Heaven’s Shadow

"What?" Lu Chen was taken aback, immediately turning around to Yi Xin. Yi Xin pointed toward the bush hurriedly and exclaimed, "I... In the bushes, I saw..."

Before the sound of her words faded, Yi Xin's voice stopped abruptly. She stared at the spot where she was pointing, flabbergasted. Nothing had changed, but the pair of savage eyes she had witnessed previously had disappeared.

Lu Chen glanced toward the direction where Yi Xin pointed and looked at the bush. He frowned, and then proceeded toward the shrubbery.

For some reason, Yi Xin felt tense as well. She followed behind him, and simultaneously, her gaze swept around her surroundings.

As the duo approached the bush, they could only see a lush growth of wild grasses that grew to reach the height of a human's knee. However, the interior was completely empty, and it was obvious that no one could be hiding within. After a moment of contemplation, Lu Chen grabbed a wooden branch and struck the surrounding bushes. His movements alarmed a few bugs, but the human which Yi Xin spoke of was nowhere in sight.

Lu Chen glanced at Yi Xin, and her cheeks burned red. For a moment, she lost unconfidence. In her mind, she thought, 'Could it be that I've been too tired today that my head isn't working well now? Could what I've seen just now be only an illusion?'

Lu Chen walked back to her and did not pursue the matter further. He merely said calmly, "Since there's nothing unusual, we should hurry along."

"Un... Alright." Yi Xin replied awkwardly.

Lu Chen nodded his head before heading forward. Yi Xin glanced at the bushes once more, but the surroundings were completely tranquil. It seemed that there was indeed nothing there at all. However, thinking back, she could still clearly visualize the pair of vicious eyes that gleamed with ferocity, and that sent a chill down her spines.

In her moment of daze, Lu Chen had already walked a significant distance. Sensing her absence, he turned around to call Yi Xin. Yi Xin replied hastily, shook off the thoughts in her mind, and hurriedly caught up with Lu Chen.

As they slowly disappeared into the distance, a light breeze suddenly blew above the river and across the silent wild bushes. Lush green leaves rustled faintly, and very vaguely, a blurred figure appeared and then vanished in a single flash.

※※※

Instead of leading Yi Xin up the river, Lu Chen proceeded downward in the current's direction. After walking a distance, Yi Xin noticed this fact and asked him doubtfully.

Lu Chen's reply was straightforward. That was, it was easier to head downstream than to return back up.

Taking the reverse direction, they would have to reenter the mountainous ranges and once again face the mountainous demonic beasts along with numerous other unknown dangers that hid within, and this could prove to be very troublesome. Furthermore, even if they managed to locate the path that led back to the Black Armored Mountain, it would be unfeasible to return. This is because the Black Jackals are known to be vindictive. Most probably, the pack of jackals would still be on the prowl in the area.

On the other hand, if Lu Chen isn't mistaken, proceeding downstream would also bring them out of the Confounding Lands, with the route being less dangerous as well.

Actually, in their current predicament, Yi Xin did not hold many opinions herself. After the escape yesterday, she had begun to trust Lu Chen greatly, whom she had barely known for a few days. After all, not only did he rescue her, even her injuries were treated by him. If he had really wanted to harm her, he could have done it yesterday night. Thus, she accepted her reality and obediently followed Lu Chen.

On this day in late autumn, the skies were clear and the breeze was cooling. The clear water in the river flowed unhurriedly, and undulating mountains stood beside both shores. At a glance, it looked more like a picturesque painting instead of the dangerous and menacing Confounding Lands of the legends.

After around an hour of traveling in the direction of river flow, they entered a valley. Upon lifting their heads, they were welcomed with a sight of vibrant colors. A closer look revealed mysterious flowers of all colors that filled the cliffs, in this area of several mu. The flowers were indescribably enchanting and surprisingly big. Even the smallest of them was the size of a face, and under the radiance of the sun, it felt as though a rainbow had descended onto the mortal world.

(1 mu = 666m^2 = 26m*26m)

Yi Xin's eyes widened as she exclaimed, "Ah, how beautiful! There are so many beautiful flowers..."

Before she could finish her words, Lu Chen interrupted impassively, "If you don't wish to die, stay away from the sides."

Hearing his words, Yi Xin was taken aback. Abruptly turning her head around, she asked, "Why?"

Without looking at Yi Xin, he continued walking forward alongside the river, avoiding the flowers. At the same time, he replied, These are 'Bloodthirsty Demonic Flowers'. Usually, they assume an enchanting appearance to bewitch living beings, but upon a prey's approach, countless spiked vines would whip out from the ground, dragging the prey into them. Furthermore, the spikes contain a mysterious poison. Even though it isn't lethal, it can immobilize preys, allowing the flower to easily capture and then reduce them to meat fertilizers."

His words were flat, but Yi Xin was flabbergasted. With pale and apprehensive face, she glanced at the beautiful flower cluster once more and shivered. With a hushed tone, she muttered, "Why... Why are there so many monsters here?"

Lu Chen glanced at her and shook his head silently. Then, he continued to proceed ahead.

Yi Xin felt discouraged and sighed. Even so, she hurriedly caught up with Lu Chen.

Walking alongside the river, they crossed the beautiful lands of demonic flowers. After another distance, when it seemed that they were about to leave the river valley of demonic flowers, they perceived a deep wailing that came from in front. It sounded mournful and desolate, and it bore a stark resemblance to the calls of the Black Jackals the previous night.

A cold chill was sent down Yi Xin's spine immediately, and she nearly leaped in fear. She was nearly killed by those fearsome Black Jackals just last night, causing her to be almost allergic to this fearsome call.

In contrast to her reaction, Lu Chen was clearly much calmer. He first grabbed Yi Xin, who almost charged forward to flee for her life, pulling her to him, then looked at the exit of the river valley with a frown.

Yi Xin was still riddled with fear, but somehow, feeling Lu Xun's arms around her, she regained her calm. She glanced over as well and she was taken aback. There weren't any Black Jackals. No, it seemed to be a wild hound, but it wasn't too tall, around half the size of an average Black Jackal. Its fur was black, but it was clearly a shade lighter than those Black Jackals from yesterday night. Also, from the nape of its neck to the bottom of its spine, there was a clear long white stripe. It was clear that the small hound wasn't a Black Jackal.

Taking a careful look, Yi Xin was able to notice further differences.

The small hound was sprawled on the ground, immobile. It howled in desolation, seeming exceptionally pitiful and helpless. A leg was dragging behind it, and appeared different from its other three legs; it seemed to be broken.

The small hound lied on the ground with a blank expression, and it looked as though it was about to die at any moment. Even its call seemed to be gradually growing softer. It seemed as though if no one saved it, it would die soon.

"It seems pitiful!" Yi Xin couldn't help but mutter.

Hearing those words, Lu Chen frowned and turned to look at the lady.

...