The tunnel was illuminated by the flares, revealing openings at both ends in an asymmetrical layout. The sides of the main path were piled high with eerie white bones, and among them, we could make out large, conical shapes of massive ivory. The flare light reached the end of the tunnel, where we could see the shimmering of water, likely from the underground river of Snake River.
Although this tunnel probably had some dangerous traps, it was still a better option than facing the endless toxic mist of the mountains. Besides, the three of us were pretty capable, unlike the last time in the desert of Xinjiang when we were burdened by a group of intellectuals who made everything so cumbersome.
We took a moment to rest at the entrance and get our gear ready. Since we didn’t have a bamboo raft, if there was an underground river, we would need to swim armed. So, we decided to leave all unnecessary items in the shrine dedicated to the mountain god.