Lin Li's gaze fell on the turbulent river as he mused.
"Taking a detour would indeed waste time. We have to reach the mine before dark. We can't delay the mission. We need to find a way to cross this river directly."
"Swim across?" He Lu asked instinctively, a trace of hesitation in his voice.
The moment he finished speaking, the other three temporary workers immediately objected.
"No, no! The weather's so cold right now. The river must be freezing. We'd be frozen stiff before making it across. If it triggered a spiritual energy disorder, we'd be in trouble."
"Exactly. Besides, the river looks deep, and the current is swift. Who knows whether there are hidden exotic beasts below? If we were attacked, we wouldn't be able to fight back in the water."
"Let's think of another way. There must be a safer and simpler method of crossing. There's no need to take that risk."
While He Lu and the three temporary workers discussed how to cross the river, Lin Li had already turned and walked to a large tree beside the bank.
The tree stood more than thirty meters tall. Its trunk was so thick that two adults were needed to encircle it, while its lush branches stretched out over the river.
Lin Li tightened his grip on the longsword in his hand and flicked his wrist. The sword instantly burst into a pale golden radiance, its keen edge flashing with a chilling gleam.
He drew a deep breath and swung his arm. With a fierce whoosh of wind, the sharp blade slashed ruthlessly at the base of the trunk as easily as cutting tofu.
"Crack."
With a thunderous boom, the sword cut precisely into the trunk. The tremendous force made the tree shake violently, sending leaves rustling to