"We can't just keep running like this; we need to conserve some energy for the fierce beasts ahead and for crossing the Silver Dragon Snow Mountain," a breathless voice said from within the crowd.
"Yes, as long as we reach the edge of the Blackwood Forest before sunset today and make camp there, otherwise, once we're on Silver Dragon Mountain, we won't have a moment to rest," another voice immediately chimed in.
The person who spoke was beside Mo Qi. He held a bow and a pack, with dozens of arrows slung over his back.
His name was Shen Xiao. When Mo Qi had written his name on the paper earlier, Shen Xiao had been behind him, and Mo Qi had seen him write down "Shen Xiao."
"So, how far are we from the edge of the Blackwood Forest?" Mo Qi asked, turning his head.
"At a normal walking pace, we'll definitely make it to the edge of the Blackwood Forest before sunset," Shen Xiao said decisively. As he spoke, he slowed his pace.
"How do you know so clearly? Have you walked this path before?" Mo Qi also slowed down, giving Shen Xiao a suspicious glance.
He was talking while running, without even a hint of breathlessness.
Shen Xiao, on the other hand, was gasping for breath, which was why he had slowed down. Jin Dan, beside Mo Qi, didn't dare to speak and was panting from being dragged along.
"Who would walk this path for no reason? I just tried taking the exam last year and turned back while crossing the snow mountain," Shen Xiao said, his face flushing slightly.
The others also slowed their pace, maintaining a consistent speed as they moved forward together.
"Moreover, we must cooperate and not fight alone. Only through unity can we possibly pass the assessment," Shen Xiao continued.
The assessment from last year was still vivid in his memory. Dozens of people had participated, yet not a single one had succeeded. Most had perished in the Blackwood Forest or on Silver Dragon Mountain. Only a few, realizing the dire situation, had retreated and saved their lives.
At that time, he had sworn never to participate in the Ling Xiao Sect's assessment again.
However, after a year of contemplation and analysis, he had come to the conclusion that if everyone worked together, it was possible to pass the assessment.
Therefore, after making a series of thorough preparations, he had joined this year's assessment.
However, he first needed to convince everyone to unite. Thus, during the first half of the journey, he had desperately tried to stay with the central group, as it was the largest.
"Yes, I agree with this friend's opinion. Let's all stick together and follow me. I guarantee I'll lead everyone safely out of the forest, across the snow mountain, and through the assessment," a voice suddenly rang out. As soon as the words were spoken, a tall and sturdy young man emerged from the crowd and took the lead.
"My name is Zhou Hongbo. You can call me Brother Zhou," the robust youth said without looking back.
"Brother Zhou." Indeed, two or three people very cooperatively responded.
Mo Qi and Jin Dan exchanged eye-rolls.
Shen Xiao's face broke into a smile, his confidence soaring. He felt his plan was already half successful.
At this moment, a charming figure in the crowd caught Mo Qi's attention. It was a beautiful girl, around the age of adolescence. For the assessment, she seemed to have tied up her hair, disregarding any formalities. This hairstyle perfectly complemented her slightly round face.
She wore a form-fitting outfit that accentuated her curvaceous figure, and she carried a pack. Her entire presence exuded a heroic spirit, creating a stunning sight amidst the dense forest, drawing everyone's gaze from time to time.
"My name is He Zhongming. May I ask the young lady's name?" A handsome youth beside her, who had been swallowing his saliva for a long time, finally couldn't help but step forward and ask.
"Baili Bing," the girl said coldly, looking around at everyone.
It seemed she knew everyone wanted to know her name, so she addressed everyone present. Her stern face and icy tone matched her name perfectly.
After speaking, Baili Bing took a few quick steps forward, staying close behind Zhou Hongbo.
Mo Qi had also intended to strike up a conversation, but seeing He Zhongming's rebuff, he no longer dared to make a move.
Suddenly, a piercing howl and several screams echoed from ahead, and a thick scent of blood permeated the air, making everyone involuntarily shiver.
Shen Xiao's face changed drastically. "Everyone be careful, we're entering the area where fierce beasts are active," he said.
Zhou Hongbo subconsciously retreated a step, then seeing Baili Bing's disdainful gaze, he had no choice but to brace himself and charge to the front.
Before long, a tragic scene unfolded before their eyes. In a clearing within the forest lay a fierce beast of immense size.
A deep hole had been gouged in its neck, and the blood had not yet dried, still gushing out, staining the earth a vibrant red, spreading wider and wider.
Around the beast lay several corpses. Some had their necks bitten off, others were severed at the waist, their intestines and vital organs pulled out.
The strong smell of blood, coupled with the terrifying atmosphere, spread relentlessly, leaving a profound impact on everyone's hearts. Some had already vomited.
As if prompted by someone, everyone bowed their heads towards the corpses on the ground before silently departing.
At this point, some people quietly quickened their pace, wanting to catch up with those ahead. If they could converge, their combined strength would minimize casualties.
