Chapter 138: Everyone, Hang in There

Chapter 138: Chapter 138: Everyone, Hang in There

At first, everyone thought this was a true water source. Although the puddle was small, water was still water. But even during their brief moment of rejoicing, the small puddle gradually grew shallower until the yellow mud beneath was exposed.

How was the water disappearing so fast?!

Luo was the first to notice. Shoving aside the onlookers, he rushed to the front and dropped to his knees. Heedless of his bare hands, he began to dig frantically into the "water source."

"Where is the water? Why is it gone? Isn’t this a water source? Why is there so little?" Luo roared hoarsely. His eyes were bloodshot and bulging with panic.

The other government officers stumbled forward and joined the frantic digging.

"Where is the water? Is this really all there is?"

"How is this possible?! This was clearly a water source!"

"We’re doomed. This isn’t a water source at all—there’s no water coming from inside! Ah! Does Heaven want us dead?"

"Father! Mother! I’m afraid your son won’t be able to return to see you!"

Even after dozens of people took turns digging, not a single drop of water could be seen. Immense despair washed over them. With their hopes shattered, they slumped onto the ground, unable to stop themselves from crying out to the sky. At a time like this, even the toughest of men could no longer suppress their inner anguish, venting it without reservation.

The exiled prisoners also crowded around. They saw that the water source had dried up. Only the outer ring of soil remained somewhat moist, but no water seeped up from below. In fact, the dirt deeper down was completely bone-dry.

Ling Qianjun stepped forward at this moment. "We managed to scoop out a bucket of water right at the start," he said. "Luo, Heaven is definitely not trying to doom us. I believe there are definitely other water sources out there. Tomorrow, we can send out small scouting teams to forge ahead and look for water while clearing the path. My brother and I will form one team."

As he spoke, Ling Qianjun handed the bucket of water they had retrieved to Luo. "Everyone, hold on a little longer. We will get through this soon. The ground won’t be parched forever."

He fell silent for a moment. Furrowing his brows in a stern expression, he continued in a deep voice. "When I was in Capital City, I heard about the drought here. It is said to span a stretch of land that takes about six or seven days to cross on foot. Once we make it past this stretch, we will see water and greenery.

"We have already been walking for several days. If we just hold on for another two or three days, we will make it out!"

Ling Qianjun knew he had to give everyone hope to keep going. As long as they could see a direction for the road ahead, their footsteps would become firmer.

Sure enough, upon hearing Ling Qianjun’s words, everyone quieted down. A new light began to shine in their previously defeated eyes as they all stared at him intently.

"Is what you’re saying true?" Luo stood up abruptly. Overcome with emotion, he grabbed Ling Qianjun’s arms and shook them.

Ling Qianjun met Luo’s gaze firmly, then looked out at the crowd and nodded. "It’s true. In three days at most, we will walk out of this wasteland."

Had he not known this in advance, Ling Qianjun would never have stepped up to make such a guarantee. And if he didn’t need this group as cover to travel together, he wouldn’t have spoken up at all. Everything was for the sake of the big picture.

"Good, good!" Tears welled in Luo’s eyes as he patted Ling Qianjun’s shoulder. "Then we’ll do as you say. We will send out a few teams to clear the path and find water. It’s only another two or three days, right? We can definitely make it through!"

The crowd behind him chimed in unison, "Yes! We will definitely make it out!"

Luo looked at Ling Qianjun with satisfaction. "If we really make it out of here, I will owe Ling Qianjun my life. When we reach Lingnan for the prisoner handover, I’ll be sure to do them a solid favor," he thought.