The most important thing was to find another way out.
Now, with their backs against the large gate, they could still hear the sounds of giant rocks colliding from time to time.
It was clear that these sounds were from rolling stones, but thankfully they were blocked by this gate, as solid as hardened gold.
Despite the ferocious momentum of the boulders on the other side, the gate seemed immovable.
It was constantly struck but showed no sign of wavering, only emitting a rumbling sound.
Fortunately, the sound was quite faint and did not disturb Zhou Niannian or Dai Xiaomei as they rested. The main reason was that the two were already exhausted and had fallen into a deep sleep as soon as they lay down.
Although this secret realm was not particularly vast, it seemed that every corner held its own hidden wonders.
After only a few steps, they could find a small path amidst the mountains, flowers, and streams.
However, most of them were just small cave openings with no clues.
Fortunately, they hadn't come back empty-handed. They managed to catch some fresh fish inside.
This allowed Yao and Jiang Fan to fill their stomachs and replenish their fluids while exploring.
"This shouldn't be like this. Why is there no exit from this place? We've been searching for a long time, but it's all like this."
Jiang Fan and Yao searched for a long time, but every place that seemed to hold some promise eventually turned out to be a dead end.
At best, they could find some wild vegetables or river-fresh seafood inside.
While it could fill their stomachs, it wasn't what they truly desired.
The most urgent matter was to quickly find an exit and proceed to the next location.
If they continued to linger here, it would simply be a waste of time.
Yao on the side also felt the strain. After such a long time without finding anything unusual, their sense of security diminished.
In any adventure, the most terrifying thing is not the advent of danger itself, but the complacent feeling before the danger strikes.
Often, the more so, the more caught off guard and unable to react people will be when danger arrives.
"No matter what, let's keep searching. After all, Dai Xiaomei and Zhou Niannian have been resting for so long, they should be allowed to sleep well."
"We can also replenish our food supplies and recover our strength."
"The water here seems quite clear and can be used directly as drinking water."
At this point, Jiang Fan could only accept the reality, as there seemed to be no better option.
They still had to find an exit, but they could only do so slowly.
Even the viewers in the live stream, after this morning, felt a sense of leisure and contentment.
"Speaking of which, there are still such beautiful places in this world. I thought all primitive ecological parks nowadays were man-made."
"Exactly. It's rare to preserve such an area with original ecology. I even want to visit, but the conditions are too harsh. Otherwise, I would definitely pack my bags and rush over overnight."
"Isn't that true? If I could stay here forever without leaving, I would be willing. I wouldn't have to worry about food and drink, nor would I have to work."
"But where exactly is this place? And this ecological environment looks like it has been here for a long time. I wonder when it was preserved."
"Professor Li, why don't you help us deduce it?"
Although the environment was tranquil and pleasant, the audience in the live stream had not forgotten to actively post comments.
Upon hearing someone call his name, Professor Li responsibly stepped forward.
"Judging from the environment and the samples of the soil and water, this place has existed for a very long time."
After hearing Professor Li say this, the viewers in the live stream were speechless.
Ultimately, he hadn't specified how long the place had existed.
"......"
Jiang Fan and Yao searched this place for the entire day, but to no avail. They did not manage to find any place where a large gate might appear.
"Forget it, let's call it a day. It's getting late. If we stay here any longer, I'm afraid they might encounter some danger over there."
Although Jiang Fan could unhesitatingly abandon Guan Guan in the corridor, he would not abandon anyone if it were within his capabilities.
However, the cost of rescuing Guan Guan at that time was too great. With just one mistake, everyone could lose their lives.
Someone in the team must always maintain absolute rationality, otherwise, they would lead everyone to their doom.
Furthermore, Jiang Fan was the one leading them now.
As such, Jiang Fan had to ensure that everyone did not take risks, even if it meant Zhou Niannian and Dai Xiaomei would view him differently.
However, Yao on the side understood very well why Jiang Fan had made that decision.
If not for Jiang Fan's actions, their group would have already perished in this secret realm.
How could they have lasted until now?
Upon hearing Jiang Fan's suggestion, Yao unhesitatingly agreed.
After a day of exploration, he too was physically and mentally exhausted.
His optimistic mindset had long since been worn away.
Now, they could only rest first.
Otherwise, if they encountered any danger and lacked the strength to resist, they would become an even greater burden.
Upon returning to the camp, Zhou Niannian and Dai Xiaomei had already woken up, and they had even started a fire for warmth.
Jiang Fan naturally did not approve of this practice, as the oxygen content in the cave was still unknown, and continuous burning would consume all the oxygen, putting everyone in danger.
However, since he had brought back a few fish and the fire was already lit, Jiang Fan could only say nothing and placed the fish nearby.
He gestured for the two girls to roast the two fish.
The two girls were overjoyed to see fresh meat.
They hadn't eaten fish since entering this place. Now that there was such fresh fish, they were naturally excited.
As for Guan Guan, he swallowed the fish in one gulp.
"How was it? Did you find any clues?"
Seeing Jiang Fan return, Zhou Niannian immediately asked him.
Jiang Fan slowly shook his head.
"We haven't found any new exits for today."