The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 123 Encountering a Horned Monster After Burning the Vines

After agreeing on their plan, the four found a place to rest. However, they were unaware that this seemingly peaceful night actually concealed countless dangers.

In the dead of night, a strange sound suddenly rang out. The four were startled awake and immediately stood up alertly. They looked around but found nothing unusual. However, the eerie sound grew clearer and clearer, as if something was approaching them.

"Quickly, we have to get out of here!" Dugu Xin shouted, feeling a strong sense of unease.

The four quickly packed their belongings, preparing to leave this eerie place. However, as soon as they stood up, they found that their feet seemed to be bound by something, unable to move.

"What's going on?" Chu Ji asked in alarm.

They looked down and discovered that black vines were wrapped around their ankles. These vines had appeared out of nowhere and were tightly binding them.

"Quickly, burn these vines!" He Shihui shouted.

However, when they tried to light the vines, they discovered that the vines seemed to be alive and were able to automatically avoid the flames.

"What should we do?" Ji Mi was sweating profusely with anxiety.

Just then, a cold wind blew by, and the figures of the four people became blurred in the firelight. As if drawn by an invisible force, they slowly walked towards a dark corner on the mountaintop.

They tried to struggle, but found themselves completely powerless against the force. The four could only watch helplessly as they were drawn into that dark corner, their hearts filled with despair and fear.

When they reached that corner, everything suddenly went dark, as if all light had been swallowed up. They could only hear their own heartbeats and the eerie noises coming from all around them.

"Will we die here?" Ji Mi asked, her voice trembling.

"Don't talk nonsense!" Although Dugu Xin was also afraid, he tried his best to remain calm. "We will definitely find a way out."

Just then, a bright light suddenly shone, illuminating their surroundings. They found themselves standing before a huge stone tablet, inscribed with ancient characters and patterns.

"What is this?" Chu Ji asked curiously, leaning closer to take a look.

“These characters… seem to be some kind of incantation,” He Shihui said, frowning.

"A spell? Could these words possibly break our predicament?" Dugu Xin asked.

"Perhaps," He Shihui said uncertainly. "Let's give it a try."

So the four of them began to recite the inscription on the stone tablet. As their recitation grew louder, the surrounding darkness seemed to recede slowly, and the eerie sounds gradually disappeared.

As they finished reciting the last word, a beam of light suddenly descended from the sky, illuminating the entire mountaintop. To their astonishment, they found themselves standing on a vast platform, the edge of which led down a steep mountain path.

"We're saved!" Ji Mi cheered.

The four of them smiled at each other, and their fear and unease vanished with the light.

Meanwhile, a black monster in the distance had already set its sights on them. This black monster was the one that had secretly broken the seal and escaped half a month ago when Ishikawa and the others awakened the elder of the Sleepless Clan.

It had been lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment. And tonight, it finally found its opportunity.

The monster slowly approached the four of them. Its body seemed to be formed from darkness, radiating a suffocating sense of oppression. Its eyes flashed red, as if capable of devouring everything.

Although the four had just escaped one predicament, they immediately found themselves in a new crisis. They felt a strong sense of malice approaching them and couldn't help but shiver.

"Watch out, danger!" Dugu Xin shouted warily.

They immediately assumed a defensive stance, preparing for the impending attack. However, the monster was much faster than they had anticipated. In an instant, it charged at them, its gaping maw snapping open.

The four of them worked together to desperately defend against the monster's attacks. However, the monster was incredibly powerful, and their attacks seemed to have no effect on it.

"This can't go on!" Chu Ji shouted. "We have to think of a way to deal with it!"

Just then, He Shihui suddenly thought of something and shouted, "Quick, use the incantation on the stone tablet!"

The four immediately recalled the incantation they had just recited and began to chant it quickly. As they chanted, the surrounding air seemed to become heavy, and a mysterious power began to gather around them.

The monster seemed to sense the threat of this power; it roared and tried to charge, but its pace slowed considerably.

“How could it be useless?” Jinian said.

"I'm afraid it's because this is a physical monster," Dugu Xin said.

The monster was getting closer and closer, and we could clearly see the bull horns on its head and its enormous body.

They had no choice but to confront it head-on.

The four of them drew their weapons and attacked the monster. However, their attacks did not seem to cause much damage to the monster, only making it pause slightly.

Just then, a black tiger pounced out of the jungle and bit the monster.

The monster cried out in pain, letting out a shrill roar, and flung the black tiger away. It turned its head and glared angrily at the four people, as if it wanted to tear them to pieces.

The black tiger took the opportunity to retreat to the side of the four people, watching the monster warily.

"Thank you for saving us," Lonely Letter said to the black tiger.

The black tiger seemed to understand him and nodded slightly.

“We need to think of a way to deal with it together,” Chu Ji said.

They began to discuss countermeasures, deciding to use the surrounding environment and their weapons to deal with the monster. The black tiger also joined their battle plan, nimbly moving around the monster, looking for opportunities to attack.

After a fierce battle, they finally found the monster's weakness. Lured by the black tiger, the monster revealed an opening, and the four seized the opportunity to attack, successfully defeating the monster.

The monster collapsed to the ground with a dull thud. The four breathed a sigh of relief, finally out of danger.

"Are you the black tiger that Elder Qingfeng possessed? Are you Yao?" Ji Mi asked.

"Do you recognize this black tiger?" Dugu Xin asked.

"About half a year ago, Qi Yuan and I came to the Black Forest. We met Elder Qingfeng there, and this black tiger was with him at the time. Perhaps it can lead us out of the Black Forest," Ji Mi said.

Black Tiger seemed to understand Ji Mi's words. It turned its head and nodded in one direction.

“It said it could take us out,” Ji Mi translated.

The four followed the black tiger, cautiously traversing the Black Forest. They discovered that with the black tiger present, the eerie plants and animals kept their distance from them.

After a long journey, they finally emerged from the Black Forest and arrived at an unfamiliar place.

This is a vast grassland where herds of cattle and sheep graze leisurely under the blue sky and white clouds. In the distance, mountain peaks rise majestically, shrouded in mist, creating a scene resembling a fairyland.

"We're finally out!" Chu Ji shouted excitedly.

The four men looked at each other and smiled, feeling an unprecedented sense of relief and joy. They knew that their safe escape was thanks to Black Tiger's help.

"Thank you, Black Tiger," Lonely Letter said to Black Tiger.

The black tiger nodded slightly, as if in response to their gratitude. Then, it turned and disappeared into the depths of the grassland.

“Further east should be Lanting County,” Ji Mi said.