Although the ghostly creatures' attacks had ended for now, the monks and mercenaries had suffered most casualties and were forced to stop and recuperate. Yu Quanzhen didn't say anything. As long as they were within the Magic Forest, they would be affected by the Origin Formation. So, although they had stopped for now, the control of the Time Hourglass continued.
"Where did those foxes hide just now? Why didn't we see them?"
At this moment, the survivors noticed Ming Qi's group. Seeing them emerge unharmed, they were immediately filled with amazement.
"Who knows? We don't have time to worry about that right now. Just getting through this damn forest is one thing, how can we care about anything else?"
Most people had no interest in investigating how Ming Qi and his companions had evaded the ghostly creatures' attacks. Their current concern was how to cross the Magic Forest and reach Mount Osho. Clearly, the situation was far more difficult than expected. Even with Yu Quanzhen's Time Hourglass, the journey was still fraught with danger. Ming Qi didn't get too close to the monks and mercenaries, simply sitting down to rest in a spot not too far from Yu Quanzhen, waiting for them to depart.
At the same time, he silently refined and absorbed the energy stored in the Supreme Diagram.
Although he could resist the erosion of the Origin Formation, with Yu Quanzhen's hourglass at his disposal, Ming Qi was happy to save some effort.
After resting for the better part of an hour, the remaining monks and mercenaries gradually recovered, and someone suggested continuing forward.
They had only reached a third of the Magic Forest, with a considerable distance still to go, and the front was still filled with unknown dangers. While some suggested continuing forward, others suggested withdrawing from the Magic Forest and abandoning the search for the treasure on Mount Osho.
In such a situation, it was natural for some to retreat. Not everyone would risk their lives in a moment of carelessness in the search for treasure.
Moreover, the current situation meant risking their lives on Yu Quanzhen in exchange for leverage to explore for treasure. Clearly, few people truly wanted to stake their lives on someone else.
"Quitting is impossible. The only option is to keep moving forward."
Yu Quanzhen spoke at this moment, his words simple and direct. He would not quit.
His words silenced the monks and mercenaries who had initially considered withdrawing. Yu Quanzhen's statement effectively blocked any path for those who wanted to quit.
The entire Magic Forest was engulfed by the Origin Formation. If they wanted to withdraw but lacked Yu Quanzhen's protection, their chances of survival remained uncertain.
Yu Quanzhen's words had a profound effect, silencing all those who wanted to quit.
"Alright, let's keep moving."
Yu Quanzhen took the lead and stood up, still activating the hourglass, maintaining a steady pace.
Other masters, such as Madam Rose, Long Zhe, Chi Hongyi, and Chu Huaiyuan, leaders of various mercenaries and factions, also silently followed Yu Quanzhen's lead as they continued through the Magic Forest.
However, the journey was remarkably quiet. They traveled for dozens of miles without experiencing any unusual events. They even encountered numerous demonic beasts and monsters, mutated by the influence of their magical bloodline, but none of them attacked. This left the monks, who had been walking with such trepidation, speechless.
After several dozen miles, they had already passed more than two-thirds of the Magic Forest. It wouldn't be long before they would cross the forest and reach the foot of Mount Osho. The monks and mercenaries' desire for treasures quietly flared up again.
"We're almost out. What should we do next?"
Wei Si asked Ming Qi as they walked.
The reason they chose to follow Yu Quanzhen was largely so they could explore the dangers lurking within the forest. Once they were through, there would be no need to travel with them. "Once we're out of the Magic Forest, we'll leave separately. I'll observe the situation at Mount Osho and then decide our course of action."
Ming Qi was being extremely cautious. The Magic Forest alone had already put them on the brink of despair, and the Magic Forest was only the outer reaches of Mount Osho. Who knows what kind of dangers might arise at the foot of Mount Osho?
Ming Qi's plan was actually quite simple. He had the life-saving Supreme Diagram with him, so he didn't have to worry about his life. All he had to do was observe the situation and wait for the best opportunity.
After walking about ten miles, Ming Qi was shocked to notice a dramatic shift in the scenery before him. The once dense primeval forest had now become a vast, expansive corridor, seemingly imbued with an ancient atmosphere. On either side of the corridor lay invisible abysses.
"What is this?"
No one had expected such a thing to appear in such a forest. A vast, endless corridor, something that couldn't possibly exist in a primeval forest, now appeared before their eyes. All the cultivators, including Yu Quanzhen, paused in their tracks.
"There's someone out there!"
Just as everyone paused, speculating, someone suddenly exclaimed.
Everyone's gaze shifted almost simultaneously toward the corridor. Sure enough, at the entrance stood a figure of immense stature, a massive sword strapped to his back, standing quietly.
Seeing everyone's terrified expressions, the sword-bearing figure chuckled and said, "Welcome to my world, the Magic Corridor."
The Magic Corridor?
While no one knew the meaning of the name, one thing was clear: this person's appearance was definitely bringing trouble.
"It's you! You've broken your promise."
Yu Quanzhen said coldly, looking at the unknown sword-bearing figure.
The Sword-Bearer smiled and said, "I didn't disobey you. I promised you to repel the ghost army's attack, and I did. But you chose not to leave. If you continue down, you'll inevitably reach this point. This is the first barrier of Mount Osho, and I won't let you pass no matter what."
If they don't leave, they'll face danger. This seems a very reasonable explanation.
"But as a token of my gratitude for what you told me earlier, I might as well advise you again: Return, or you'll die without a burial place."
The Sword-Bearer's tone was calm, but his words left no room for calm.
Retreat or death—this choice was truly agonizing.
As he spoke, the Sword-Bearer waved his hand, and behind him, a swarm of mutant creatures silently appeared: tigers, wolves, birds, and beasts of all shapes and sizes. Each of these beasts was incredibly aggressive, making them daunting.
"We have no way to retreat."
Yu Quanzhen ignored the Sword-Bearer and charged forward!
Yu Quanzhen led the charge. The monks and mercenaries behind him naturally had no choice but to retreat. They all summoned their magical weapons and life-saving measures, charging forward behind Yu Quanzhen!
"Let's go too!"
Seeing the vast horde of monks and mercenaries charging up the Demonic Corridor, Ming Qi also swiftly advanced and set foot on the corridor!