19 Petrifaction Martial Spiri (1/2)
A huge ancient tree appeared in Luo Hao's view. Dozens of meters high, it was so thick that it would need ten people to circle it hand in hand. The leaves almost covered the entire sky above.
Luo Hao suddenly stopped walking and released Mu Yu Die, then gazed at the ancient tree. His expression was uncertain and he seemed to be making a crucial decision.
As Zhao Xin, Di Yalan, and Hu Long came near the ancient tree, their faces turned serious as well as if they knew there was something unusual about this tree.
Shi Yan frowned, and he began to stare at this huge tree too without saying a word.
Luo Hao took a deep breath and turned to them, speaking in a low voice: ”To the right side of this Sky Tree, there are hardly any demon beasts, so most warriors and trade caravans choose this way when they cross the Dark Forest. This route is quite safe. Even if we encounter some demon beasts, they would be of low level - Level One or Level Two. And this route is closer to the Merchant Union, merely taking ten days to get there.”
Zhao Xin and the other two nodded. Apparently, they all knew the situation.
After pausing for a while, Luo Hao added in a serious manner, ”But to the left of the Sky Tree, the situation is entirely different! Not only is it a longer way to the Merchant Union, but it's also haunted with demon beasts and many audacious warriors and soldiers. Those who dare to go this way are all tough guys. Being in danger all the time, they have no restrictions of any kind. If we choose this way, we will need to look out for not only demon beasts, but also for those irrational warriors and soldiers, especially when we have two pretty girls here among us...”
”Humph! Anyone who would want to take advantage of me, I will chop his head off!” Di Yalan made a cutting motion in the air, with coldness in her beautiful eyes.
”Uncle Luo, what do you think?” Zhao Xin asked carefully.
”If we advance towards safe route on the right, those from the Dark World will catch up in approximately one day and there will inevitably be a nasty fight.” With a grim expression, Luo Hao said in frustration, ”No one knows if we will be lucky enough in these upcoming days, plus, our enemies might have gained aid. And if we are to encounter them again, it doesn't bode well for us...”
”What about going to the left?” Hu Long asked.
”Demon beasts, evil-minded warriors, and mercenaries often wander on that side. If we go to the left, we would have to face demon beasts, and more likely, we will be killed by some insane warriors. However, the dangers we will face will also be faced by those from the Dark World. They have a bad reputation, and usually, hardly anyone will go against them in the Fire Empire. But in here, there will be many who will want to seek trouble with them. If they accidentally meet high-level demon beasts, it's possible that they all will be killed...”
Luo Hao made his speech slowly, and after explaining them the situation, he remarked, ”To go via the right side, we won't be confronting any demon beasts or warriors, but the Dark World will be a huge threat. To the left, we may be attacked by demon beasts and warriors, but the Dark World might suffer worse than we will. Therefore, we have a greater possibility of escaping on the left route.”
”Go to the left then!” Mu Yu Die said decisively.
”Okay.” Luo Hao nodded, lastly he took a glance at Shi Yan, and said, ”Hey kid, there is still time for you to leave. Leave now... or you will lose your chance.”
”I will go with you guys.” Shi Yan had made up his mind. There was a very irrational side in his personality. Otherwise, he wouldn't have drowned himself in games of death like those extreme sports for ten years of his life.
When Luo Hao was depicting the danger of the left side, Shi Yan was already excited.
Luo Hao nodded and waved his arm, ”Well, let's set off. From now on, everyone must be on full alert!”
---
One hour later.
Mo Chaoge and the warriors from the Mo family also stopped at the Sky Tree.
”Second Uncle, which way would they have chosen?” Mo Yanyu asked.
”I will take the right route. If I don't come back in two hours, you guys will catch up through this route. However, if I don't find them in two hours, then they should have taken the left route.” Mo Chaoge thought for a while and ordered them to wait at the intersection, while he flew away by himself to the right side.
After one and a half hours, Mo Chaoge came back with a dark expression, ”Not even a slightest sign of these people. They actually dared to take the left route! Everybody watch out! There are many demon beasts and madmen roaming on the left route. Never be negligent! Remember, don't make a fuss with those warriors and soldiers. To hunt demon beast for money, these people are all lunatics. Try not to provoke these people who are fearless against death.”
”Yes, sir!”
”Let's go!”
---
Three Saber-toothed Rhinos were strolling along a brook leisurely. They were Level-3 demon beasts. A silver glow shone on their backs, their teeth were as sharp as swords, while their fist-sized brown eyes glittered with a malicious look. The three rhinos were all covered by hard dried mud, which formed a natural armor, through which any normal weapon would find hard to cut.
The three Saber-toothed Rhinos were sipping water now and then, while looking around discreetly, seemingly to be looking for prey.
In the bushes not far from them, Luo Hao made a gesture to imply everybody to be quiet.
After the three Saber-toothed Rhinos walked away slowly, Luo Hao finally uttered a sigh of relief. He said, ”Saber-toothed Rhinos are Level-3 demon beasts, equaling to Human Realm Warriors. They move fast and have sharp tusks. Against Saber-Toothed Rhinos, low leveled warriors would either be crippled or killed.”
Shi Yan kept wandering his cold eyes over those slowly disappearing rhinos, his expression showed an interest in a fight with them.
”Rather than killing the demon beasts here, our goal is to protect Die. I hope everybody remembers this! Don't bring up any unnecessary ramifications.” Luo Hao seemed to have noticed Shi Yan's thoughts, and thus reminded them casually.
Shi Yan grinned and nodded to show he understood.
”Let's keep going, we need to be careful here. To keep an eye on the surroundings is more important than rushing forward. Try to get away from demon beasts and warriors. Don't get ourselves in trouble.” Luo Hao added. Then, he leads the troop to keep progressing forward.
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