Chapter 14: Mysterious Figures Emergence

“Xia bro, don’t you feel something’s off about Little Peak Mountain?” Liao Yangsu stared at the wild grass growing taller by centimeters each second, his lips involuntarily twitching.

Duan Wenxuan’s heart also skipped a beat; despite appearing calm on the surface, he too felt apprehensive.

Even the old wolf sensed the gradual changes in Little Peak Mountain, subconsciously moving closer to Duan Wenxuan due to the oppressive atmosphere.

“This forest is becoming denser and denser.”

Liao Yangsu sighed, “Something truly isn’t right with this world. These transformations are utterly unbelievable.”

“All right, let’s continue. However, the unexpected changes in Little Peak Mountain may lead me to relax your assessment within certain limits, so rest assured.”

Relieved, Liao Yangsu expressed gratitude, “Thank you, Xia bro. Once we’re back, I’ll treat you to a good meal in An City.”

They pressed forward steadily until midday.

The forest grew increasingly dense, tall trees blocking out the sun, creating a suffocatingly humid heat for those traversing through. Liao Yangsu’s clothes were nearly soaked with sweat, and his exposed skin was covered in mosquito bites. Initially, he tried scratching them, but after being bitten repeatedly, he became somewhat numb to it.

“Let’s rest for a bit.”

Seeing Liao Yangsu reaching his limit, Duan Wenxuan finally called for a break.

Liao Yangsu collapsed onto the ground, feeling dazed and utterly spent. The journey had become incredibly arduous; there was no discernible path, requiring them to trudge through and gradually clear their way, which consumed immense energy. However, mere minutes after passing, the fallen weeds swiftly reclaimed the traversed route, showcasing a terrifying resilience that added considerable mental strain on Liao Yangsu.

Duan Wenxuan briefly left and returned quickly with a dead wild rabbit.

Well-prepared, he used a lighter to start a fire and simply began roasting the rabbit. The taste and texture were poor, but to someone extremely hungry, anything tasted good.

As a modern individual, despite the lack of seasoning, slight charredness, and faintly gamey flavor, Liao Yangsu devoured more than half of the rabbit in one go.

Xia Wenwu’s shell, in this world, is indestructible, and truthfully, it wouldn’t even feel hunger.

Duan Wenxuan didn’t force himself either, casually taking just a few bites. In the end, noticing the nearly starving old wolf nearby, he glanced at the remaining half portion and saw the wolf’s longing gaze.

“Here.” Duan Wenxuan casually tossed it towards the wolf.

The emaciated old wolf lunged forward without hesitation, hungrily devouring the wild rabbit.

The small portion of food likely wouldn’t suffice for the old wolf; it would only provide minimal relief to its hunger. Nonetheless, strangely enough, the old wolf took two more steps towards Duan Wenxuan before once again crouching on the ground.

After eating and drinking their fill, Liao Yangsu needed some time to regain his strength.

In this serene forest, the two humans and the wolf seemed to momentarily fall into a rare state of peaceful tranquility.

Unfortunately, such moments were fleeting. After resting for about ten minutes, a sudden loud explosion echoed through the area. The blast’s aftermath startled the old wolf, causing it to leap up with emerald eyes flashing a desperate ferocity.

Unlike the oblivious old wolf, Liao Yangsu immediately blurted out, “It sounds like a bomb?”

Bombs aren’t something ordinary people possess. Liao Yangsu wasn’t naive; his first thought was of the police. In case of an incident at Little Peak Mountain, who would be the first to arrive? It was clear upon consideration.

“It seems something has happened. Let’s go check it out.” Duan Wenxuan drew his whistle baton, his expression somewhat serious but without much visible tension, which relieved Liao Yangsu.

“I’m coming too,” Liao Yangsu hastily added.

On this current Little Peak Mountain, Liao Yangsu dared not stray from Duan Wenxuan’s side. Even the old wolf understood who they could rely on now.

