Rules of Strange Tales and Extraordinary Files

Chapter 4 Summer Camp Arrangements

Li Jiu had actually read about the so-called Mushroom House Rules online long ago, but he still couldn't understand the logic behind them, whether before or now.

In this internet age, these things are not secrets at all.

Not only the Mushroom House, but also areas such as White Dragon Pool in the camp and Jiding Temple on the mountain have their own rules.

Some say that there are hidden secrets in Fulong Mountain, and that treasures and mysterious things may appear there. The existence of these rules is to prevent people with insufficient "aptitude" from coming into contact with those mysterious things too early.

In an era where the clearer the image quality, the more elusive the mysteries become, the more rumors shroud Fulong Mountain in mystery once again.

Some of these rules were posted online by tourists, while others were posted by fellow travelers. Surprisingly, the scenic area authorities made no attempt to explain these mysterious rules online, simply issuing a news report from the Chinese government urging a "rational approach" and calling it a day.

As a result, more and more bloggers and expedition teams are starting to enter the Fulong Mountain Scenic Area in unconventional ways.

At first, everyone was quite restrained, entering properly from the scenic area entrance and tearing off their passes. Later, however, they simply started sneaking into the Fulong Mountain area from far away.

Because of these incidents, people frequently go missing in the Fulong Mountain area. Despite numerous official announcements, the enthusiasm of private expedition teams and adventure clubs has not diminished. On the contrary, some explorers claim to have seen many wonders in the mountains and even obtained some rare gems.

The Fulong Mountain area is only a small area, and the government cannot station troops there, so it is simply opened to the public.

However, for some groups, the thrill of obtaining things openly and honestly is not as great as that of doing it secretly, so the number of non-tourist members has also increased.

After reading through the Mushroom House Rules from beginning to end, Li Jiu withdrew his gaze.

Tang Mubai leaned closer, grinning ingratiatingly, and asked, "Have you finished reading it? Were any new regulations added?"

Li Jiu didn't even bother to look up: "Can't you see for yourself?"

"I did my homework beforehand!" Tang Mubai shrugged. "I read through the rules online before I came. If they weren't updated, I wouldn't have bothered to look at them again."

"You're really something. How am I supposed to know which version you're watching? The safest way is to watch it again."

"It's not that I'm lazy," Tang Mubai said with a bitter expression, "it's just that this thing is so complicated. Every time I look at it, I'm completely confused and have no idea what it's supposed to prevent... Besides, I've heard that many people who break the rules actually don't get into any trouble. Those situations where people really need to rely on the rules to save their lives are mostly just survivor bias..."

"Wait, bro, you didn't actually memorize it, did you?"

Li Jiu glanced at him indifferently: "You didn't really memorize it, did you?"

Tang Mubai patted his chest guiltily and said, "Of course I memorized it too! Don't look down on me!"

After saying that, Tang Mubai hurriedly scrambled to scan the Mushroom House rules.

"Damn it, Li Jiu, you tricked me! This is the same version I watched!"

……

"Students."

Professor He's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a calm yet penetrating quality, as if the noisy discussions had been gently silenced by an invisible hand.

"I'm very happy that everyone can participate in this summer camp. It's getting late, so I won't say any more formalities. While Xiao Yin is helping you check in, I'll briefly tell you about our itinerary for the next few days."

Li Jiu then noticed that Yin Qixu had already gone to the front desk of the Mushroom House, her beautiful profile looking particularly neat under the lights.

Professor He continued, "Our activities are not complicated. To put it simply, there is only one thing: 'hiking,' which is just for fun."

"I hope that while hiking and having fun, everyone can also learn about the local culture of the Fulong Mountain area..."

"The weather has been quite nice these past few days. When you're hiking, you can pay attention to the pavilions, cliff carvings, and stone sculptures in the mountains. These are all carriers of the Fulong Mountain culture..."

"While hiking, you can also use your phone to take pictures and share them in the group chat in real time."

"In addition, we have arranged sharing sessions every evening, where everyone can share what they have seen and heard during the day with each other."

"I have no other requirements for everyone, only one thing—in these seven days, each person should climb the mountain completely at least once and take several sets of photos of the mountain stone carvings that you find interesting."

"Besides that, everyone is free to do as they please. You can visit Bailong Lake and Bailongtan to enjoy the scenery, or take the cable car or shuttle bus for a drive. You can also visit the local folk museum to learn about the customs and culture of the people of Fulong Mountain in the past..."

He looked around, his eyes now filled with the enthusiasm of a scholar: "I've also arranged some additional folklore research topics for you to choose from, such as exploring the feng shui narratives behind the design of some of the viewing pavilions, investigating the connection between the mountain stone carvings and the legends of Fulong Mountain, and so on..."

"If these projects can be completed, I can award them accordingly on behalf of the authorities or the school."

Someone laughed: "Professor, isn't this just the main quest plus a hidden side quest?"

Professor He smiled, the lines at the corners of his eyes smoothing out: "You can put it the way you young people do, let's call it the main plot and the subplots, haha..."

But his smile quickly faded, and his voice lowered, yet each word was clear: "However, it is important to note that at all times, everyone should abide by the corresponding rules and not take chances, lest you become a contributor to the rules."

"Did everyone hear me clearly?"

"Did you hear me?" The responses from the members were uneven, but loud enough.

Professor He nodded and waved to the side. Su Xiaoyi then stepped out from the crowd and came to his side.

"Ayi is our team doctor, specializing in psychology. Please remember to get her phone number. If you encounter any psychological problems during the summer camp, you can contact her."

"However, you bunch of brats shouldn't bother her all the time! If I find out that any of you are bothering Ayi, I'll have to have a 'heart-to-heart' with you."

A murmur of knowing laughter suddenly rippled through the crowd.

At this moment, Yin Qixu walked over and whispered a few words in Professor He's ear.

Professor He nodded slightly, then smiled and said, "The check-in procedures have been completed. Everyone can register at the front desk with their ID cards and then get their room keys. The restaurant is upstairs to the left of the front desk. After you finish eating, please go back to your rooms and rest."

"Tomorrow night at 8 PM, after dinner, everyone please gather here, and then we will go to the banquet hall for a sharing session."