The torrential rain was actually weakening. Raindrops struck the river channel, half splashes and half muddy flecks, their intensity greatly diminished. The vast curtain of rain was also becoming clearer and thinner, allowing people to see more of what lay beyond.
Only now did many people notice the mud slowly crawling along the far end of the river channel.
Beyond that, they could vaguely make out vehicles and human figures racing along the riverbank toward the high ground.
On both banks.
They were likely some of the explorers and mercenaries who had entered the mountains along the river and now had to flee the mudslide.
What was happening before them perfectly confirmed Lao Yao's speculation, yet he showed no joy at all. Instead, he grew even more cautious and focused, because what he had to change now was Ronan's original plan.
"Whether the mudslide breaks out or not, a waterway like this won't be navigable for days. If we're still going deeper in, it's best to take the Old Road—head northeast first to the Old County Ruins, then turn northwest. It'll only be faster."
Ronan asked when he did not understand. "Old Road?"
"It's the mountain road and tourist highway built before the Third War. The roads are gone now, but some of the roadbed remains. More people have been using it in recent years, and there's a Supply Point along the way. We can take two or three Off-Road Vehicles, preferably lightweight ones, along with a multi-legged cargo platform. In areas washed out by flash floods and mudslides, we won't need to detour—we can force our way through. That way, reaching the Main Peak Area should take around ten hours."
Ronan gave no clear response.
Lao Yao's heart began to pound. He instinctively glanced toward the upstream river channel,