The Forbidden Zone

Wan Lingyue struggled to navigate the dark mountain path, her heart filled with anxiety and helplessness. She replayed the scene of Wu Ge falling off the cliff in her mind, the jade pendant around her neck warming slightly in the night breeze, as if responding to her emotions. Her legs were already exhausted, but she knew she couldn't stop. No matter how difficult the road ahead was, she had to find her way back to save Wu Ge.

When she finally returned to the edge of the city, a wave of relief washed over her as everything looked so familiar—the bustling streets and the colorful neon lights seemed to silently welcome her. However, her heart remained unsettled, weighed down even more by Wu Ge's disappearance.

"I have to do something!" Wan Lingyue murmured to herself, her mind racing with potential actions. She knew time was of the essence, and the rescue team needed to set out immediately.

After a series of setbacks, she finally found an agency that could contact the rescue team. Using all her strength, she described the situation they had encountered in the mountains, her voice filled with urgency and anxiety. The responsible person's face gradually turned grave as he quickly organized a rescue team, ready to search for the missing persons in the coming days.

However, as the rescue team set off, Wan Lingyue suddenly felt dizzy. She struggled to return to the rescue team, but the surroundings seemed to spin around her. Just as she managed to take a few steps, darkness enveloped her, and she lost consciousness.

When Wan Lingyue awoke again, she found herself in a hospital bed. Her body was restrained by a white sheet, surrounded by unfamiliar surroundings and low, murmuring voices. She tried to sit up, but her weakness forced her to lie back down. A tide of guilt surged through her, choking her.

"What... what happened to me?" she whispered, panic flashing in her eyes. A nearby nurse noticed her movement and quickly approached to comfort her. "You just overworked yourself. Rest for a while, and you'll be fine."

"I can't stay here!" Wan Lingyue struggled to get up, her only thought being that Wu Ge was still in danger, and she had lost precious time due to her unconsciousness. Her voice trembled, her eyes filled with guilt and helplessness.

"Wan Lingyue, you need to calm down," the nurse tried to stabilize her emotions, but she refused to hear any more persuasion. The image of Wu Ge had lingered in her heart during the days of his absence. He had fallen off the cliff for her, while she was here, safe and sound.

After a few days of recovery, Wan Lingyue's body gradually regained strength, yet she could not find peace. She frequently inquired about the progress of the rescue team, but each time received the same reply: they had not found Wu Ge or any of the other missing persons. As days passed, the shadow of the cliff seemed to grow heavier, filling her with an inescapable fear.

"We must continue searching!" Wan Lingyue insisted to the rescue team leader, her voice laced with anxiety and determination. "No matter what, Wu Ge would never give up!"

"Wan Lingyue, we've done our best," the leader sighed, fatigue evident in his eyes. "That forest is now sealed off; anyone who enters has disappeared without a trace, as if some unknown force is controlling everything. Right now, we can't go in anymore."

With the government sealing off the forest, Wan Lingyue felt an overwhelming despair. She knew the area harbored unimaginable dangers, yet a sliver of hope remained in her heart—Wu Ge would find his way back.

Days later, news reports began to cover the missing persons case, and rumors about the forest intensified, drawing many people's interest. Some even initiated exploration activities, planning to venture back into the forbidden zone to search for the missing.

"This is too dangerous!" Wan Lingyue felt a wave of anger and helplessness. The people around her remained unmoved, some even scoffing at her warnings.

"You have no idea how terrifying it is there!" she shouted, unable to hold back. "Those who don't go in will never understand the horror of that evil aura!"

Yet, amidst the din, discussions continued, and eventually, some chose to enter the mountains, leaving Wan Lingyue feeling as if her heart were being torn apart. Every night, her thoughts involuntarily drifted to Wu Ge, unable to escape.

Finally, a month later, the government officially designated the forest as a forbidden zone, erecting warning signs high. Wan Lingyue stood at the edge of the sealed area, gazing at the blurred outline of the forest, her heart ashen.

"Wu Ge... I will find you," she vowed silently, gripping the now-dull jade pendant tightly. Despite not knowing what the future held, a flicker of hope still ignited within her heart.

As time passed, the mystery of the forest increasingly captivated public curiosity. Numerous disappearances among explorers only added to the area's terror. Wan Lingyue could never forget Wu Ge's image; every quiet night, she silently prayed, hoping he could feel her longing.

Before long, rumors about the forbidden zone spread widely, with tales claiming that the forest concealed great secrets and countless treasures, attracting many eager explorers. Yet, almost none of those who entered returned safely.

"Why can't anyone come back?" Wan Lingyue gazed at the sky, her heart filled with confusion. What was that invisible force?

Just as her thoughts spiraled, a rapid knocking on the door broke her reverie. She hurried to open it, finding the rescue team leader standing outside, his face bearing a heavy expression.

"Wan Lingyue, we need you to confirm something; we found some items..." the leader spoke in a somber tone.

Wan Lingyue's heart sank, sensing the seriousness of the situation. She followed the leader to the rescue team's temporary command center, where many had gathered, the atmosphere suffocatingly tense.

"This is what we found in the forest..." The leader pulled out a bag and slowly opened it. Wan Lingyue's heart plummeted as she saw a piece of Wu Ge's clothing inside.

"How... how could it be there?" Wan Lingyue could hardly believe her eyes, Wu Ge's determined figure flashing in her mind. An overwhelming rush of emotions surged within her—despair, guilt, and helplessness intertwined, nearly crushing her.

"We... we will continue the search," the leader said firmly, though his eyes reflected profound helplessness.

Tears streamed down Wan Lingyue's face as she struggled to suppress her inner pain.