Chapter 354: Chapter 285: Rainstorm
Huishui Mountain was vast. For six days, the group of six had circled its outer perimeter, and they had still only managed to scout a fraction of the area.
As time passed, the mist in the mountains grew increasingly dense. By the fifth day, it shrouded nearly everything from sight, casting the world in a hazy blur. The mist even seemed to possess a strange power, obstructing their Divine Sense to a certain degree.
Though its obstructive effect was nowhere near as potent as the white fog in the Illusion Mist Beast Valley, it was still significant enough to raise some concerns.
"This is the flood season for the eight nearby rivers, so the mountain mist is especially heavy. It’s also stirred up the venomous insects and Demon Beasts, so you all need to be extra careful. Follow my steps closely."
"Hold the Spirit-Tracking Rope tight so you don’t get separated by accident. It would be a huge hassle if you did."
Bai Zichen’s voice came from the front of the line, his figure shrouded in the haze. A rope connected the six of them, preventing anyone from getting lost.
"Pay special attention to where you step. These mountains are full of swamps, and they’re incredibly well-hidden. They conceal unknown dangers, so be careful not to fall in."
Bai Zichen glanced back to remind them, and the group nodded in acknowledgement.
Yu Changsheng fell silent, watching the impassive Bai Zichen. A dark glint flashed in his eyes as he seemed to ponder something.
WHOOSH... WHOOSH...
The wind howled, sending the mist swirling in every direction. Leaves rustled on the surrounding trees. Here in Huishui Mountain, the dense canopy of ancient trees and the complex terrain made the sky appear dim, even in broad daylight.
Combined with the vision-obscuring mist, an eerie atmosphere began to rise from the gloom.
The wind stirred, and the already thick mist condensed further until they couldn’t see their hands in front of their faces. Bai Zichen’s expression grew serious. He halted, waving a hand in front of the others to demonstrate, and said:
"Wait here a moment. I’ll go scout ahead. I’ll call for you once I’m sure it’s safe."
"Alright."
Zhang Tianwen nodded, and no one else objected. They watched as Bai Zichen forged ahead to scout.
"This Master Bai is pretty decent, putting himself on the line first. The Spirit Stones we paid him were well worth it."
Li Minghan rubbed his nose and chuckled, looking rather pleased with himself.
Hearing this, Yu Changsheng shot Li Minghan a sidelong glance but said nothing.
WHOOSH... WHOOSH...
The wind grew stronger, howling high above the forest. It churned the surrounding mist into a single, dense mass, completely obscuring the path forward. Then, with a sudden, muffled clap of thunder, the mist condensed into rain. Huge drops began to plummet from the sky.
SPLASH... SPLASH...
Large drops of rain hammered down, striking the forest canopy. The water dripped from the leaves, condensing once more into a fine mist that saturated the air.
For a moment, all creation fell silent. The only thing that could be heard was the drumming of the rain, an absolute sound that filled the heavens and the earth.
"It’s raining... Came out of nowhere."
Wang Dingsheng paused, startled, then held out his palm to feel the raindrops. A hint of delight appeared on his face.
"Mountain weather is always fickle, especially here on Huishui Mountain. With the thick mist and the muggy heat, a storm like this rolls in every few days."
Zhang Tianwen muttered an explanation, glancing up at the sky.
"Still, it’s rare for it to turn into a full-blown thunderstorm so suddenly. It’s a nice change, though."
RUMBLE!!!
Another bolt of lightning tore across the heavens. The thunderclap that followed seemed to rip a corner of the dark clouds apart, and for a fleeting moment, the flash of light cast the mountain scenery in a faint glow.
"Works for me. It was getting hot and stuffy, so this coolness is a relief, haha."
Li Minghan chuckled, unconcerned.
"Something feels off."
Yu Changsheng looked up and scanned their surroundings, his brow furrowed. After a moment of extending his senses, he slowly transmitted his voice to the group.
"It’s clear up ahead. Come on over, but be careful."
Bai Zichen’s voice drifted through the curtain of rain, followed by a tug on the Spirit-Tracking Rope they were all holding.
"Alright."
Zhang Tianwen nodded. As he lifted his foot to step forward, his eyes met Yu Changsheng’s for a split second.
In the next instant, a cold light flared in Yu Changsheng’s eyes. He looked up and yanked hard on the Spirit-Tracking Rope, putting all his strength into it. Zhang Tianwen pulled in unison.
WHIP!
The Spirit-Tracking Rope went taut, and a cry of alarm came from its other end.
"Ling Lei, Fetter!"
A flash of purple lightning erupted from Zhang Tianwen’s hand, instantly surging down the Spirit-Tracking Rope. The faint purple arcs seemed to resonate with the Thunderbolts in the sky. At the other end of the rope, Bai Zichen’s body suddenly went rigid.
The crackling lightning wrapped around him, freezing his vital energy and flesh, binding him as if he were paralyzed. At the same time, Yu Changsheng’s pull sent the Spirit-Tracking Rope flying back toward him, dragging Bai Zichen’s body along with it.
"Huh?"
The very instant Yu Changsheng made his move, several surprised grunts came from the misty curtain ahead. In the next moment, three figures burst through the rain, charging toward the group.
Killing intent exploded forth, and the downpour intensified.
"You’re a sharp one, kid. How did you figure it out?"
All three were clad in black robes. One was a burly man whose vital energy surged powerfully. Another was short, with sinister, triangular eyes peering out from under his hood and a cruel smirk on his face. The last man had a cold expression and a saber at his waist, from which a sharp saber intent radiated, making the very air tremble.
A murderous chill suddenly descended upon the rainforest.
"We had planned on letting you lower your guard and walk into the marsh up ahead. Combined with the Array we set up, it would have been an inescapable deathtrap. But since you’re so perceptive, I guess we’ll just have to send you on your way a bit early."
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