However, others harbored different intentions. Let those ahead take the risks. Once all obstacles were cleared, wouldn't it be easier for those behind to reap the benefits?
But in the next moment, reality delivered a resounding slap to the face of those with such thoughts.
"Roar!" Amidst a loud roar, a figure suddenly burst out from the side, disappearing into the bushes in a flash.
Everyone only saw a massive tail swishing in the air, leading them to believe it was a giant tiger.
So, the tiger had appeared and then vanished. What had it done?
It was then that everyone discovered with shock that Brother Zhou, who had been leading the way, was gone.
This sudden turn of events brought an unparalleled shock to everyone.
All of them gasped, realizing that danger was everywhere, at all times.
Now, Baili Bing found herself at the very front. A hint of fear flickered across her icy expression.
Mo Qi felt a pang of sympathy and was about to rush to her side.
At this moment, a figure from behind darted forward and positioned himself in front of Baili Bing. "You men are too unchivalrous. Don't be afraid, Miss Baili. I, Tu Xiong, am here to protect you."
As soon as the words left his mouth, a python-like monster poked its head out from the nearby bushes, opening its cavernous maw and revealing four gleaming teeth as sharp as blades. It bit off Tu Xiong's head in one go and then retreated back into the bushes.
Blood spurted like a fountain from Tu Xiong's neck as he fell to the ground with a thud.
Was this the price of showing off? Everyone was stunned into silence. No one dared to step forward anymore. Saving a damsel in distress required strength, after all.
Thus, Baili Bing was once again forced to take the lead. Unbeknownst to them, she was now holding a dagger, her palms slick with sweat.
Suddenly, a dark shadow darted out from the side, its two sharp horns pointed forward, charging directly at Baili Bing. "It's a Sword Bull!" Baili Bing cried out in terror, instinctively dodging to the side.
The Sword Bull was a fierce beast unique to this region. It was as large as a bull, with thick, tough hide and immense strength. However, its most terrifying feature was its two straight horns, angled slightly upwards, like two sharp swords. When attacking, it would lower its head and charge.
Although it was a herbivore, it had a peculiar habit of attacking humans without reason. Its greatest pleasure was to pierce two holes in people.
As Baili Bing dodged rapidly, one of the Sword Bull's horns grazed her clothes. The beast, however, did not intend to let her go. It tilted its head and slammed into her, sending her flying a considerable distance. She landed with a thud, her body making a cracking sound that was painful to hear.
As if provoked, the Sword Bull let out a low growl, tilted its head again, and continued its charge. A person behind Baili Bing, unable to dodge in time, was immediately impaled.
The Sword Bull let out a cry of delight, shook its head, and flung the person impaled on its horn away. It then lowered its head and continued forward.
With this brief respite, those behind managed to dodge and took the opportunity to attack the Sword Bull from the side. Swords and crossbow bolts rained down upon it.
However, the attacks were met with clanging sounds, as if striking diamond or stone. The crossbow bolts slid off, and the swords rebounded.
This barrage of attacks clearly enraged the Sword Bull. It swung its massive head to the side, knocking two more people flying.
As the two people were sent airborne, the Sword Bull lowered its head again and charged at Shen Xiao, who was closest to it. Shen Xiao had been attacking the beast with his bow, but his arrow had caused no damage.
He immediately realized that a direct assault was futile and that he needed to find a way to trap it. With this thought, he quickly unbuckled his pack, preparing to retrieve some rope.
However, caught completely off guard, the Sword Bull charged directly at him.
Shen Xiao's face contorted in shock. The distance was too short to dodge, and he had no means of defense. It seemed he was destined to die.
Just then, a hand reached out and gently gripped one of the bull's horns, as if merely placing it there.
However, the Sword Bull's entire body abruptly halted. Due to the immense momentum, the rear half of its body twisted violently, and the sound of bones cracking could almost be heard.
Then, a fist slammed into the bull's head with a muffled thud, like a thunderclap erupting from beneath the earth.
The bull's head caved in with a horrifying deformation, instantly turning into a bloody mess.
In the next moment, the Sword Bull's entire body was sent flying dozens of feet, snapping trees along its path with a crackling sound.
The Sword Bull's body finally landed in the pile of fallen trees, unmoving and silent.
Everyone stared in stunned disbelief. While they had been struggling to cope, stumbling and falling, they had thought they were doomed. Yet, in the blink of an eye, a shocking reversal had occurred.
When they finally regained their senses, they saw Mo Qi standing in the center, as elegant as a jade tree, his eyes filled with an infinite resolve and determination. A gentle breeze blew, lifting his robes, giving him an ethereal and carefree air.
At this moment, everyone silently lamented their own poor judgment. This person, with his ordinary appearance and quiet demeanor, had hidden his true strength so deeply.
Gazes of admiration converged on him, making Mo Qi feel a little lightheaded.
