Under the gentle caress of the warm sun, Liu Feng and his group led their sturdy horses forward, the animals laden with bulging crates as they strode high-spiritedly toward the Star Dou Great Forest.
As they stepped into the forest, lush branches and leaves overlapped layer upon layer like an impenetrable net, sealing off the sky completely.
From time to time, the roars of unknown wild beasts echoed from afar, reverberating through the silent forest and sending chills down their spines.
As the sun gradually climbed into the high altitude, its fierce rays struggled through gaps in the branches and leaves, scattering patches of dappled light and shadow across the ground carpeted with falling leaves.
Their clothes had long since been soaked with sweat, and their steps slowly grew heavier.
Liu Qing raised a hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead, glanced around, and said, "Everyone's exhausted, aren't they? Let's find somewhere to rest for a while."
The others nodded one after another. They found a relatively open patch of grass and stopped there to rest.
Working together, they set down their satchels, gave the horses some water, then took out their dry rations and water and sat in a circle.
Zhang Niu took a huge bite of his dry rations, his cheeks puffing in and out as he mumbled indistinctly, "This journey's really been exhausting, but if we can successfully help Liu Feng hunt down his Second Soul Ring, it'll all be worth it."
Aunt Liu smiled and handed him a water flask, her eyes full of concern. "Drink some water first. Don't choke."
Liu Feng took the flask and tipped his head back for a large gulp. The cool water slid down his throat, soothing its dryness.
At that moment, Zhang Ma, who had been deep in