The Sceptile at the front of the group was intimately familiar with this forest. They did not need to discern directions; guided by instinct alone, they could find the flattest and safest paths.
Where there were dips, where there were tree roots, where they could pass through, and where they needed to detour—they knew it all by heart.
The injured Grovyle walked in the middle of the group, guarded by two Grovyle on either side.
It did not walk quickly, but every step was steady. Occasionally, when it took too large a step and pulled at the wound on its abdomen, it would instinctively pause, grit its teeth, and continue onward.
The smallest Treecko was carried by its companions in turns.
It lay in a Sceptile companion's arms, its tiny claws clutching the upright leaves while its round eyes curiously looked around.
When it saw Eevee perched on Xinhai's shoulder, it stretched out a little paw and let out a thin, "Kya."
"Vee!" Eevee immediately replied, its fluffy tail gently swaying.
Separated by several meters, the two little ones exchanged calls back and forth, and the Qi was unexpectedly harmonious.
Listening to the string of "Vee," "Kya," "Vee," and "Kya" behind him, Xinhai's lips unconsciously curved upward.
The group traveled through the ancient forest. The pale green motes floating in the Qi grew denser and denser, like fireflies dancing across the sky, enveloping the entire forest in a dreamlike glow.
After walking for roughly ten minutes, the Sceptile ahead suddenly slowed down.
"Kya." It turned back and called softly, signaling everyone to stop.
Xinhai immediately raised a hand, telling his companions to halt. Blaziken lowered its body slightly, its blue eyes sharply sweeping over the area ahead.
Mightyena's nose twitched twice before relaxing—there were no unusual Qi scents.
The Sceptile