering pace.

Every step sank deep into the soft sand, making it difficult to move forward, but no one complained or backed down.

Time passed minute by minute, and they didn't know how long they had been walking.

The sun was high overhead, the heat was unbearable, and their clothes were soaked with sweat, but they never stopped.

Finally, after crossing endless sand dunes, an amazing scene appeared before our eyes.

It was a vast oasis, like a shining pearl inlaid in the barren desert.

The lush trees are like green barriers that block the scorching sun; the crystal clear lakes are sparkling, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, which is a beautiful sight.

Compared with the monotonous and boring desert around it, this place is simply like a paradise.

Everyone was so excited that they couldn't control themselves and cheers rang out one after another.

Like a group of fish that finally found rain after a long drought, they rushed to the lake impatiently, bent down, and enjoyed the cool, sweet water to their heart's content.