Night Exploration of Ghost Forest: Who Was the Prey?

Leaving Mirrorheart Lake behind, along with all the dropped jaws scattered across its shores, Su Chen's group continued east.

Their next destination was a prosperous city called Cloudsong City.

But to reach it, they had to cross an ancient forest spanning several hundred miles—Blackwood Forest.

This forest was "famous" throughout the surrounding counties.

Not because of its abundant resources, but because of a legend that had circulated for decades.

The forest was haunted.

It was said that anyone who dared enter Blackwood Forest at night would be followed by an elusive "Ghost Shadow."

At best, they would be frightened out of their wits and fall seriously ill; at worst, they would lose their minds and become lunatics.

Some people entered and never came back out.

Over time, Blackwood Forest became a forbidden zone no living person dared enter. Merchant caravans would rather detour a hundred miles than set foot inside.

When Su Chen's group arrived at a small town on the edge of Blackwood Forest and announced that they intended to pass straight through it, the innkeeper shook his head like a rattle drum.

"Honored guests, you mustn't! Absolutely mustn't!"

The innkeeper tried his best to dissuade them.

"That forest is cursed! It's eerie even during the day, and at night, it's when a hundred ghosts roam! You young people shouldn't joke around with your lives!"

Chu Yao raised an eyebrow with interest. "Oh? How cursed is it?"

The innkeeper lowered his voice and leaned closer mysteriously.

"They say that Ghost Shadow has no physical body, comes and goes like the wind, and can even create illusions. It specifically attacks whatever people fear most!"

"Two years ago, the county city sent a Soul Ancestor in his forties to investigate."

"But the next day, people found him running out like a