Mountain Hollow Outpost

Yan Ping led the two of them northward from the abandoned mining area.

After leaving the mine tunnel entrance, the three followed an old miners' path toward the mountains, its surface covered in rubble and weeds.

This path was more difficult to traverse than any stretch they had traveled before. The layer of loose gravel was thick, and stones beneath their feet slid down the slope whenever they stepped on them, forcing them to exert extra effort to maintain their balance.

The rock walls on either side gradually narrowed, trapping the path between them and forming a long, narrow canyon passage. Sunlight filtered through the gap overhead, casting a winding ribbon of light across the ground.

Yan Ping walked at the front. His pace was unhurried but steady, and he occasionally stopped to compare the simple map in his hand with the surrounding terrain.

He was clearly familiar with this area, able to accurately identify every fork in the road and every landmark.

After traveling for a little over two hours, the terrain ahead changed again.

The canyon passage suddenly widened beyond a bend, revealing a mountain hollow surrounded on all sides by ridges.

The bottom of the hollow lay lower than the surrounding valleys, forming a naturally concealed area whose full interior could only be viewed from atop the ridges on either side.

Several crude sheds built from stone and logs were scattered throughout the hollow. Rough wooden fences connected the sheds, enclosing an irregular courtyard.

Several mine carts covered with tarps stood in the courtyard, along with two packhorses tied to wooden stakes. Fragments of ore and tools lay scattered across the ground, along with traces of ash left behind by campfires.

Yan Ping crouched behind a rock at the edge of the hollow and pointed toward the