Duan Wenxuan paid no heed to Liao Yangsu and swiftly navigated through the chest-high overgrown vegetation towards the sound of explosions. The branches and leaves brushing against him seemed not to bother Duan Wenxuan at all. However, Liao Yangsu struggled behind, quickly falling far behind as Duan Wenxuan forged ahead.

As soon as Duan Wenxuan emerged, he spotted Mao Qisheng from their previous encounter, holding his writing brush while trembling and sobbing. This time, the pen finally displayed its mystical qualities-it floated before Mao Qisheng, emitting red light to form protective characters enveloping him.

But others were not so fortunate; flying vines surrounded them, occasionally reaching out to grab those huddled together. They had temporarily cleared an area with explosives, but beyond it lay countless drooping white flowers. Upon contact with these flowers, they emitted eerie crackling sounds that sent shivers down one’s spine.

Whooosh

Seizing an opportunity, a vine swiftly ensnared an armed personnel member and dragged him into the sea of white flowers. Instantly, the surrounding blooms released a pale yellow pollen.

Within roughly ten seconds, the armed individual became disoriented and began wildly firing his gun in every direction.

Li Dong shouted his comrade’s name loudly, but it was futile. Finally, just as the man reached for a bomb, Li Dong fired and struck both of his hands, rendering him incapacitated.

On their way up, they had already lost five armed personnel! These were truly the cream of the crop. Yet no matter how elite, they were still human; some could persevere through sheer belief, while others became disoriented by fear.

“Blow! Blow a path open, let’s descend the mountain.” Li Dong clenched the blade in his hand, remnants of fear lingering in his eyes. Against those vines, firearms proved ineffective, fortunately, their resilience wasn’t enough to withstand repeated strikes from the knives they carried, allowing them to eventually cut through.

Once they started throwing bombs, Duan Wenxuan couldn’t afford to stay any longer.

Quickly retreating, the vines also noticed Duan Wenxuan and began rustling towards him, entangling his figure.

“Get away!” Panicking, Duan Wenxuan swung his whistle baton at the vines. After several blows, the vines loosened somewhat, but more continued to wrap around his waist and wrists.

Noticing Duan Wenxuan’s struggle nearby, Li Dong cursed under his breath, mistaking him for someone who had擅自trespassed onto the mountain to climb.

He wanted to save lives, but now there was simply no time; everyone would have to fend for themselves.

With a loud shout, Li Dong grabbed Duan Wenxuan’s attention and swiftly tossed a knife over, “Use this to hack them off!”

In reality, this was merely psychological comfort; Li Dong knew no one would come to save him, and Duan Wenxuan certainly wouldn’t either. As expected, just as Duan Wenxuan strained to grab his knife, he was dragged into the flower sea.

”…I’m sorry,” Li Dong glanced at Duan Wenxuan, then swiftly turned and grabbed Mao Qisheng, firing off the ammunition he carried with him. The distant explosion caused the flower fields to emit ear-piercing rustling sounds, almost as if they were alive.

Achoo! Achoo!

The pollen triggered a series of sneezes from Duan Wenxuan, but aside from that, he realized he wasn’t seriously harmed—surprisingly, the vines had ceased restraining him.

Duan Wenxuan covered his nose and stood up, only to hear Liao Yangsu’s loud shouts again.

“Don’t come over,” Duan Wenxuan yelled.

Liao Yangsu, not one to play hero, immediately froze on the spot.

However, Duan Wenxuan’s shout caught Li Dong’s attention amidst the aftermath of the explosion and smoke. He abruptly turned around, “You still have your senses?”

With clear eyes, Duan Wenxuan glanced at Li Dong and nonchalantly began hacking away at the flowers with his knife.

Little Peak Mountain seemed to come alive, especially its vegetation, as if infused with boundless vitality. At the site where Li Dong’s explosion occurred, the sea of flowers rapidly regained their vigor. Notably, the initially barren area where they had stood was swiftly shrinking.

“We are from An City Police Station’s Special Investigation Team, and I am its Captain. The fact that you remain unharmed amidst this flower field indicates you must be a mysterious controller, akin to Mao Qisheng.

