Chapter 151: ‑151: Southern Frontier Forbidden Land

Without noticing, a night passed.

The Gu Tribe Land was silent, with no trace of the Holy Sect at all.

Morning sunlight filtered through the broken windows, spilling in and bringing a hint of life to the desolate Gu Tribe Base. Jiangnan stood by the courtyard wall, his gaze scanning the surroundings warily. Caili and Li Qing sat against the wall, their faces still weary.

Jiangnan turned and walked toward the two, his voice low: "Continuously hiding isn't a solution; we must take the initiative and find the Holy Sect Lair."

Caili looked up at Jiangnan, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes: "But Li Qing's injury…"

Li Qing waved a hand, cutting in: "My wound is no longer a hindrance; you don't need to worry about me."

Jiangnan nodded, his gaze landing on Caili: "You're most familiar with Nanjiang; do you know where the Holy Sect is?"

Caili stood, her brows knit: "According to the intelligence I have, they are likely hidden in the Southern Frontier Forbidden Land."

"Southern Frontier Forbidden Land?" a spark of insight flashed in Jiangnan's eyes. "Where exactly is it located?"

Caili stepped into the courtyard, drawing a simple map on the ground with a branch: "This is our current position; heading southwest for about three days will bring us to the edge of the Southern Frontier Forbidden Land."

Jiangnan crouched, studying the map closely, his brows slightly furrowed: "What's the situation inside the Forbidden Land?"

Caili shook her head: "The specifics are unclear; that place has always been the most mysterious part of Nanjiang. It's said few who enter ever come out alive."

Jiangnan stood, his gaze resolute: "No matter how dangerous, we must go. Only by finding the Holy Sect Lair can we fully resolve our current predicament."

Caili bit her lip and said firmly: "I'll go with you."

Jiangnan turned his head toward Li Qing: "Your wound isn't fully healed; stay here."

Li Qing shook his head, struggling to stand: "No, I'm going too. I may not be much help, but it's better than just waiting here."

Jiangnan was silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "Fine, we'll go together. But you must be extra careful on the road."

The three tidied up briefly and prepared to set out. Caili fetched some dried rations and handed them out. Jiangnan inspected his weapons, ensuring they were ready for any sudden trouble.

"Let's go," Jiangnan whispered, taking the first step out of the courtyard.

Caili and Li Qing followed closely, and the three moved cautiously through the ruins of the Gu Tribe Base. In the sunlight, the broken walls cast long shadows, as if recounting the place's former glory.

Leaving the base, the three entered a dense jungle. Jiangnan led, watching the surroundings alertly. Caili stayed close behind, occasionally glancing back at Li Qing.

"Watch your footing," Jiangnan warned, "the terrain here is complex and easy to slip on."

Caili nodded, supporting Li Qing as they moved carefully. The forest light was dim, the air thick with dampness. Occasionally, startled birds and beasts fled, breaking the silence.

"Jiangnan," Caili whispered, "what do you think the Holy Sect actually wants to do?"

Jiangnan kept walking, his voice low: "I'm not sure, but it's certainly not good. Their actions are too bizarre; they seem to be plotting some grand conspiracy."

Li Qing interjected: "Could it be related to that mysterious ruin?"

A thoughtful look passed through Jiangnan's eyes: "It's possible. But without solid evidence, we can't jump to conclusions."

The three pressed on, the jungle thinning. Ahead, a swift creek appeared; Jiangnan halted, turning to Caili: "We need to cross this stream. You support Li Qing while I scout ahead."

Caili nodded in agreement, carefully guiding Li Qing to the bank. Jiangnan stepped into the water, the icy feel invigorating him. After thoroughly checking the bottom for danger, he signaled to Caili and Li Qing.

The three waded through cautiously, their damp clothes clinging uncomfortably. Jiangnan kept a vigilant eye on the surroundings, ensuring no pursuers.

After crossing the creek, the three reached an open clearing. In the distance, a chain of mountains shrouded in mist rose like a fairyland.

"That's the direction of the Southern Frontier Forbidden Land," Caili said, pointing ahead, "we still have a long way to go."

Jiangnan nodded, his gaze firm: "No matter what dangers lie ahead, we must press on. Only by finding the Holy Sect Lair can we unravel all the mysteries."

Caili watched Jiangnan's determined profile and felt a surge of respect. She knew that no matter how many hardships lay ahead, as long as Jiangnan was there, she had the courage to keep moving.

Li Qing inhaled deeply, forcing his body's discomfort aside, and matched their pace. He silently resolved not to be a burden and to contribute to exposing the Holy Sect's plot.

The three kept moving toward unknown peril. The sun grew increasingly scorching, soaking their clothes with sweat. Jiangnan paused intermittently, scrutinizing the surroundings to avoid Holy Sect ambushes.

"We need to speed up," Jiangnan whispered, "we must find a safe place to spend the night before darkness falls."

Caili and Li Qing nodded silently, gritting their teeth as they quickened their steps. The mountain path was rugged, alternating between steep and gentle. The three supported each other, advancing cautiously.

Suddenly, Jiangnan halted abruptly, raising a hand to signal the others to be silent. He scanned the area warily, as if sensing a dangerous presence.

"What's wrong?" Caili whispered, her heartbeat quickening.

Jiangnan gave no reply, instead slowly crouching to examine the ground. Beneath an inconspicuous leaf lay an almost invisible fine thread.

"A trap," Jiangnan whispered, "looks like we've entered the Holy Sect's sphere of influence."

Caili inhaled sharply, and Li Qing nervously scanned the surroundings. Jiangnan carefully sidestepped the trap, signaling the others to follow.

"From now on, we must be extra cautious with every step," Jiangnan warned, "the Holy Sect's people could be nearby."

The three pressed on, their steps even more careful. Jiangnan paused now and then to check the surroundings, ensuring they didn't fall into Holy Sect snares. As they went deeper, traps and hidden weapons multiplied, making each step heart‑stopping.

As dusk fell, Jiangnan finally found a concealed cave. The three slipped inside and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Let's rest here tonight," Jiangnan said, "I'll stand watch; you two sleep first."

Caili wanted to object, but seeing Jiangnan's steadfast gaze, she nodded in agreement. She and Li Qing found a relatively flat spot to lie down and soon fell into a weary sleep.

Jiangnan sat at the cave entrance, his eyes alert as they stared into the darkness outside. He knew tomorrow would bring greater challenges; before that, he needed to replenish his spirit.

At that moment, a chilling, mournful scream ripped through the silent night sky.