Chapter Forty: Obstructed Beyond the Enchanted Mist Forest

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

The Grey Crane gazed at the blue bead in his palm with admiration. “The disciples of the Temple of the Abyss are truly extraordinary. So young, and already able to condense an Essence Spirit Pill within the Void Cauldron. Given time, he will surely become a master who dominates his realm.”

“It's just a pity that, even in his dying moments, he never realized that the true culprit who killed him was none other than Ancestor Grey Crane. I suppose when he reaches the underworld, he’ll go before the Ten Kings of Hell to accuse Bai Mu instead?”

At this thought, a trace of smugness flickered in Grey Crane’s eyes. He slipped the tiny bead of true spirit into his pocket and, with a graceful leap, transformed into a gigantic grey crane, wings beating as he drifted toward Floating Jade Mountain.

Ordinarily, with Ling Yan and Bai Mu’s speed, they could easily reach the territory of Floating Jade Mountain within half a day if they hurried. Yet, after the incident with Wu Shang and Xiu Ji, a certain unease lingered in their hearts, and their pace unconsciously slowed.

It was only when night had almost fallen that the pair finally appeared outside the eerie Misty Woods at the foot of Floating Jade Mountain.

The Misty Woods: reputedly the first and most formidable barrier among the three gates of the Temple of the Abyss.

The forest was perpetually shrouded in lingering white mist, obscuring the towering ancient trees in vague shadows—hence its name, Misty Woods. Yet, according to tales from the Savage Realm, besides the ever-present mist that blotted out the sun, the woods were home to many ancient beasts from primordial times, raised to guard the first gate of the temple.

Anyone wishing to pay respects at the mountain must send a flying sword message to the Grand Hall at the foot, whereupon the hall would dispatch disciples to escort them. If the Temple had no wish to receive the visitor, the Grand Hall would remain unmoved and silent, offering no reply.

Those with sense would promptly leave the Misty Woods, their journey ending in vain. But those foolish enough to force their way through, anyone could guess—the outcome would inevitably be disaster.

Thus, since ancient times, an unwritten rule prevailed in the Savage Realm: “Better to die beneath the blade than seek audience at the Temple of the Abyss!”

Of course, the phrase was not meant to mock the temple. On the contrary, it was a sign of respect for the Temple of the Abyss, and a deep-seated fear that radiated from within.

Ling Yan, daughter of the Heavenly Emperor, had long heard tales of the Misty Woods in the Divine Realm and understood well the dangers within. In ordinary times, she could have sent a flying sword message directly to the Grand Hall to announce her arrival. Upon learning the Princess of the Divine Realm was visiting Floating Jade Mountain, the Grand Hall would surely send a grand escort.

But now, with the situation urgent and the two nearly branded as enemies of the entire Temple, they dared not send any message or alert the temple’s disciples. Otherwise, they’d be swarmed by hundreds before even glimpsing the War God Fanxian.

Though Ling Yan was unafraid of such a scene, she recalled that seven thousand years ago, eight hundred disciples of the Temple had united to seal the Demon Emperor Ni Qin at Cangwu Plain. She did not dare underestimate them.

As for Bai Mu, he cared little for these matters, and with the Divine Princess by his side, he felt no fear at all.

Standing beneath the moon outside the Misty Woods, Bai Mu clamored to ascend the mountain and find lodging for the night. But Ling Yan, wise as she was, would never risk entering the Misty Woods by night, no matter her skill or courage.

After surveying the woods, she shook her head with reasoned determination. “Bai Mu, we can't enter the mountain tonight. We must rest at the foot and visit the War God Fanxian tomorrow morning.”

“Why stay another night?” Bai Mu looked at the ancient forest before them, puzzled.

“Entering at night is dangerous.” Ling Yan cast a sidelong glance at the woods, her expression mysterious. “This is the Misty Woods—its paths are labyrinthine, and many ancient beasts lie in ambush. Night is their prime time to roam. We must not enter recklessly!”

Prompted by her warning, Bai Mu widened his eyes and scanned the woods more intently. He noticed an uncanny silence—no birds, no insects, a stillness so deep it was unnerving.

Knowing Ling Yan spoke the truth, he stepped back three paces, uneasy. “I didn't expect such ordinary woods to hide so many dangers. Will we make it through safely tomorrow?”

“Of course!”

Ling Yan patted his shoulder with confidence. “Since I promised to help cure the Canglong Sword Qi within you, then no matter if it’s a dragon’s pool or a tiger’s den ahead, we must press forward together!”

She finished and glanced tenderly at Bai Mu, her cheeks secretly tinged with crimson.

Fortunately, the night was quiet, and Bai Mu was oblivious to her change. He simply replied, “Ling Yan, thank you for your care all this way. Once my injury is healed, I’ll accompany you, sword in hand, across the Savage Realm to seek the lost Demon Shaping Vase.”

“Naturally,” Ling Yan replied without hesitation. “Traveling alone is so dull. When my father sent me to the Savage Realm, I was gloomy for days. But since meeting you, life here has gained a new hue.”

With that, she ceased speaking, turned to find a sheltered spot, and lay down to sleep in her clothes.

Her serene demeanor and delicate features, rendered ethereal by the night, were breathtakingly beautiful. Bai Mu felt a warmth stir within him—a feeling unlike any he’d known, quietly sprouting in his heart.

Knowing tomorrow might bring fierce battles, Bai Mu also found a wind-shielded spot on the hillside outside the woods and settled down to rest.

Meanwhile, after being struck by the Canglong Sword Qi from Bai Mu, Xiu Ji's body collapsed by the stream like battered leather. He tried to summon his inner energy to fight back, but with the slightest movement, his waist went numb, leaving him powerless to rise.

Anxious, he lay still, focusing on recovery, hoping to regain mobility and flee back to the Temple to report.

At that moment, Bai Mu and Ling Yan were already crossing the stream together. Seeing their calm demeanor, Xiu Ji was struck by a dreadful thought—these two might intend to kill him!

Just as panic seized him, a tremendous explosion erupted nearby. Amid the dense black mist, a flash of red light appeared, and his burly body was suddenly snatched up and carried swiftly into the woods, vanishing from Meng Ying Mountain in an instant.