After leaving Tianji City, they walked eastward for three days and finally arrived outside a lush forest. On the edge of the forest, there was a huge stone tablet engraved with the words "Forest of No Return Forbidden Area". Along the way, there were many soldiers of the Tianji Empire guarding it. However, it was obvious that most of them were reserve soldiers. Many of them were not even fully equipped with military uniforms.
Zhuang Shaoyu rode his horse at the front, looking for a path to enter the Forest of No Return. Although it was a forbidden area, there were still some bold hunters who went in to hunt occasionally. For them, there was no place that was forbidden for them to survive and raise their families. Therefore, there must be a path in the forest that was opened up by the hunters. The eight of them were riding horses, so it was obvious that there must be a path to walk in the mountains.
The spring rain had just ended, and the forest was green. Among the green, there were white flowers in full bloom, which was very pleasing to the eye. Si Kongyao and Shang Qian also smiled. After all, they were women. Seeing such a beautiful scenery would naturally open their hearts and make them feel happy.
In the distance, more than a dozen soldiers holding spears were walking on the muddy and withered leaves. Their faces were green and yellow, and it was obvious that they lacked nutrition. The Forest of No Return was located in a remote area, so these soldiers must not have had any good food.
Zhuang Shaoyu, Beiming Jie, Si Kongyao, Shang Qian and the others were dressed in rich and noble clothes, so the group of soldiers did not dare to act rashly. The leading veteran raised his spear with trembling hands and said respectfully, "Young Masters, Young Mistresses, this is the Forest of No Return. It is listed as one of the forbidden areas by the empire. No one is allowed to enter. Please don't make things difficult for us soldiers. Please take a detour!"
Zhuang Shaoyu pointed to the depths of the forest and asked, "Sergeant, what's in the forest?"
"In the forest …"
The veteran looked gloomy and said, "There is everything in this forest. Demonic beasts, demonic spirits, giant pythons, ferocious beasts, and so on. We, who are on duty, can only set up camp in the open space. Otherwise, we will be attacked. Just this month, seven of our brothers from our garrison have died under the claws of the demonic spirits …"
"The demon spirits are so arrogant that they dare to attack the empire's army?" Zhuang Shaoyu was stunned.
The old soldier replied, "You may not know this, but every thousand soldiers in the army stationed in the Forest of No Return will have one Paladin. The aura of a Paladin is enough to intimidate ordinary demons, but … but our garrison has a total of two thousand people, and most of them are new recruits. That's why the higher-ups didn't arrange for a Paladin for us. The demons in the Forest of No Return are sentient, and they know that I'm easy to bully, so they keep attacking me … Sigh, I really don't know when the empire will send the warriors of the Heaven's Dawn Dragon Riders to destroy these arrogant spiritual beasts."
"They will come."
Zhuang Shaoyu comforted the veteran and asked, "Is there a way into the mountain here?"
"Young Master wants to enter the mountain?" The old soldier was startled, "Let me give you a word of advice. It's best not to enter the mountains. Nowadays, unless you're a Dragon Knight, you won't be able to return from the Forest of No Return. It's been so many years, and there are too many demons in the Forest of No Return who are about to ascend. They're very fierce …"
"We're here to enter the mountain. Don't stop us," Zhuang Shaoyu said lightly.
The old soldier frowned, and the new soldiers behind him immediately raised their weapons and surrounded Zhuang Shaoyu, Lin Muyu, and Si Kongyao. "No one is allowed to enter the Forest of No Return. This is the empire's law. Do you want to defy the empire's law?"
Zhuang Shaoyu smiled faintly and fished out a golden token from his bosom. "What if I have this?"
Everyone looked at it. The new soldiers didn't recognize it at all, but the old soldier narrowed his eyes and looked at the words on the token. He couldn't help but tremble. He threw away his spear and knelt in the mud, "Your subordinate greets my lord … Young Master … Young Master must be the young master of the Great Minister, Zhuang Shaoyu?"
"It's good that you recognize Situ Jinling. Can we enter the mountain now?" Zhuang Shaoyu asked proudly.
The old soldier frowned and nodded, "Young Master, if you want to enter the mountain, then let's go. It's said that Young Master Zhuang Shaoyu is the strongest among the younger generation in the imperial capital. I think … I think the demon spirits in the mountain can't do anything to you. However, I still advise you to be careful. The lord of the Forest of No Return is a Demon Emperor. Once you attract the attention of the Demon Emperor, I'm afraid it won't be easy for you to escape."
With that, the old soldier glanced at Si Kongyao and Shang Qian and said, "What's more, you brought two such beautiful ladies …"
He was obviously saying that these two women were holding him back. Si Kong Yao was immediately unhappy. She opened her palm and her Ice Profound Force whistled through the air, sweeping up all the fallen leaves in the surroundings. With a "bang" sound, it smashed into a large tree at the side. This nearly twenty meter tall tree was actually cut in half at the middle and came crashing down.
"Why? Can't I enter the Forest of No Return?" Si Kongyao asked with a smile.
The old soldier was shocked and thought that this group of people was not simple. One of them was the number one expert of the new generation in Tianji City, and the other was such a powerful young lady. The others who didn't make a move must not be simple either.
Shang Qian smiled and said, "Alright, Yao, don't make things difficult for them. Take out the pass of the Battle Temple."
Si Kongyao giggled and took out a piece of paper from her pocket. She shook it and said, "Look carefully. This is the pass to enter the Forest of No Return personally signed by Tianji Sect's Sect Master, Sikong Ming. Is that okay?"
