(First update)
Although Li Xiaoya and the others seemed about to leave the Enchanted Forest, events proved they had been far too optimistic. Another seven or eight days passed, and they still had not emerged from the Mist Forest, leaving them wondering whether they had lost their way.
Qu Long Scholar had a map of the Enchanted Forest, but what use was it amid the all-enveloping illusion mist? They simply could not locate their position.
Yet as they advanced, the Giant Trees around them grew ever taller, and the mist did indeed thicken. It did not seem as though they were lost. After discussing it, they decided to keep flying straight ahead.
After several days of recuperation, Li Xiaoya's state of mind had completely settled, and his magic power had nearly recovered. Zhang Hong and the others had restored theirs in a single night.
As they advanced, however, the demon beasts they encountered grew increasingly cunning. Taking advantage of the illusion mist's ability to block divine sense, they launched silent sneak attacks. The first attack caught everyone off guard, and several suffered minor injuries, though fortunately none were serious. The Heavenly Spirit Church members and Li Xiaoya's group also exercised considerable restraint. Li Tu, in particular, no longer dared let his shifty eyes wander, much less say anything out of line.
"Ah! Fellow Daoist Li!" After they had flown for who knew how long, Qu Long Scholar said to Li Xiaoya, "It seems we were too optimistic. This Enchanted Forest isn't so easy to leave!"
"Indeed!" Li Xiaoya nodded and replied calmly, "If our luck is poor, we might not reach the actual Enchanted Mountain Range even after several months!"
"...!"
The two chatted intermittently as they flew swiftly onward.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.