Beyond the checkpoint, towering, luxuriant trees stretched as far as the eye could see, blotting out the sky. They grew almost flush against the light barrier, with long vines dangling and swaying in the fierce wind.
Despite the dense woods, howling winds swept through them. It was impossible to tell where the wind came from; it felt like a headwind from every direction.
Leaves rustled in the dense forest, exposing broken concrete beneath them that vaguely resembled a bridge.
Was there a bridge here before?
"We're at Jiangcheng City's western checkpoint. If we move quickly northwest for about a day, we'll reach Autumn Cloud Lake. We'll only have one night to pick Cloud-Wave Snow Lotuses. We turn back as soon as it's light and get back here before dark tomorrow."
Luo Bawen repeated the guide he had posted in the group chat. Finding one's bearings in the Wasteland Zone was difficult, so they needed to follow the route strictly.
"This route isn't very dangerous. It's relatively easy going, so don't worry." Fat Auntie smiled. "I come here every year or two to pick Cloud-Wave Snow Lotuses. Not to sell them, just to grind them up and make medicine for myself. They're good for the complexion."
"I'm taking mine to an Alchemist too," Dong Mengyao said. "They're too expensive on the market. I might as well come pick them myself."
"Easy going or not, we still need to stay alert." Luo Bawen looked exceptionally serious. "Anything can happen in the Wasteland Zone. We can't let our guard down at any point. Keep a few meters between us. I'll lead the way. You two young men, watch our left and right. Sister Yu, keep an eye on our rear. Miss Dong, stay in the middle and provide support. Wherever you hear something,