Suddenly, a sinister wind swept across the ground, scattering the white clouds that filled the sky.
A dark mass rested on a cypress tree more than a hundred feet away, swaying in the wind.
The horses began neighing uneasily.
A flock of birds took fright and flew up, heading straight for a gray, misty wood in the distance.
"Demons and evil spirits!!"
The Great Sui soldier at the head of the group roared, brimming with qi and blood, suppressing even some of the sinister wind around them.
The group rushed through the undergrowth like the wind, racing toward the dark mass with lightning speed, utterly unafraid.
Within the black mist was a hideous, terrifying face.
It leaped like a flying fox, pouncing toward them.
"Kill!!"
A furious roar erupted from the group, and the burly soldier leading them raised his spear.
With a wild cry, he charged forward and thrust his spear into the black mist.
"Ah..."
He let out a scream, as though a venomous snake had bitten him.
He fell to the ground, his body convulsing.
Then the small of his back went numb, as though he had lost all feeling.
Several more cries followed, like ghosts wailing and wolves howling.
Though these Great Sui soldiers were brave and fearless, even they could not help shuddering and paling now.
"Playing at ghosts and spirits."
A fierce wind suddenly rose, dispersing the pitch-black mist.
It revealed the figure within.
Startled, the man looked at Li Ping'an in surprise.
Then, seeing the cold gleam of the Great Sui soldiers' weapons, he dared not linger.
He landed on the ground and fled into the earth.
Seeing him flee, Li Ping'an did not pursue him.
Li Ping'an walked over to the fallen soldier and lightly tapped his forehead twice.
The soldier immediately