NOVEL NEXT Chapter 236: Shameless Scoundrel
As the sun set, they lost track of the Trey Clan's group and found themselves in a large, fog-covered forest. The humidity here was noticeably heavier than in the previous areas, and the air was filled with a cold, damp chill. Up above, at a height of over ten meters, the usual web-like tangle of vines and branches was absent, allowing rare glimmers of light to filter through.
Luo Chen surveyed the surroundings, seeing only the vague outlines of trees amidst the swirling fog, as though something terrifying might leap out from the mist at any moment. His heart tightened, and he couldn't help but grip his weapon tightly.
"Everyone, be careful," Carefree Meng Lan warned in a low voice. "There's something off about this place."
At these words, the group became alert, nervously scanning their surroundings, wary of sudden danger. Although Ling Yue Mu had previously disregarded Luo Chen, he now curbed his arrogance, gripping his weapon tightly, ready to respond to any unexpected situations.
As night fell, the fog in the forest grew denser. The sound of their heartbeats seemed exceptionally loud in the silent night. They moved cautiously, fearing to disturb anything that might bring danger.
Suddenly, an eerie wind rustled, accompanied by the rustle of leaves. Instantly on edge, the group searched for potential threats, yet saw nothing beyond the increasingly dense fog and the faintly seen trees.
"Don't panic, everyone," Carefree Meng Lan said firmly. "Stay alert and keep moving."
The group nodded in agreement, knowing that in this unfamiliar environment, only united could they overcome the challenges. Thus, they supported each other, continuing to search for a way out in the misty forest.
As time passed, the forest darkened and the fog thickened, greatly limiting their visibility. They relied on sound and instinct to gauge their surroundings. The occasional strange sounds and fleeting shadows kept their hearts pounding.
Even in such harsh conditions, they didn't lose hope, convinced that perseverance would lead them to an exit. Finally, as dawn broke faintly, they saw light ahead—it was the exit! Elated, they rushed toward it and finally emerged from the eerie forest.
In the fog-shrouded forest, light became indistinct, and everything around took on a hazy hue. This haze was not poetically beautiful but exuded a sense of heaviness and unease. The surrounding silence was frightening, as if even time had paused here. There were no animal calls, and a palpable sense of oppression hung in the air.
The group, consisting of Carefree Meng Lan, Luo Chen, Ling Yueyun, Ling Yue Mu, and Ling Yueyaya, moved slowly through the silent forest. Their formation seemed a bit disorganized, lacking the cohesion typical of teamwork. Particularly, Ling Yueyun and Ling Yue Mu displayed a clear animosity toward Luo Chen, appearing to isolate themselves from the group.
Ling Yueyaya suddenly broke the silence, speaking softly, "Sister Naxue, something seems off here." Her voice, though calm, revealed an indescribable concern. Following Carefree Meng Lan, she seemed unusually grave, a stark contrast to her usual charming demeanor.
Upon hearing this, Carefree Meng Lan nodded in agreement, "I feel the same. The humidity here is not only heavy, but there's also no sign of life. In such a large forest, there should at least be some herbivores." Her brow was furrowed, clearly filled with doubt about this lifeless forest.
However, Ling Yueyun remained indifferent. He spoke nonchalantly, "There's nothing strange about it; you're just overly stressed. In such a vast forest, would you expect life in every place? Swamps, mudflats, even caves and gorges could exist here. Without sunlight for years, many creatures would naturally wither and die." His tone carried a hint of disdain and mockery, as if ridiculing the others' ignorance.
Luo Chen glanced at Ling Yueyun, seeing a cold smirk at the corners of his mouth, as if provocatively saying, "Ignorant boy, do you understand these basics?" Anger surged within Luo Chen, but he knew now was not the time for internal conflict, so he restrained his discontent.
Carefree Meng Lan also sensed the tension within the group. Taking a deep breath, she tried to ease the situation, "Ling Yueyun has a point; we might be too tense. However, everyone should remain vigilant, as this is the Forest of Death." She didn't refute Ling Yueyun's opinion but didn't entirely let down her guard, either.