At the mountain gate, a heavy, oppressive atmosphere spread like thick fog.
"What's going on down the mountain?"
An irritated voice rang out abruptly, breaking the brief silence.
Viewed from the summit, the winding mountain path resembled a sleeping python hidden among the lush forest. Layers of ridges and dense vegetation obscured it, leaving everyone completely unaware of what was happening halfway up the mountain.
None of the disciples halfway up possessed Xiao Qian's lightning speed, so those at the mountain gate could only wait helplessly, with no other options.
Ling Feng stood with his brows tightly knitted and his arms folded across his chest. His slender fingers drummed rapidly against his arm, making a tap-tap sound, as though he could drive away his inexplicable unease that way.
That unease was like an icy hand gripping his heart, leaving him restless and even making his breathing grow heavy.
"With this many people here, we can't all stand around for six or ten hours, can we? Let's go. We'll come back in four hours."
A hint of impatience appeared on Su Yao's pretty face as she gently dabbed the glistening sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief.
The blazing sun hung high overhead, pouring its scorching light mercilessly over everyone, its searing heat seeming intent on evaporating every last drop of their patience.
Her admirers naturally obeyed her every word and immediately gathered around her to leave.
Ling Feng glanced at her retreating figure, a trace of disdain flashing in his eyes, and snorted coldly.
"Look! What's that?!"
A shrill cry suddenly tore through the air. One of the disciples guarding the mountain gate stared with eyes as wide as brass bells, his face filled with shock and fear.
At the cry, everyone turned toward the mountain path in unison, as