The old soldier nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes … The nearest path to enter the mountain is not far behind. I'll bring you there …"
"Okay, thank you."
…
The veteran led the group into the mountain. The road at the foot of the mountain was covered in mud. After being soaked in the spring rain for a few days, it had turned into a puddle of mud. Most of the Garrison Regiment soldiers were wearing tattered straw sandals. Many of their soles were even worn out and dripping with blood. Lin Muyu urged her horse to walk side by side with the old soldier. She asked softly, "Sergeant Commander, logically speaking, the Empire's military strength is so strong. The important task of guarding the Forest of No Return shouldn't be carried out by the new recruits. Why is that?"
The old soldier sighed. "Young Master, you may not know this, but a month ago, the entire Tianji Empire issued an edict. All the major armies began to train and prepare for war. God knows what is going to happen. Everywhere is crazily capturing people to become new recruits. The elite troops of the four major armies have been sent to garrison somewhere. It looks like a war is going to happen, and it is going to be an unprecedented war."
"Oh …"
Lin Muyu nodded. "Are they going to fight the Celestial Empire or the Blackstone Empire?"
"That is His Majesty the Sacred Emperor's business. How can we soldiers know? We will fight whoever His Majesty wants us to fight."
Zhuang Shaoyu smiled slightly. "Young Hero, why are you asking about these military matters? Logically speaking, as a Ranger, shouldn't you be asking about the Tianji Sect and the Dragon Riders? "
Zhuang Shaoyu was actually so vigilant.
Lin Muyu smiled faintly. "I'm just curious. If these new recruits fight against the Demon Spirits, they are simply going to die. It is too unbelievable."
"That's true."
Zhuang Shaoyu looked up at the sky and said, "But His Majesty and the Marshal must have a reason for their decision. People like us should not speculate about it."
"Okay."
Lin Muyu continued to remain silent.
… …
Not long after, they entered the Forest of No Return. Just like what the outside world said, the Forest of No Return was abnormally dangerous. Lin Muyu closed her eyes and let the war horse follow Si Kongyao's horse. Her hand held the reins, but her Spirit Pulse Technique was already fully activated. She quickly detected some of the stronger auras nearby. Less than three miles away, there was a stronger aura. It was at least a Demon Lord level Demon Spirit. It seems that this night will not be peaceful.
Zhuang Shaoyu glanced at Beiming Jie, smiled and said, "Young Prince, half a year ago at the Chrysanthemum Viewing Banquet, we did not have a clear winner. How about … we compete again this time?"
Beiming Jie faintly smiled. "Shaoyu, how do you want to compete?"
Zhuang Shaoyu took out an exquisite bag from his waist, shook it, and said, "This is the bag I used to store demon spirit stones. It's still empty. From now until we leave the Forest of No Return, we'll see whose bag has more demon spirit stones, and who is stronger. We'll compete based on the quality of the demon spirit stones. How about it?"
"Ha, that's exactly what I was thinking." Beiming Jie readily agreed, and said, "But once a demon spirit appears, it belongs to the capable. Brother Shaoyu should understand this logic, right?"
"Of course." Zhuang Shaoyu nodded. "If it's a demon spirit that Young Prince likes, I, Zhuang Shaoyu, will not compete for it."
"Good, it's a deal!"
At this moment, Shang Qian's pair of beautiful eyes swept over Lin Muyu and Liu Buyi. She then smiled and said, "Since it's a competition, the more people, the better. I heard from Yao that this young hero's strength is above Yao's. If that's the case, why don't you participate in the competition together? The three of us can compete to be the strongest in our group. How about it?"
Si Kongyao was a little excited. She looked at Lin Muyu, her eyes full of encouragement.
Lin Muyu groaned inwardly. This Shang Qian was really not a simple woman. Shang Qian just wanted to see how capable she was. With just a few words, she was unable to reject her. Lin Muyu nodded. "I'll participate then."
Zhuang Shaoyu said, "Ha … that's good. A competition between three people is even more interesting. But … since it's a competition, shouldn't there be a prize? Yao, Miss Shang Qian, what kind of prize do you think would be the best for the winner of the competition? "
Si Kongyao said, "Gold?"
"Isn't that too vulgar?" Zhuang Shaoyu smiled and denied.
"Then … a Demon King level demon spirit stone?"
"This … it's a little shabby, and it doesn't have any practical meaning …" This time, it was Beiming Jie who denied it. His gaze kept wandering around Shang Qian's body. Obviously, Beiming Jie was also one of Shang Qian's pursuers. He came here because of Shang Qian. His goal was very simple.
Si Kongyao saw through his thoughts. She lightly smiled and flew up, landing behind Shang Qian. She hugged Shang Qian's waist and giggled.
"Little girl, what do you want to do?" Shang Qian couldn't help but laugh.
Si Kongyao grabbed the elegant cloak behind Shang Qian and said, "This cloak has the empire's emblem pattern personally rusted by Big Sister Shang Qian. It's also Big Sister Shang Qian's beloved item. How about this, Big Sister Shang Qian will sacrifice herself. Whoever wins the competition, Big Sister Shang Qian's cloak will be given to that person. How about it? This idea isn't bad, right? "
Beiming Jie clapped his hands and smiled. "That's great."
Zhuang Shaoyu was a little embarrassed. "I just don't know what Miss Shang Qian thinks …"
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