Jin Dan, however, was long accustomed to such things and paid no mind to the gazes.
Seeing Baili Bing slowly stand up and seemingly unharmed, he walked over to check on the other two who had been thrown. One of them had already managed to sit up, though he seemed unable to stand for a while. However, he appeared to be out of immediate danger.
The other person, who had been thrown further, was still curled up on the ground, groaning in pain, seemingly suffering from severe internal injuries.
"Can you stand up?" Jin Dan asked.
"I can stand, but I'm afraid I can't continue with the assessment," the person said, his face contorted. He grabbed the hand Jin Dan extended and, with Jin Dan's support, shakily stood up.
The attention of the crowd then shifted back to the center of the scene. The person impaled by the bull's horn lay on the ground, no longer breathing.
The person Jin Dan was supporting had declared his withdrawal. However, it was clear that in his current condition, he could not return on his own. As everyone was contemplating a solution, someone stepped forward. "I'll take him back. I want to withdraw too."
Mo Qi's heroic display had evidently shaken him profoundly.
While others were thinking of seeking shelter under a strong tree and clinging to a powerful figure, he had a different thought: "Compared to this person, I am too weak. Victory belongs to people like him. Even if I stayed by his side, I would at best be a burden. If I were lucky, he might lead me out, but if not, he might lead me to my demise. Forget it, I won't gamble. I'll go back and try again in a few years when I'm stronger."
With the problem resolved, everyone naturally welcomed this solution and watched as the person helped the injured man leave.
Shen Xiao suddenly looked at Mo Qi, a hint of respect in his eyes. "May I ask for the esteemed brother's name?"
Mo Qi replied indifferently, "Mo Qi."
"Brother Mo!" the crowd shouted in unison.
Mo Qi waved his hand agitatedly. "Don't call me that. I don't want to die so quickly." Brother Zhou's face flashed in his mind again.
"If you want me to charge ahead, just say so. No need to be so indirect," Mo Qi said indignantly, turning and striding forward.
Baili Bing gazed at his retreating back, a hint of an unusual glint in her eyes. Then, she too began to walk, following closely behind Mo Qi.
Jin Dan immediately sensed something was amiss. "Brother, don't let beauty make you forget your loyalty!" he exclaimed, already lunging forward to walk alongside Mo Qi.
The others, fearing they would fall behind Mo Qi and also wanting to avoid appearing too eager to latch onto him, feigned politeness while secretly jockeying for position, moving forward in succession.
Jin Dan's remark caused a blush to creep onto Baili Bing's face. Fearing discovery, she lowered her head.
Mo Qi, however, teased him by repeatedly patting Jin Dan's head. "What do you mean, 'let beauty make me forget loyalty'? If I walk ahead of all of you, does that mean I'm interested in all of you?"
Jin Dan immediately pleaded, "Brother Mo, Brother Mo, I was wrong, alright? I was wrong!"
Their playful banter eased the tense atmosphere considerably, making the terrifying path seem less daunting.
However, after walking only a short distance, the scene that greeted them plunged everyone's hearts back into a state of dread.
Several more corpses lay on the ground, or rather, a pile of dismembered limbs, as no complete bodies could be found. Hands, feet, and heads were mixed together irregularly, interspersed with colorful internal organs, forming a bloody mess.
Not far away lay the carcass of a wild beast, its neck also pierced, with blood still flowing out.
"There's likely another strong individual ahead," Shen Xiao said to Mo Qi as he stopped to examine the beast's corpse.
Great minds think alike; Mo Qi had the same thought, and he was certain it was that arrogant fellow.
He became even more convinced of his intuition that the person was a gifted cultivator.
However, shouldn't gifted cultivators be welcomed with open arms by any sect? Why would he come here to participate in such an assessment?
"How much further to the edge of the forest?" Mo Qi asked, not responding to Shen Xiao's comment.
"At our current pace, we should reach it in about another hour. However, the area ahead is frequented by demonic beasts, and the path from here on will likely be more difficult and time-consuming," Shen Xiao replied solemnly.
Before Mo Qi could ask further, he continued, "Demonic beasts are more ferocious and powerful than fierce beasts. They are called demonic beasts because, in addition to biting and charging, they possess abilities akin to divine powers, such as spitting fire."
Most of the people present had already done their research and had a general understanding of the dangers involved. However, upon hearing this, their hearts still tightened.
Mo Qi remained silent and turned to walk forward, with the others following closely behind.
As if by unspoken agreement, Baili Bing still walked behind Mo Qi. The others seemed to wisely refrain from competing with her for that position. Only Jin Dan, shamelessly, walked ahead, side-by-side with Mo Qi.
As it turned out, walking at the back was also perilous. Just as everyone was moving forward in silence, a cry of alarm came from behind.
When everyone turned to look, they saw a dark shadow flash by. The person at the very back was dragged into the bushes by something and disappeared.
In such dense woods, once a beast enters the undergrowth, it is almost impossible to find it.