Chapter 117: Overnight
The night, like a vast sheet of black silk, gently yet irresistibly enveloped the entire Starry Forest.
The quiet moonlight struggled to penetrate the dense, intertwined branches, casting dappled shadows on the ground, like a mysterious abstract painting, adding a touch of eeriness to the ancient forest.
At this moment, the camp was like a lonely island surrounded by darkness. The neatly arranged tents stood like silent guardians, guarding this temporary shelter.
A faint warmth lingered by the extinguished campfire, and the aroma of barbecue gradually faded, leaving only the faint scent of fireworks.
The soldiers, exhausted, had already filed into their tents, seeking a brief moment of peace in their dreams.
However, the occasional roar of wild beasts shattered the night's tranquility, unconsciously tensing everyone's nerves, as if danger were imminent.
Marquis Song Yao wore a tailored black suit, every wrinkle revealing his competence and composure.
The sharp sword at his waist, the gemstones inlaid on its scabbard gleaming with a cold luster in the moonlight.
Beside him, Zhao Wuwei stood tall and straight, his eyes filled with determination and vigilance, like a tiger poised for action, ready to respond to any emergency.
The two men patrolled the perimeter of the camp side by side, their footsteps soft and rhythmic, each step seeming to measure the camp's security perimeter. Within a fifty-meter radius, all trees had been cleared, creating a vast open space.
This clearing served as a natural moat, separating the camp from the unknown dangers of the forest.
Within the camp, several tall trees stood silently, their branches swaying gently in the breeze.
At regular intervals along this open barrier, bonfires meticulously built of stones stood.
The stones themselves were clearly the product of soul power; otherwise, where else could one find so many square stones in the forest?
The blazing flames danced freely, emitting a bright and warm glow that not only illuminated the patrolling soldiers' path but also dispelled the chill of the night.
The dancing flames acted as an impenetrable barrier, shielding them from the malevolent forces lurking deep within the forest.
Yet, deep within the forest, beyond the reach of the flames, pairs of eyes radiating a faint green light loomed, like flickering will-o'-the-wisp fire in the night sky, a chilling prospect.
Mysterious creatures, hidden in the darkness, silently watched the camp, as if waiting for the right moment to strike.
Marquis Song Yao and Zhao Wuwei slowly advanced along the edge of the camp, their steps light and steady, each one a testament to their careful observation of their surroundings.
"The forest is exceptionally quiet tonight, almost unnaturally quiet," Marquis Song Yao said in a low voice, his gaze fixed on the depths of the forest, as if trying to penetrate the endless darkness and discern the secrets hidden within.
Zhao Wuwei nodded slightly, a hint of nervousness in his eyes. "Yes, Marquis. However, we have made sufficient preparations. Those lurking in the shadows will not dare to approach easily."
His words carried a hint of confidence, yet in the still night, a hint of unease lingered.
The two continued on their journey, occasionally encountering other spirit masters and patrol soldiers.
Each time, Marquis Song Yao would engage in brief but effective conversations, carefully inquiring about the patrol's progress.
To ensure the safety of the camp, the night patrols and security were meticulously arranged.
Several spirit masters, each leading a dozen or so well-trained soldiers, were responsible for patrolling specific areas.
They patrolled the perimeter of the camp with extreme vigilance and focus, never missing a single suspicious sign.
Periodically, another team would arrive to relieve the patrol, ensuring seamless continuity and maintaining close surveillance of the camp's perimeter.
"Thank you all for your hard work. Remain vigilant and don't let down your guard for even a moment," Marquis Song Yao solemnly instructed each patrol group. The
soldiers straightened their backs, their eyes gleaming with determination.
In this perilous forest, even the slightest negligence could lead to irreversible disaster.
As they walked, Marquis Song Yao and Zhao Wuwei encountered a patrol group led by Li Ming.
Li Ming was a young and promising spirit master. Upon seeing Marquis Song Yao, he gave a standard military salute: "Your Excellency, everything is normal." His voice was loud and powerful, but in the quiet night, there was also a subtle hint of nervousness.
