Facing Perils Together

Upon reaching the mountainside, the team leader suggested a treasure hunt to liven up the mood. This activity sparked enthusiasm in everyone; even the usually composed Wan Lingyue showed a hint of interest. WU Xing felt a sense of joy at the sight, and his previously tense mood gradually eased as if the day was bound to be pleasant.

Once the game began, everyone was split into groups and dispersed along the mountain trails in different directions. WU Xing and Wan Lingyue were assigned to the same group, and a few coworkers, noticing their good rapport, made some lighthearted jokes. WU Xing silently observed the surrounding forest. He sensed an abundance of spiritual energy, and the mountain air was particularly refreshing, as if they were far removed from the outside world. This environment reassured him, yet a faint unease stirred within.

As the groups separated, WU Xing and Wan Lingyue led their teammates down a winding trail. The path was surrounded by tall trees that blocked out much of the sunlight. Gradually, fog began drifting through gaps in the trees, and visibility worsened. Teammates began murmuring in awe, remarking that the fog added a mysterious atmosphere, with someone joking that it resembled a fantasy film. However, WU Xing had no time for jokes. He frowned as he peered into the thickening fog, feeling there was something unsettling within it.

"WU Xing, what's on your mind?" Wan Lingyue sensed his unease and asked gently.

Forcing a smile, WU Xing replied, "It's nothing, maybe I'm just overthinking. Be careful not to stray too far in this fog."

Just then, their teammates up ahead seemed to find something and rushed excitedly forward. WU Xing and Wan Lingyue quickly followed, but the fog grew so thick that visibility dropped to barely a meter. Suddenly, they heard a shout—a voice from their teammates up ahead.

"Let's go check!" Wan Lingyue dashed forward, and WU Xing followed closely. Yet, their teammates' figures abruptly vanished, leaving only faint footprints in the mist. WU Xing hurried ahead, only to be stopped by an unseen force. The fog seemed to form an invisible barrier, trapping him and Wan Lingyue in place.

"WU Xing… we're trapped!" Wan Lingyue's expression grew tense, and the calm confidence she usually carried appeared shaken.

WU Xing took a deep breath, trying to sense the flow of spiritual energy. However, no matter how he tried to mobilize it, the dense fog enveloping them showed no sign of dissipating. Just as he was puzzled, he heard Wan Lingyue whisper, "I have an idea. Maybe it'll help."

WU Xing looked at her with curiosity. Wan Lingyue lowered her head slightly and took a jade pendant from around her neck. "This is a family heirloom," she explained softly, "Sometimes, it senses unusual energies. Maybe it can guide us out."

She placed the pendant in her palm, closed her eyes, and chanted softly. Soon, it began to emit a faint glow, illuminating a barely visible path in the fog. WU Xing stared for a moment, a newfound respect in his gaze. "I never realized you had such a treasure."

"It's just… a keepsake," Wan Lingyue replied. "Let's go. Maybe we can find our way out."

The two cautiously followed the glow for several hundred meters until the fog gradually thinned. However, at that moment, Wan Lingyue's foot became wedged in a jagged rock. She tried to pull her ankle free, but her struggle only wedged it further.

"Don't move, let me help you." WU Xing reassured her, kneeling to pull at the rock. Yet as he strained, he lost his footing and fell, hitting his knee hard against the stone. A sharp pain shot through him, and blood seeped through his pants.

"Are you alright?" Wan Lingyue asked, her eyes filled with concern.

WU Xing gritted his teeth and forced a smile. "It's nothing serious. Let's get you out first." Clenching his jaw, he pushed the rock aside, freeing Wan Lingyue's ankle. Supporting each other, they continued onward, though the forest grew darker and the air colder, tinged with an eerie chill.

The silence around them sent shivers down their spines. WU Xing became even more alert as he heard strange sounds nearby. Wan Lingyue whispered, "Do you… feel like we're not alone here?"

WU Xing was startled and glanced at her, noticing her tense expression. Just then, faint energy ripples emerged in the fog around them, unlike the spiritual energy he usually sensed—it was tainted with something sinister.

"Follow me," he whispered, taking Wan Lingyue's hand to lead them away from the disturbance. But the ominous energy seemed to pursue them, as though it were tracking their movements. WU Xing's heartbeat quickened, and he felt the spiritual energy within him stir, giving him a foreboding feeling.

Suddenly, a deep growl resounded through the mist. WU Xing and Wan Lingyue exchanged fearful glances. WU Xing tightened his grip on her hand and said in a low voice, "We need to leave quickly—this place isn't safe!"

They quickened their pace, but the fog grew thicker, as if intentionally luring them deeper into the forest. WU Xing shielded Wan Lingyue and attempted to use his limited spiritual power to resist the sinister energy, though his inexperience made it mostly ineffective. His knee, still bleeding, began to sap his strength, yet he didn't dare falter, forcing himself to push on.

At last, they reached the entrance to a cave with a faint glow inside, offering a temporary refuge. WU Xing helped Wan Lingyue into the cave, but once seated, the pain in his knee forced him to gasp, his face pale. Wan Lingyue quickly took a first-aid kit from her bag and carefully treated his wound.

"Thank you," WU Xing said softly, a warmth rising in his chest at her gentle care.

Wan Lingyue gave him a faint smile. "You got hurt for my sake. It's only fair I take care of you."

After she finished dressing his wound, WU Xing leaned against the cave wall and closed his eyes to meditate. After this dangerous experience, he realized he was still too weak. Unsure of what else lay ahead, he knew he needed to prepare for a breakthrough.

Watching him, Wan Lingyue thought to herself, "He… truly is different."