I urgently request your assistance: please help us descend the mountain. We will offer you substantial rewards for your cooperation. Please trust us and lend us your aid!” Li Dong hastily produced his credentials, showing them to Duan Wenxuan.

In the midst of the flower field, Duan Wenxuan casually stepped on and crushed newly sprouted plants beneath him.

“I’m not like that half-wit,” Duan Wenxuan turned, his face smeared with sweat and dust, yet exuding an indescribable arrogance.

Mao Qisheng shrank nervously; today had been perilous indeed. Thankfully, his brush saved him once again. As for being called a half-wit, he didn’t mind - survival mattered most.

Seemingly sensing Mao Qisheng’s laid-back attitude, the floating brush abruptly plummeted and smacked hard onto his head, likely causing considerable pain. Following this, the characters hovering in the air disappeared.

“No, Pen Lord, you can’t abandon me!” Mao Qisheng panicked, tears streaming down his face.

“Regardless of how things stand, you’re still from Hanming Country. Considering that connection, please help us if you can, and I assure you, your assistance will be greatly rewarded!” Li Dong felt truly helpless; although he was upright by nature, his temper wasn’t particularly good.

Normally, he wouldn’t speak so courteously, but this was not the time for his explosive anger. If he didn’t survive, would those who followed him have any chance either? Human lives were at stake.

Duan Wenxuan nonchalantly hacked through the flower sea, eventually creating a narrow path. “Actually, you’re mistaken. To be precise, my origins lie with the Yue Empire.”

“The Yue Empire?” Mao Qisheng looked at Duan Wenxuan, astonished.

According to historical records, Hanming Country had witnessed eighty-three dynasties, including ancient periods of succession by abdication, as well as later eras under imperial rule. Following the Yue Empire came the Shang Empire, Zhou Empire, and finally the current Hanming Country.

“Duan Clan’s prominence began during the Yue Empire era, known for its traditional martial lineage. Towards the end of the Yue Empire, we withdrew from the world, remaining secluded until now. In truth, what connection do we have with present-day Hanming Country?”

Li Dong and his team members stared with disbelief. “Who exactly are you?!”

“Xia Wenwu… I don’t really mind if others know my name; it’s not that significant. And today, I came here for him.” Duan Wenxuan pointed with his whistle baton towards Liao Yangsu, faintly visible in the distance.

“All right, I need to continue assessing Liao Yangsu’s perseverance and character. You’ve been quite disruptive.” Emerging from the flower field, Duan Wenxuan’s hair and clothes were covered with pollen, looking somewhat disheveled.

Yet, none of Li Dong’s group dared to let him get close, displaying both fear and curiosity as they continually scrutinized him.

“I’ll escort you partway. Once we’re out of this flower field, you can descend the mountain on your own. If you throw any more ammunition and disturb me again, I won’t be so courteous.”

Duan Wenxuan promptly took the lead, first swaying aside large sections of the flower field with his whistle baton, then swiftly cutting them down using the knife given by Li Dong.

Li Dong and his team hastily followed, their mouths covered with homemade masks. After about half an hour, upon exiting the flower field, Duan Wenxuan patted his sore arms and said, “Let’s go.”

With the flower field gone, Li Dong and his team heaved a huge sigh of relief.

“Xiao xiongdi, people like you should ideally register at the police station…”

Duan Wenxuan’s expression appeared somewhat indifferent, with hints of mockery yet also a natural air of pride. “What’s there to register for someone like me? You guys fundamentally know nothing. The laws of today, how can they possibly control those mystics who are about to return?”

Duan Wenxuan turned on his heel and left, leaving Li Dong and everyone present with tumultuous emotions.

What has happened to this world?

Where exactly are these mysterious individuals emerging from?

Li Dong’s expression shifted, but several armed personnel beside him were severely injured, along with the ones who had died. He truly needed to descend the mountain now.

By then, Duan Wenxuan’s figure had completely disappeared amidst the tall weeds.