Marquis Song Yao nodded slightly, his eyes etched with concern. "Li Ming, have you noticed anything unusual along this stretch?"
Li Ming stood up and replied seriously, "Not yet, Your Excellency. However, we just heard a few strange howlings. They don't sound like ordinary spirit beasts."
A hint of doubt and worry lingered in his eyes, as if those mysterious howlings had cast a deep shadow on his heart.
Marquis Song Yao frowned, his gaze growing more serious. "Well, stay alert. Any danger could arise in this Star Dou Great Forest."
His words carried a hint of warning and awe for the forest.
Li Ming accepted the order and continued forward with his soldiers.
Their figures gradually receded in the moonlight, leaving only the sound of their determined footsteps.
Marquis Song Yao gazed after them and said to Zhao Wuwei, "These young soldiers and spirit masters all have great potential. But in this forest, experience is equally crucial."
His voice was tinged with relief and a hint of worry, as if he was concerned for the future of these young men.
Zhao Wuwei agreed deeply, "Yes, only by experiencing real danger can one grow into a truly powerful person."
The two patrolled for a long time. Marquis Song Yao looked up at the sky and said to Zhao Wuwei and the others, "You all should go and rest. You don't have to accompany me. We're all tired all day. Go get a good night's sleep. Wuwei, you will take my shift later in the night."
There was a hint of fatigue in his voice, but more of it was concern for his subordinates.
The other spirit masters and soldiers saluted and responded, "Yes, Marquis."
Everyone was indeed exhausted, and the shift schedule for this kind of hunting operation was already familiar.
They saluted Marquis Song Yao in turn, then turned back to the camp to rest.
Zhao Wuwei hesitated and said with concern, "Marquis, you are alone—"
Marquis Song Yao waved his hand, his tone firm, "Don't worry, I'm fine. I know this forest like the back of my hand, it will be fine. You rest well, I'll need you later in the night." His
eyes revealed an unquestionable majesty, as well as trust in Zhao Wuwei.
Zhao Wuwei nodded, "Yes, Marquis. I will go and rest first, and I will replace you on time later in the night."
There was a hint of resignation in his voice, but more of a commitment to the mission.
Marquis Song Yao watched Zhao Wuwei leave and sighed softly.
Every hunt was a life-or-death test, and as commander, he shouldered the entire camp's safety, constantly on guard, unable to retreat.
Marquis Song Yao continued his solo patrol of the camp's perimeter, his figure looming tall and solitary in the moonlight.
His gaze was firm and piercing, scanning every corner for hidden danger.
Occasionally, he would stop and listen quietly to the sounds in the forest, trying to discern danger signals from those subtle movements.
During the long patrol, Marquis Song Yao could not help but recall his past hunting experiences.
The scenes of fierce battles with powerful soul beasts seemed to be right before his eyes.
Every victory was inseparable from the bravery and close cooperation of the soldiers.
And there were also large numbers of casualties.
And every casualty made him heartbroken and deeply felt the weight of his responsibility.
Time passed quietly in silence, and Marquis Song Yao still held his ground outside the camp.
His figure looked a little tired in the light of the fire, but he was extremely determined.
Finally, the second half of the night arrived.
Zhao Wuwei arrived at the outskirts of the camp on time to take over the patrol task from Marquis Song Yao.
"Marquis, you go back and rest, and leave the rest to me." Zhao Wuwei's voice was firm and powerful, as if he was promising Marquis Song Yao his responsibility.
Marquis Song Yao nodded. "Okay, be careful. If anything happens, notify me immediately." His voice was a hint of fatigue, but more so, of trust and trust in Zhao Wuwei.
Zhao Wuwei replied firmly, "Yes, Marquis." His eyes revealed confidence and determination, as if he was ready to face any challenge.
Marquis Song Yao turned and walked towards the camp. His steps were a little heavy, but still steady.
After returning to the camp, he washed up briefly and lay down in the tent to rest.