Multiple Personalities

"Let's hurry and find an exit while we can," Shen Jingqi said. His gaze was resolute, knowing that time was tight. They must find the exit quickly, or they'll be in danger once the firewall extinguishes.

Under the protection of the firewall, they searched for an exit. The trees around them cast eerie shadows in the firelight, like ferocious ghosts with claws and fangs. Their heartbeats were particularly loud in the silent forest, like a countdown to death. Finally, they discovered a narrow path that seemed to lead to the other side of the forest. The path was hidden in dense grass and was hard to find without careful searching.

"Let's take this way out," Shen Jingqi said. There was a hint of hope in his voice, as if he could see the dawn of survival.

The group cautiously proceeded along the path, each step taken with trepidation. They feared something dangerous might suddenly spring out from the path or that the firewall might suddenly go out. When they finally emerged from the dark forest, they collapsed on the ground from exhaustion. Their clothes were soaked with sweat, and their faces were filled with fatigue and fear.

"This dark forest was really dangerous. I wonder what the next perilous place will be," Xu An said, panting heavily. His eyes were filled with fear and worry. He gazed into the distance, his heart full of uncertainty about how many dangers awaited them ahead.

Shen Jingqi stood up, staring into the distance as he said, "No matter what danger lies ahead, we must face it. The first treasure should be not far ahead. Let's rest and then continue." His gaze was firm and resolute. Despite his heart being filled with fear, he knew he couldn't give up. They had already put in too much effort to find the treasure; there was no turning back now.

After resting for a while and regaining some strength, they stood up, exchanged looks, and their eyes revealed a determination and courage. They knew the road ahead would be even more arduous, but they were ready.

They continued forward, unsure of how long they'd been walking before they arrived at a swamp. The swamp was filled with a stench of decay, with black mud bubbling as if hiding countless dangers. A faint mist enveloped the area, making everything blurry and unclear.

"This place looks dangerous too," Lin Yu said, frowning. His eyes were full of vigilance. He tightly gripped his magic staff, ready to cast magic at any moment.

Shen Jingqi surveyed the surroundings and said, "Be careful, follow my footprints, and don't step into the mud." His eyes showed caution. He knew the danger of the swamp, that once trapped in the mud, it would be hard to escape.

They cautiously followed Shen Jingqi's footprints, each step taken with extreme care. Suddenly, the ground under Lin Yu's feet slightly sank. Startled, he quickly stepped back, but it was already too late. His shoe got stuck in the mud, which quickly engulfed it and started to spread upwards.

"Help me!" Lin Yu shouted in terror, his face full of fear. His hands flailed in the air as if grasping at a lifeline.

Shen Jingqi and Xu An quickly reached out and pulled Lin Yu up. Lin Yu, still in shock, watched as his shoe was swallowed by the mud, his heart filled with lingering fear.

"This swamp is too dangerous; we must quickly get through it," Shen Jingqi said, a sense of urgency in his eyes. He knew that every extra minute spent here increased the danger.

They continued forward, when suddenly, several giant crocodiles emerged from the swamp. These crocodiles were massive, baring their bloody mouths with sharp teeth, rushing toward them with fierce eyes as if they wanted to rip them apart.

"Not good, it's crocodiles!" Xu An shouted, his voice filled with fear. He quickly drew his dagger, ready to fight.

Shen Jingqi swung his longsword and charged at the crocodiles. His movements were swift and decisive, leaving wounds on the crocodiles' bodies. But the crocodiles were fierce, continuously attacking, making it difficult for Shen Jingqi to cope. Lin Yu cast spells, beams of light shooting toward the crocodiles, trying to halt their attack. But the crocodiles seemed unafraid of magic and continued their relentless assault.

In the intense battle, Shen Jingqi noticed the crocodiles seemed sensitive to certain sounds. He had a sudden idea and said to Xu An and Lin Yu, "Let's make some piercing noises together and see if we can scare them off."

The three of them began shouting loudly while striking their weapons against nearby rocks. The piercing sounds echoed over the swamp, and the crocodiles seemed frightened by it; their movements became sluggish. Seizing the opportunity, Shen Jingqi attacked, stabbing a crocodile in the eye. The crocodile let out a horrific scream and turned to flee. Seeing this, the other crocodiles followed suit and fled.

Relieved, the group continued forward. When they finally emerged from the swamp, the sky had already darkened. They found a safe place, started a fire, and prepared to rest for the night.

The forest at night was especially silent, broken only by the crackling of the campfire. They sat around the fire, eating dry rations, their hearts filled with exhaustion and worry.

"I wonder what dangers we'll face tomorrow," Xu An said, his eyes filled with uncertainty.

Shen Jingqi stared at the fire and said, "No matter what dangers come, we must persevere. The first treasure is just ahead; we can't give up." His eyes showed determination and persistence, as if encouraging himself and everyone else.

After a night's rest, they continued their journey early the next day.

Soon, they arrived in front of a massive valley. A layer of purple mist filled the valley, with some strange structures faintly visible.

"This should be the second perilous area—the Mist Valley," Shen Jingqi said.

They carefully entered the valley, and as soon as they entered, they felt a bout of dizziness.

"Not good, there's something wrong with this mist," Lin Yu said, clutching his head.

Shen Jingqi also felt uncomfortable, but he forced himself to say, "Everyone, stay awake and stay close to me."

They continued walking, when suddenly a group of ghosts appeared before them. These ghosts hovered, emitting pitiful wails.

"Ghosts!" Xu An shouted in terror.

The ghosts swooped toward them. Shen Jingqi swung his longsword, trying to attack the ghosts, but the sword went right through them.

"What's happening? Our attacks are ineffective against them," Lin Yu said anxiously.

Shen Jingqi's heart sank; he knew that ordinary attacks were useless against ghosts. He racked his brain, trying to recall something from the ancient books, when suddenly something came to him.