As the group ventured deeper, their surroundings became increasingly eerie. A typical forest would be teeming with life, filled with the chirping of birds and all manner of other sounds. Yet the forest before them was terrifyingly silent. The only noises were their own footsteps on the dry leaves; even the rustling of their clothes seemed unnaturally amplified in the stillness.
Wu Chang led the way. Elder Yang and Xiao Xiao followed closely, with Ye Qingchen bringing up the rear.
Beneath their feet, wisps of green smoke gradually began to thicken. Soon, those following Wu Chang sensed that something was amiss.
"Young Master, why do I have such a strange feeling about this place?" Xiao Xiao asked, looking around curiously. However, all she could see were towering ancient trees that blocked any other view.
Ye Qingchen also scanned the area. "Don't be afraid. Even if there is something here, it won't be able to harm us."
