But Ye Chen said, "I know this is difficult, but we don't seem to have any other options right now."
"No matter what we do afterward, our most urgent task right now is to find that tree first, isn't it?"
Lan Guangxian nodded. "That's right. At least we have a clear goal now. We'll keep moving toward it, and we'll succeed."
After saying those few words, Lan Guangxian laughed. He had no idea where that confidence and courage had come from.
Then Ye Chen grew serious. "How about this? We split into two groups and search in different directions. That might be more efficient."
"Lan Guangxian, you're looking after little Axi, so Tomb Spirit, you go with him. There'll be two of you, which will put my mind at ease. I can manage on my own."
Ye Chen glanced at little Axi beside Lan Guangxian. He thought it would be better to have someone extra looking out for her.
Hearing Ye Chen, Lan Guangxian asked, "Will you be all right on your own?"
Ye Chen nodded. "Of course. It'll be fine. Even if something happens, we're close by. We're in the same forest, so you'll know right away. Don't worry. Let's do it this way."
Since Ye Chen had said so, and this really was the best arrangement, Lan Guangxian said nothing more.
The group got moving. Before they set off, Ye Chen added, "If you find a tree that seems unusual, mark it. We can discuss it together later."
Tomb Spirit and Lan Guangxian nodded. Ye Chen headed east into the woods by himself, while Lan Guangxian and Tomb Spirit took little Axi west.
Ye Chen walked into the woods and looked at the tall trees around him. Every tree reached toward the sunlight, yet together they blocked it