Mom's Back. The Villain Triplets Are in Trouble.

Chapter 69: Chapter 69: The Son Is Missing

Within moments, the other three had entered, their faces filled with terror as they stared at the withered bones ahead.

”What is this place?!”

Shan Zhu glanced back. ’But they hadn’t come that far...’

Gu Qingyin glanced at them, then snapped her fingers and closed the Barrier.

”This... this is all fake, right?!” For a big, burly man like Tian Gang, his voice had not only dropped to a whisper but also carried a distinct tremor, as if he were afraid of disturbing something.

Shan Zhu stared down at the skull by her feet, her face ghastly white.

She was a doctor, so she could naturally tell whether the bones were real. The one by her feet, at least, was certainly human. ’If all the bones here are real...’

Shan Zhu gasped. The stench of rot rushed down her throat. The moment she realized what was emitting the smell, she was overcome with nausea and began to dry heave. By the time she finally managed to stop, the rims of her eyes were red.

Huo Zhao Hua was the most shaken. No matter how composed he normally acted, he was still just a kid who hadn’t seen much of the world. The shock of suddenly witnessing a scene more terrifying than any horror movie was immense.

His panic intensified when he remembered that his mother had also wandered into this place.

He subconsciously looked toward Gu Qingyin. Her expression was unchanged as she stood to the side with her arms crossed, waiting for them to adjust. Noticing his gaze, Gu Qingyin turned and gave him a small smile.

It was merely a distant, polite smile, but it instantly did much to calm Huo Zhao Hua’s frantic heart.

”I’ll give you one more minute to get used to it. After that, we’re moving on.” Gu Qingyin’s voice was laced with disdain. ”I told you to wait outside.”

The taunt was effective, especially on the proud Shan Zhu. She instinctively started to take a deep breath before speaking, but immediately held it as the foul air rushed in. She quickly pulled a mask from her backpack and put it on.

”I’m ready to go.”

If Shan Zhu was ready, Tian Gang certainly wasn’t going to admit he wasn’t. He swallowed hard, his throat dry, and said resolutely, ”Me too. I’m ready.”

The same went for Huo Zhao Hua, who wished he could teleport to his mother’s side that very instant. Though his mom could be a bit harsh and controlling with him, she wasn’t very brave. She must be terrified, finding herself suddenly in a place like this.

Gu Qingyin resumed leading the way, stepping first onto the path paved with skeletons. Her expression remained unchanged, as if she were walking not on human bones, but on oversized cobblestones.

Huo Xinghai followed her. After several seconds of mentally preparing himself, he cautiously took his first step.

It was impossible to know how long the bones had lain there. Some were sturdy enough to support his weight, while others were extremely brittle, snapping the moment he stepped on them.

Within a few steps, Huo Xinghai’s pants were covered in bone dust. He found it disgusting at first, but after a few more paces, he surprisingly grew accustomed to it.

Huo Xinghai couldn’t help but marvel. ’Humans really are the most adaptable creatures.’

Behind them, Huo Zhao Hua and the other two also suppressed their unease and followed along. Their footing was unsteady, and they struggled with every step.

Only Gu Qingyin moved as if on solid ground, never once breaking through the fragile skeletons.

Huo Xinghai was deeply envious. ’Mom must have a special way of telling which ones are solid,’ he suspected, so he secretly began to follow in Gu Qingyin’s exact footsteps.

His first step landed without incident. His second step landed safely... A flicker of joy rose in Huo Xinghai’s heart. He couldn’t help but let out a little ”Heh!” as he took another step.

With a loud CRACK, the six-foot-one Huo Xinghai vanished on the spot.

When Gu Qingyin whirled around, she only caught a glimpse of his shadow.

Shock shot through her. She blurred into motion, rushing over and peering down into the hole. Only then did the tension in her brow ease slightly.

There was a pit beneath the skeletons with nothing to support them. Since Huo Xinghai was heavy, the bones had shattered, and he had simply fallen through.

The bottom of the pit, however, was covered in a thick layer of leaves. He shouldn’t be hurt.

”Can you stand?” Gu Qingyin asked.

The fall had startled Huo Xinghai too; his heart had nearly leaped out of his chest. He moved his arms and legs and, confirming nothing was broken, stood up straight. Looking up, he gave Gu Qingyin a wide grin and held out his hand.

Gu Qingyin bent down, reaching for Huo Xinghai’s hand. Just as their fingers were about to touch...

Huo Xinghai’s form suddenly flickered, turning translucent.

Gu Qingyin’s pupils constricted. She lunged for him instinctively, but her hand closed on empty air.

Just like that, Huo Xinghai abruptly vanished from inside the pit.