Of Course We'll Fight Our Way Up

The convoy wound its way up the mountain road, the engines' hum echoing through the quiet valley. The tires rolled over the newly paved asphalt, the ride so smooth they barely felt a bump. It was a stark contrast to the old mountain roads in Miao Zongpan's memory, full of potholes and mud, where mules and horses had struggled to make their way along.

Miao Zongpan sat cross-legged on the roof of the bus, letting the mountain breeze brush against her wrinkled face and wide robes.

The vibrations of the metal beneath her were steady and even. The "iron box" under her feet was carrying her and her people safely toward their destination.

Before long, the convoy began to slow down.

A vast stretch of mountains lay ahead, and beside the road stood a sign that read, "Welcome to Nine Immortal Mountain Scenic Area."

It had once been an obscure little tourist attraction.

But everything changed after the Maze City descended.

Its vast expanse had been forcibly crammed into this land. As far as the eye could see, ancient trees towered overhead, blocking out the sky.

Their thick trunks twisted and knotted together, covered in layers of moss and vines. Their overlapping canopies stretched like an endless sea of green clouds.

The paved road abruptly ended, replaced by a winding dirt path that plunged into the depths of the forest. Massive tree roots had crowded it until it was almost impossible to make out.

"This is as far as we can go. From here on, we'll have to walk."

Tang Zhishang got out of the vehicle and surveyed the area. After confirming the road ahead was impassable, he walked over to the bus and called up to Miao Zongpan, "Ma'am, the grain..."

"Leave it here. Our people will take care