Strange Happenings in the Dense Forest

Within the dense, lush forest.

A group of people carried swords and sabers at the ready, Blood Talismans clutched in their hands, moving in a long column.

Martial artists were stationed as sentries at the front, middle, and rear of the group. They threaded through the thickly branched woods, remaining alert to every rustle of wind and grass around them.

At the very back of the group, Lin Nan sank into thought.

At his current level, he rarely experienced hallucinations. He trusted his own eyes more.

So who exactly was that red-haired woman standing on the cliff, watching him?

One incense stick, two incense sticks, three incense sticks...

As time slowly passed.

"We've already covered half the forest. No danger encountered so far."

A True Yang Temple disciple walking in the middle of the group called out the update.

The moment his voice fell, wisps of faint mist began rising through the forest. The people who had just slightly relaxed immediately tensed up again.

"Mist? Again?"

Many of the martial artists had become terrified at the very mention of mist, nearly reacting on instinct.

Fortunately, the mist was thin, like a veil of gauze. It had not formed into the thick fog they had encountered outside Black Dragon City.

"Everyone, move faster. We should have about another hour of travel left." Yan Jingqiu's voice came from the front once more.

Everyone hurriedly quickened their pace.

Yet in the next instant, a scream suddenly rang out from the crowd, followed by the drifting scent of blood.

Lin Nan's pupils narrowed slightly.

Everyone turned toward the source of the scream. A True Yang Temple disciple stood frozen in place, terror covering his face, his expression locked there as though encased in ice.

Crack...

Without warning, his head rolled straight off his neck