This Is the Queen Mother of the West!? (Part One)

Mo Li once again experienced just how painful climbing stairs could be. Each step of this staircase was nearly 1.2 meters high, and he had to climb every level. It had been manageable at first, but after climbing so many steps, the toll on his stamina had become considerable.

After approximately an hour, Mo Li estimated that he had climbed about halfway. By then, his entire body was drenched in sweat. Unable to climb any farther, he stopped, planted his hands on his hips, and panted heavily as he looked up at the remaining stairs. "Were the people who built this place perverts? Was it really necessary to make the stairs this high? I'm exhausted!"

After grumbling inwardly, Mo Li took off his canteen and tilted his head back for a drink. However, after pouring for quite some time, not a single drop came out. He shook the empty canteen in his hand and rolled his eyes, then helplessly hung it back on his waist. The supplies he had brought were almost completely depleted. He had no idea what awaited him ahead, and if he couldn't resolve things within a few days, he would eventually starve or die of thirst even if the Queen Mother of the West didn't kill him first.

But since he had already come this far, Mo Li had no intention of turning back. He had already steeled himself for the possibility of either success or death. This time, he had to bring Zhong Lichun back, no matter what.

After resting for another dozen or so minutes, Mo Li began climbing again. This time, his goal was to reach the top in one go. He was deeply worried about Zhong Lichun. After all, the previous team had entered this place several days before them. Who knew