AWB Chapter 81 Struggle and Turning Point in the Fog
Chapter 81 Struggle and Turning Point in the Fog
The eerie purplish-red mist surged towards them like a raging tide, each wisp seemingly carrying a demonic power capable of devouring everything. Huanmo stared wide-eyed at the approaching mist, his heart filled with despair and resentment. He could clearly feel his spiritual energy draining away, his body growing heavier and heavier, as if a thousand-pound burden was pressing down on him. Each attempt to move a step felt like it was exhausting all his strength.
"Are we going to perish here?" Huanmo sighed inwardly, his gaze sweeping over his companions. Seeing the same fear and helplessness on their faces, his heart clenched painfully. The woman in black bit her lip, her grip on the longsword trembling, yet her eyes still held a stubborn glint. She refused to let this inexplicable mist take her life. The man in white was covered in sweat, his jade flute trembling slightly in his hand. The once melodious tune seemed to have lost its power. He looked anxiously at Huanmo, hoping for some chance of change.
Just as the fog was about to completely envelop everyone, suddenly, a gentle breeze blew in from nowhere. At first, the wind was very weak, carrying a slight coolness, lightly brushing against everyone's cheeks, as if gently soothing their flustered hearts. Then, the wind gradually grew stronger, and began to disperse the pervasive fog. The fog, as if encountering its natural enemy, twisted and struggled, but was still gradually forced back by the wind.
Everyone was stunned for a moment, then hope ignited in their eyes. Huanmo took a deep breath, feeling as if he had regained some strength, and shouted, "Everyone, hurry and walk in the direction of the wind, maybe we can get out of here!" His companions responded and helped each other, struggling to move forward in the direction of the wind.
They walked back along the narrow passage, where the glowing gems on the walls flickered, as if startled by the recent events. The wind howled through the passage, its mournful sound both guiding them and urging them to quicken their pace.
As they walked, a glimmer of light appeared ahead. Unlike the cold, eerie glow of gemstones, this light possessed a warmth and gentleness, like the radiance of the spring sun. Huanmo's heart stirred, and she quickened her pace; the others eagerly followed.
When they emerged from the passage, they found themselves in an unfamiliar valley. The valley was lush with green grass and vibrant flowers, their colorful blossoms swaying gently in the breeze and releasing a delicate fragrance. All around them were towering peaks, their slopes shaded by verdant trees, where birds sang merrily. It was a world apart from the perilous secret door they had just passed through.
Huanmo breathed a sigh of relief, his tension easing considerably. However, he still dared not let his guard down, thinking to himself, "This place seems beautiful, but who knows what dangers it might be hiding? The seven-colored box led us here, it certainly wasn't just to let us admire the scenery." His companions also vigilantly observed their surroundings, not daring to relax their guard in the slightest.
Just then, a slight rustling sound came from the flower bushes not far away. Everyone instantly tensed up, assuming a defensive stance, their eyes fixed on the source of the sound. A girl in colorful clothes slowly emerged from the flower bushes. She had a beautiful face, her eyes sparkling with liveliness and innocence, a gentle smile on her lips, as if all the beauty in the world had been embodied in her.
"Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you." The girl's voice was as clear and melodious as a silver bell, making people feel good about her. Huanmo frowned, stepped forward and asked, "Who are you? Why are you here?" The girl tilted her head slightly, looked at Huanmo, and said with a smile, "My name is Ling'er. I've always lived in this valley. I saw you coming out of that dangerous place and thought I'd come and see if I could help."
Hearing this, the crowd still harbored doubts, but judging from the girl's appearance, she didn't seem to have any ill intentions. The woman in black robes stepped forward and said softly, "We were led here by this seven-colored box, encountering many dangers along the way. We don't know what secrets this box holds." Ling'er, upon hearing this, looked at the seven-colored box, slightly startled, and said, "This box is no ordinary thing. It concerns the safety of this valley and even the outside world. Legend has it that only by unlocking all the secrets of the box can the impending disaster be averted."
Huanmo's heart tightened, and he hurriedly asked, "Do you know how to unlock the secret of this box?" Ling'er gently shook her head and said helplessly, "I only know that this box is related to a mysterious forbidden area deep in the valley. There is an ancient power there, and perhaps we can find clues there. However, that forbidden area is fraught with danger, and few people who go in come out alive."
The group exchanged bewildered glances, caught in a dilemma. Going to the forbidden area was undoubtedly a perilous journey, but if they didn't unlock the box's secret, they feared the unknown calamity might truly befall them, endangering countless lives. Huanmo gritted her teeth and made up her mind, saying, "No matter what, we have to try. We can't just stand by and watch disaster strike." Seeing Huanmo's resolute gaze, her companions all nodded, indicating their willingness to go with her.
Seeing their resolute determination, Ling'er's eyes flashed with admiration. She said, "Then I'll take you there. I'm quite familiar with this valley, and I can be of some help." With that, she led the way.
They walked along the path through the valley, and the further they went, the more eerie the surroundings became. The once bright sky was covered by dark clouds, and the roadside flowers and plants withered and turned yellow, as if all life had been drained from them. A cold wind blew by, making everyone shiver. Huanmo couldn't help but shiver, and the unease in her heart grew stronger.
As they walked, an ancient stone gate appeared ahead, covered with strange patterns and runes, exuding a mysterious and dangerous aura. Ling'er stopped and pointed to the stone gate, saying, "This is it. The forbidden area is behind this stone gate. I can only take you this far. From now on, it's up to you."
Huanmo stared at the stone door, took a deep breath, stepped forward, and reached out to push it open. The instant his hand touched the door, the runes on it suddenly flashed with an eerie light, and a powerful force emanated from it, violently throwing Huanmo away. Huanmo fell to the ground, a trickle of blood escaping from the corner of his mouth, yet his eyes still shone with unyielding spirit.
"What should we do? This stone gate doesn't seem to be letting us in," the man in white said anxiously. The group gathered around Huanmo, staring at the stone gate with furrowed brows. How could they possibly overcome this obstacle and enter the mysterious forbidden area to uncover the secrets of the Seven-Colored Box? Everything was once again shrouded in uncertainty. What dangers and opportunities lay hidden behind that stone gate? No one knew. Only the increasingly gloomy atmosphere enveloped them, weighing heavily on their hearts.