Chapter 106: The Trees Here Move

Faced with the lavish spread of food and wine before him, Jun Yeli showed no intention of picking up his chopsticks, and the others didn’t dare to make a move either. Cui Liu noticed their hesitation, so she took the initiative, sampling a bite herself, and smiled with satisfaction. “The taste is quite good. Are you sure you don’t want any? You all look travel-worn; surely you must be hungry.”

Her words struck at the heart of the matter. The group had been exhausted since yesterday, and their fatigue was evident. One of them swallowed hard, glancing at Jun Yeli, but since he hadn’t moved, none dared to touch the food.

“Eat,” Jun Yeli finally relented, and once the three had eaten their fill, Cui Liu feigned curiosity, questioning them again.

“The Ghost Domain Forest has long been cut off from the outside world. May I ask what brings you gentlemen here?”

“You know well enough that this place doesn’t connect with the outside, so you must be aware of its dangers. Yet I see you, a frail woman, living here quite comfortably.” Jun Yeli avoided revealing his purpose, instead turning the question on Cui Liu.

His words left everyone momentarily speechless, and Cui Liu looked a bit embarrassed, hurriedly explaining, “Gentlemen, don’t let outside rumors mislead you. This strange forest isn’t as terrifying as they say—just the beasts are a bit fierce, that’s all.”

“Is that so?” Jun Yeli toyed with the teacup in his hand, rotating it slowly, his gaze mischievous and unsettling.

“Is there something troubling you, sir?” Cui Liu looked up at him, feeling as though his eyes could pierce through her soul, as if all lies were exposed before him.

Yet Jun Yeli didn’t press further, merely taking a sip of tea and smiling. “Nothing, really. Just thought it must be difficult for a woman to live here, so I asked a bit more.”

With that, he quietly drank his tea, clearly disinclined to converse further. But his subordinate, unable to contain himself, suddenly asked, “Miss, since you’ve lived here so long, have you seen any other outsiders? Perhaps someone very beautiful…”

Since he couldn’t reveal their identity, he had to refer to Huarong in such a way.

Cui Liu, seeing that the conversation had finally reached the point she wanted, grew exceedingly eager. “I haven’t seen any beautiful women, but I do know this place well. If you don’t mind, I could be your guide.”

Her warmth was oddly endearing, though Jun Yeli maintained his cold demeanor, seemingly unmoved by her charms.

“Sir, now that we have a guide, we won’t wander around like headless flies anymore!”

Seeing his two subordinates so delighted, Jun Yeli rubbed his temples in exasperation. “How did I end up bringing these two fools with me?”

Still, observing Cui Liu’s enthusiasm, he felt it would be rude to refuse outright. After a slight yawn, he stood and offered her a polite bow. “Thank you for guiding us, miss.”

Led by Cui Liu, the group ventured once more into the forest, wandering for more than half an hour, yet found no clues—only more weariness.

“Is anyone even here? Feels like we’re just going in circles.”

The trees were all the same size and thickness, making it impossible to discern direction. Seeing Cui Liu looking confident, the group believed she knew the way, unaware that this was her first time in such a place.

“This forest is vast; finding someone is like searching for a needle in the sea. You’ll need patience,” she remarked.

With no other choice, they forced themselves to stay motivated.

Meanwhile, Huarong was oblivious to all this, simply observing that Windchaser’s wounds had mostly healed, which brought her some relief.

“Now that you’re better, I ought to leave.”

“What? You’re leaving again? Have you forgotten your previous lesson?”

Who knows who it was who once yearned to escape this ghostly place, only to end up trapped—if not for him, she might never have returned!

“What else can I do? This place isn’t mine; I won’t stay here!”

Huarong’s mind was a blank, desperate to regain her memories, haunted by an ominous feeling that someone was waiting for her.

Windchaser couldn’t help but marvel at her resolve. “Amazing—a frail woman, yet you only grow braver with every setback. Quite impressive!”

“Enough with the sarcasm. Take care and rest well. If fate allows, we’ll meet again.”

With those words, Huarong truly intended to leave. After all, no matter how strange this place was, it couldn’t trap her forever.

Just as she stepped into the courtyard, Windchaser hurried after her, slapping her shoulder and startling her.

Turning, she frowned slightly. “What are you doing? Don’t tell me you won’t let me go?”

“Where do you get that confidence? Do you think I can’t bear to part with you?”

Windchaser rolled his eyes, but he was already packed, clearly intending to leave.

“Heading far away?”

Huarong looked him over. Though he seemed laid-back, he wasn’t ignorant—she sensed he harbored some astonishing secret.

“Not exactly. I’ve grown tired of staying here. Why not search for the exit together?”

With that, Windchaser shouldered his bundle and strode ahead, taking the lead.

Huarong stood dumbfounded, not quite sure what to make of it.

She caught up, watching him carefully examine the tree trunks, muttering under his breath, “Damn, it’s gone again!”

“What are you talking about? I don’t understand.”

Huarong tilted her head, following his gaze to a wooden stump, but saw nothing unusual.

Windchaser sighed heavily. “This place is strange. The trees seem alive, almost as if they walk. Look, the mark I made here has vanished again.”

It wasn’t the first time he’d witnessed such a bizarre phenomenon. Windchaser, growing impatient, slammed his fist against the tree, sending a few wilted leaves fluttering to the ground.