Following the old man's words.
The heavy snow had sealed the mountain, and combined with the avalanche, Motuo was already isolated from the outside world.
The path Zhang Tian and his companions had taken, as well as their speed, proved that there was only one way into Motuo.
But this road connected to the Nine-Story Demon Pagoda.
This also explained.
The people of Motuo were trapped here to die.
In winter, without grasslands, their sheep would have starved or frozen to death.
But Zhang Tian didn't understand, logically, one sheep could last for several weeks, were there no farms here?
Suddenly, Zhang Tian's gaze swept across the surrounding mountains.
Perhaps there were no farms here, too many mountains made it difficult for livestock to survive, and the grasslands might be outside the mountains, preventing them from leaving.
"It is said that the mountain was sealed and an avalanche occurred, and Motuo has had no contact with the outside world for several years. In all this time, anything edible would have long been consumed."
Zhang Tian muttered to himself, he had a general idea of why Motuo had ended up this way.
"No wonder we didn't see anyone when we arrived, so that's why."
"Boss, as the saying goes, it's better to die fighting than to starve to death. These people are quite pitiful."
Fatty said from the side.
Zhang Tian nodded. The old saying was indeed true; even starving ghosts would suffer endless torment after death.
It was a torment of constant hunger.
Of course, this was just a legend.
Looking at the frozen and emaciated people before him, Zhang Tian shook his head and gently pulled back the cotton quilt.
Beneath the quilt was a child.
The child's face was also flushed, appearing much like the adults before him.
Zhang Tian sighed and conjured a ball of flame in his hand.
"The remains must be buried."
Muttering, Zhang Tian cremated the two bodies with a single flame.
Only some ashes were left on the kang.
Zhang Tian instructed Fatty and the others to collect the ashes and bury them outside the small house.
This was considered a good deed, and a great one at that.
Helping to bury the dead was inherently a meritorious act.
After everything was done, Zhang Tian's gaze fell upon the village before them.
"Everyone, scatter and check the other houses. If the conditions in the other houses are the same as this one, let's bury them together."
Zhang Tian said softly.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Then, their figures began to disperse, and they started searching the various houses simultaneously.
Soon, as they searched from house to house, Zhang Tian and his companions found several more bodies frozen stiff.
They were cremated as well.
Looking at the silent village before him, Zhang Tian sighed. Technology was not advanced in this era.
In a developed future world, these people could have completely avoided this tragedy.
But there was nothing they could do; Xia Guo was still in the early stages of reform.
"Boss, we found nearly a hundred bodies in total, and they've all been dealt with."
"We haven't checked that place over there yet."
Fatty pointed to a small house not far away.
The entire village was built on a small mountain, and the houses were not neatly arranged, resembling terraced fields.
Because of this, Zhang Tian and his companions had searched all the houses below, but had not yet investigated the ones above.
"Up there is likely the village, or the chief's house. There might be clues."
Shirley Yang said, looking at a house above that was slightly better than those below.
This house was generally higher than the others, and it was built relatively better.
Therefore, it was highly likely to belong to someone of status.
"Boss, do you think there might be survivors here?"
"After all, those with influence would definitely hoard their resources."
Fatty asked from the side.
"The probability is low, but we'll know when we go and see."
Zhang Tian replied.
Even with food, the chances of survival in this environment were slim.
However, miracles could happen, and perhaps Fatty was right after all.
Zhang Qilin walked in front, his steps steady, his face showing no discernible emotion.
"Boss, second brother's footsteps seem hurried."
Fatty whispered.
Having known each other for many years, Fatty understood Zhang Qilin very well.
He could probably guess what Zhang Qilin had eaten for lunch just by the way he farted.
"What do you mean?"
Zhang Tian looked at Fatty.
This guy's observational skills were quite sharp; he could immediately discern Zhang Qilin's thoughts.
Indeed, were these two the original pair?
"Boss, second brother usually walks behind us, giving Fatty a sense of security."
"But now second brother is walking in front, it's like when Fatty finds a pretty girl, it's the same situation."
"He's probably impatient, his heart fluttering wildly."
Fatty said with great confidence, even indulging in his own fantasies.
Zhang Tian twitched his lips.
Where did you learn such descriptive words?
Zhang Qilin heard Fatty's words and slowed his pace.
"Boss, look, second brother is acting guilty."
Seeing this, Fatty became even more excited.
Zhang Tian almost burst out laughing.
This Fatty was truly a nemesis.
Shirley Yang and the others behind them stifled their laughter.
Fatty had noticed Zhang Qilin's subtle movements, and yet he could maintain a poker face; it was incredible.
Zhang Qilin found himself in a difficult position; speeding up was not good, and slowing down was also not ideal.
"Alright Fatty, your observation skills are good, and you've said it very well. Don't say it again next time."
Zhang Tian gave Fatty a look and said no more.
Soon, they climbed up a small mountain range.
At the top of this small mountain, a wooden house appeared.
The house was not very dilapidated; the roof even had no holes and looked quite sturdy.
Judging by the overall condition of the house, it was clearly one of the few normal and intact dwellings.
"Boss, this house is much better than the ones below."
Fatty said, looking at the building before him.
He swaggered to the front door of the house.
The door itself looked quite old, with some holes in the wooden planks.
It seemed no one had lived there for a long time.
Fatty's large hand landed on the wooden door and pushed gently. A creaking sound emerged.
Immediately, the door was pushed open slightly.
A chill swept out.
Zhang Tian glanced at the sky.
The sun had already set, and the entire village seemed to have become much darker.
"Boss, this house looks quite clean. As expected of a large compound; this house is different from the others."
Fatty exclaimed, acting as if he were back in his own home, walking around casually inside.
Old furniture was arranged within the house, and on the walls, Zhang Tian saw many picture scrolls painted with some unknown ink.
From these patterns, one could see a very beautiful Motuo.
Countless flowers bloomed, and within the flowers, numerous villagers were enjoying the fragrance of the blossoms.
These scenes were quite symbolic.
Zhang Qilin did not look around; instead, he slowly walked towards the inner room.
"Hello."
Suddenly, while everyone was admiring the furnishings inside, Zhang Qilin spoke from the inner room.
Fatty was startled, almost jumping up.
"Holy crap, second brother, don't scare me. Who are you talking to?"
Fatty exclaimed, but Zhang Qilin wasn't looking at him.
His gaze was fixed on a fabric doll by the bedside.