21. The Misty Forest

When Lu Feng saw Feng Saki, he was somewhat surprised. This was the second time he had encountered Feng Saki—the first had been on the night Liu Dazhuang sacrificed himself.

Lin Doudou and the lead Timewalker stared in disbelief when they saw Feng Saki; the leader even rubbed his eyes vigorously, only to find it really was him.

Ten years had passed, and that man had returned.

“How did you end up here?” Lu Feng looked at Feng Saki, his voice wary.

Although the director had told him that Feng Saki had been found specifically for his sake, Lu Feng still felt uneasy. His mental strength was frail now—any unexpected turn could spell disaster.

“Of course, I came to find you,” Feng Saki replied, never once glancing at the others, his gaze fixed solely on Lu Feng.

“Why are you looking for me?”

“Isn’t it obvious? If I’m here for you, there must be something I want.”

No sooner had Feng Saki spoken than Azure Helm stepped between Lu Feng and him, his expression vigilant.

“Hmm? Who’s this?” Feng Saki pointed at Azure Helm, questioning.

“My name’s Azure Helm. He’s my boss. What are your intentions?” Azure Helm demanded fiercely.

The once harmonious atmosphere instantly grew tense, a chilling hostility hanging in the air. Everyone except Feng Saki felt the oppressive mood, anxiety rising among them.

Lin Doudou and the lead Timewalker knew Feng Saki, but Azure Helm had not yet crossed over when Feng Saki had departed, so he had no idea who Feng Saki was.

Had he known Feng Saki could summon storms, he probably wouldn’t have stood so brazenly now.

“You…don’t know me?” Feng Saki pointed to himself, his tone somewhat dejected.

“Why should I? All I know is, if you want to harm my boss, you’ll have to walk over my corpse first,” Azure Helm declared proudly.

Lin Doudou and the Timewalker exchanged helpless glances.

Brother, even ten of you together couldn’t defeat him.

Feng Saki laughed, snorting with amusement. “Well, I didn’t expect you’d pick up such a loyal follower in just a few days.”

“Who are you calling a follower?” Azure Helm retorted sharply, ready to act.

“It’s all right. He won’t hurt me,” Lu Feng said, forcing himself to stand and patting Azure Helm’s shoulder.

Truthfully, Azure Helm had twice stepped in front of him, and Lu Feng felt a strange sense of gratitude.

This big fellow was indeed righteous.

Hearing Lu Feng’s words, Azure Helm finally eased aside, half-supporting Lu Feng.

“You can’t go on like this. You’re too weak,” Feng Saki teased.

---

Azure Helm’s expression darkened again at the remark, his jaw clenched as he glared fiercely at Feng Saki.

Lu Feng did not argue. He simply nodded, knowing full well his own weakness.

“You mentioned the Death Singer earlier—what exactly is that?”

“The Death Singer is the master of the Misty Forest. He lives by song; his songs are his seeds. Many years ago, in District Three, there was a boy who loved singing, and in his life, he composed a single, peerless song.”

“But because of his family’s traditions, they saw his passion as a waste and forced him to swear never to sing again, threatening to expel him if he did. Heartbroken, the boy took his own life before his family, to prove his resolve. After death, he fused his soul into his composition, creating a unique song—the Death Chant.”

“After the boy died, his spirit drifted into the Misty Forest with that song. Whenever the song is sung, the pain of his life returns to him, and he searches through the mist for others who love music, drawing them in and teaching them to sing.”

Feng Saki shook his head gently as he spoke.

“Are those drawn into the mist still alive?” Lin Doudou was concerned for the victims.

“Of course. They’re simply trapped by the song, unable to escape.”

“That’s not right.” Lu Feng spoke, drawing everyone’s attention.

“First, why does he only trap those who’ve crossed over? Second, why does he imprison them? Third, how do you know all this?”

He asked three questions. Feng Saki looked at him and smiled, the smile strangely unsettling.

The others found themselves unnerved by his expression.

“Not bad. Even in your weakened state, you’re still so calm,” Feng Saki said, his tone tinged with admiration.

“For your first question, he only draws in crossers because only they can enter the mist; ordinary people cannot. For the second, he traps them to build his own forces. As for the third—I’ve been there myself. I even fought him.”

Feng Saki’s explanation showed no flaws.

“Where is the Misty Forest?” Lu Feng pressed on.

“Beyond the Dark Forest lies the Misty Forest. Do you want to go?” Feng Saki asked coolly.

“Yes,” Lu Feng replied without hesitation.

“You can’t go yet.”

“Why not?”

“You’re too weak.”

Lu Feng was speechless; so this was what Feng Saki had been waiting for.

“Don’t worry, they won’t die. Besides, they were all taken three days ago. To draw in so many at once, he must intend to lie low for a while. After all, even he has things he fears.”

“I’ll take you there,” Feng Saki said, as if giving Lu Feng a reassurance.

---

“Then why don’t you rescue them yourself?” Azure Helm, unwilling to let Lu Feng take risks, asked directly.

“I can’t go alone. Last time, I was dragged in against my will. There are many mirror realms inside; most who enter never return. I was able to leave because…”

As Feng Saki spoke, his face grew dark and pained.

“Because of what?” Lu Feng prompted.

“Because my father agreed to exchange his crossing talent for my return. He was possessed by someone inside.”

Lu Feng regretted his question, seeing Feng Saki’s agony. “I’m sorry,” he said.

Feng Saki forced a painful smile at Lu Feng and shook his head slightly.

“One last question—how can I become stronger?”

“Find the path you’re meant to walk.”

That kind of answer again.

The monk said only he knew his mission; the beggar said to become stronger, one must find his own path.

A whole crowd of mystics.

“Liu Dazhuang…”

Lu Feng wanted to speak with Feng Saki about Liu Dazhuang, because he’d seen Feng Saki save him in the space mirror.

“The director already told me. He died for someone he thought worthy—a true man! But his teammates were the stuff of legend—legendary fools,” Feng Saki replied calmly.

“Did the director blame you for killing your own people?” Lu Feng asked curiously.

“They struck first.”

Well then. You’re formidable! Lu Feng could only shake his head.

“Xiao Mu…”

Feng Saki sighed, complaining, “Are you ever done? If you’re not tired, I am, and so are the others. Let’s go home!”

Only then did Lu Feng realize the others were standing around waiting for their conversation to end. His face flushed, and he led the group back to the SUV.

Reaching the vehicle, Lu Feng suddenly remembered something.

“Azure Helm, get out. You’re not allowed to drive anymore.”

“Okay,” Azure Helm grumbled as he climbed out of the driver’s seat. Lin Doudou seized the chance to slip in behind the wheel.