Lin Ming did not even glance down at the few Magical Beasts he had killed. He landed steadily on a relatively open rock across the river, with Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin close behind.
"It seems the Fierce Beasts here are not only strong and numerous, but also extremely sensitive to outsiders."
Qing Lin frowned slightly. She glanced at the beast corpses below, already being covered by tiny creatures, and spoke with a trace of worry.
"We can't keep flying. We'd be too conspicuous. Other powerful people or factions entering this region might notice us, bringing needless trouble and suspicion. More importantly, flying through this forest would announce our presence and position to every sharp-sensed Fierce Beast in it. They'd keep attacking us. Even those that couldn't threaten our lives would slow us down and drain our strength."
"Qing Lin's right."
Lin Ming nodded and looked around at the towering, ancient trees and the increasingly oppressive forest.
The trees here were thicker than those farther out. Their bark was darker, like black iron, and many vines as thick as arms bristled with thorns. The air smelled of earth, rotting leaves, and resin, mingled with an indescribable pressure from this ancient wilderness.
"Those creatures just now were only an appetizer. They hardly count as the real 'residents' of this region. If we fly in without restraint and disturb the tougher creatures deeper inside—or draw an entire pack of terrifying Fierce Beasts—then we'll have real trouble."
Lin Ming agreed with Qing Lin's caution. In such unfamiliar and dangerous surroundings, keeping a low profile and conserving their strength was the sensible choice.
He offered no objection. With a thought, he drew in the glow of Dou Qi circulating around him and concealed his aura. He dropped lightly onto the ground, thick with