Chapter 64: Investigate the Veilwood

The trio made their way out of the temple, the air lightening as they left behind the remnants of chaos energy. Feng Lin's steps were slow, though not because of exhaustion. His mind was still buzzing from the synchronization with the Chaos Nexus, the system flashing occasional prompts as it processed the new connection.

[System Notification: Chaos Core stabilized. Increased Qi capacity detected.]

He ignored the system for now, letting the fresh air fill his lungs as they emerged from the underground. Yan Mei and Zhen seemed equally relieved, their expressions softening as they took in the open sky.

"We finally made it," Zhen muttered, glancing over his shoulder at the temple's entrance. "For a while there, I wasn't sure we would."

Yan Mei chuckled, though there was a hint of tension still lingering in her voice. "Well, it wasn't exactly the smoothest journey. But we're out."

Feng Lin remained quiet, his gaze shifting toward the horizon. The land stretched out before them, vast and full of untold mysteries. The rush of battle faded as the world beckoned to them, its possibilities endless.

"We should head toward the next town," Feng Lin suggested, breaking the silence. "There's no point in staying around here. We need supplies and information about what lies ahead."

Zhen's face lit up. "Finally! A town means warm food and a bed. Maybe some locals will have interesting stories to share."

Yan Mei nodded in agreement, though her eyes held a curious glint. "A town sounds good, but I'd also like to see what this world holds beyond just temples and ruins. We've been caught in these trials for so long that I almost forgot what normal life feels like."

Feng Lin smirked. "Don't get too comfortable. We're still in uncharted territory. But for now, let's enjoy it."

As they walked, the landscape around them shifted, turning from rocky plains to a more vibrant, forested region. Trees with golden leaves lined their path, and the air grew warmer, carrying the scents of blooming flowers and fresh grass. The tension that had hung over them for so long began to ease, replaced by a sense of peaceful adventure.

Several hours later…

They arrived at a bustling town nestled near the edge of a vast forest. The village had an inviting charm, its streets lined with vendors selling goods and travelers sharing tales by the taverns. It was a welcome contrast to the chaos-filled temples and the constant trials they had faced.

As they entered, Feng Lin could feel the eyes of the townsfolk on them, though they were more curious than wary. The trio was an unusual sight, after all—battle-hardened and carrying the weight of their adventures.

Zhen wasted no time, his eyes gleaming as he scanned the food stalls. "I can already smell something delicious. Let's grab something to eat first!"

Yan Mei rolled her eyes but smiled. "You and your stomach. But fine, I won't complain."

As they made their way toward the market, the system flashed another prompt.

[System Notification: Potential Quest Detected. Do you wish to engage with the local tavern keeper? Rewards: Information, Local Currency, and XP.]

Feng Lin kept the prompt to himself, smirking. The system always had a way of nudging him in certain directions, but it seemed the town held more than just a peaceful respite.

"We should stop by the tavern after this," Feng Lin suggested. "Might learn something useful."

Zhen raised an eyebrow. "More work already? I thought we were here to relax."

Feng Lin shrugged. "Relaxing and gathering information aren't mutually exclusive."

Inside the tavern, the atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter, music, and the clatter of mugs. The tavern keeper, a stout man with a weathered face, greeted them with a wide smile.

"Travelers, eh? You look like you've seen a fair share of adventure. What brings you here?" he asked, wiping down the bar.

"We're just passing through," Feng Lin replied. "But we're looking for information. Anything unusual happening around here?"

The man leaned forward, lowering his voice slightly. "Well, if you're looking for excitement, you've come to the right place. There've been strange happenings in the nearby forest—lights at night, whispers of otherworldly creatures. Some say it's just superstition, but those who've gone to investigate haven't returned."

Zhen's eyes widened. "Sounds like more than just a rumor."

Feng Lin nodded thoughtfully. "And where exactly is this forest?"

The tavern keeper chuckled. "Just north of town. But be careful. The locals call it the 'Veilwood.' It's not a place you want to venture into lightly."

Feng Lin glanced at Yan Mei and Zhen. "Looks like our next stop."

Yan Mei smirked. "You're relentless."

Zhen groaned, though a small smile tugged at his lips. "Here we go again…"

As the trio left the tavern, they couldn't help but feel the pull of adventure once more. The world was vast, filled with places like the Veilwood—places waiting to be explored, with secrets yet to be uncovered.

This journey was far from over.

And this time, it wasn't about a trial or a temple—it was about seeing what this world truly had to offer.

 Status:

Cultivation Level: Qi Condensation Realm (Low)

EXP: 12,000/150,000

Health: 92%

Qi Energy: 15,000/15,000

Strength: 3,100

Agility: 2,300

Spirit: 3,500

Perception: 1,700

Luck: 150

[New Quest Available: Investigate the Veilwood.]