Temple of Truth

Chapter 34

Wu Xi reported the different stone carvings that Zhang had shown him. During this time Pan Zi gave all of them a food portion.

It was already way past midday, but non of them had really eaten yet. They had all been busy till now, and it still felt like a snack between work to keep the body functioning.

While Wu Xi explained the more interesting details of the carvings, his interpretation, and thoughts about them – the others already begun eating. Other than the hummed affirmations now and then no one interrupted.

In the end the small group was even more assured, that the entrance to the underground temple that was most likely the same with the one shown in the carvings, had to be close by.

As soon as his uncle came to the same realization, he gobbled down his food as fast as possible, in order to search for it in the vicinity. Leaving the rest of them behind when he picked up a few of the mercenaries, after getting the info on the place of the carvings.

"He had always been a fast runner." Wu Xi mumbled. Before finally shifting his attention to his own food. When he was out he always missed the food at home, even if it was only instant noodles and take out, it tasted like more than his. But he could understand, that getting proper flavor into expedition portions was difficult as they had to carry the ingredients themselves.

"Do you even need help eating now Thianzhen?" Fatty commented, giving him a slightly worried stare. Probably because he was more pushing the food around in its container then actually eating it.

"Just so we are clear, I won't feed you. That job – Qiling can do it."

That sentence certainly managed to get his attention. Wu Xi looked up and stared at Fatty, a red tinge visible on his face. "I am doing fine." he replied. "If you had done the talking, you also couldn't have managed to eat yet."

"But of course I would have."

"You just don't care about making a mess while eating and talking. Let me tell you We are in a jungle, who knows what insects you might attract?"

"What do you mean? Do you see any insect here?"

"Just don't come complaining to me when -."

Wu Xi realized that Fatty had once again managed to pull him off of his train of thoughts. He could only remember his thoughts about the food, but what ever he was pondering about afterwards – he had forgotten. Well, whatever, it couldn't be that important if he had forgotten this easily or maybe he really grew a bit tired?

Taking a rest like Zhang had said was a good idea. He had been pulling his body along this journey, and with all the climbing he had done today, not once properly rested.

Wu Xi ate the rest of his food portion, not wanting Fatty nor Zhang to complain about him eating too little again. Then they left the campsite together to find a nice spot a bit to the side again. Leaving Pan Zi behind to manage the camp.

Like that Wu Xi took out his sleeping bag, even though it was still daytime - found a comfortable position and fell asleep almost immediately. Zhang resting next to him.