Chapter 123 In the Woods

The temperature in the mountains dropped rapidly as the sun set, and the air was filled with the scent of grass and trees.

The roar of the diesel engine was particularly jarring in the quiet mountain forest, startling several birds that were roosting at night.

It flapped its wings and darted into the inky sky, leaving behind only a few urgent cries.

Gangzi flapped its wings and echoed in a strange, quacking tone.

'Zhizhi' disdainfully pulled off a vine, rolled up a handful of fruit, and stuffed it into its noisy beak.

The electricity was switched on, and dim yellow light seeped from the dilapidated temple windows, spreading a warm hue in the thick night.

From afar, the faint light hung alone in the forest.

Meanwhile, five kilometers away on the winding mountain road, dozens of dark figures were slowly moving along the guardrail.

The tattooed man at the head of the group suddenly kicked the railing.

"Huang Yang, didn't you fucking say it was only a half-hour walk?" The tattooed man irritably ripped open his collar.

Huang Yang smiled ingratiatingly and pointed to the ravine: "Biaozi, we drove past here this afternoon, it's about a ten-minute drive. Walking would definitely be a bit much longer..."

Biaozi: "I hope we can snag that RV this afternoon!"

"Shut up!" The man in the middle suddenly stopped, the moonlight illuminating the scars running across his face and etched on his nose. "Let's stay at the temple Huang Yang mentioned first. We'll set up roadblocks and rob any passing cars!"

Biaozi laughed loudly: "The boss is right, just snatch it."

......

Inside the temple, Gu Qi subtly moved his fingertips, filling a basin with water.

Gangzi perched on Gu Qi's shoulder, its beak pecking lightly. Its ice-based powers flowed, instantly freezing the water's surface.

In no time, ice blocks were placed all around, and with the addition of fans, the chilling air mixed with the cool breeze from the fans completely dispelled the heat.

Inside the courtyard, Chi Yanzhou and Chi Yi's figures intertwined, their fists flying fiercely.

Chi Yi spun around to dodge the attack and blocked it with his backhand, but was forced back half a step by Chi Yanzhou's elbow strike. Both of them were focused and neither of them left any room for maneuver.

Some sat or leaned against the eaves in the courtyard, eating fruit and watching the two practice.

The three Lu siblings sat in a corner on the other side.

Inside the main hall, the flame of the eternal lamp flickered slightly, and Wen Qing knelt on a prayer mat...

He Zhuo picked up a blueberry, glanced at Wen Qing's retreating figure, and sighed softly, "Before the apocalypse, I scoffed at feudal superstitions..."

Gu Qi glanced at him sideways: "Who was that person who knelt for a long time in the God of Wealth Hall when I accompanied your grandmother to the temple last time?"

He Zhuo retorted confidently, "I don't like alcohol or women, so what if I'm greedy for money?"

Gu Wan: "Stop talking nonsense. Did you even learn a single move from Brother Yanzhou and Brother Chiyi?..."

He Zhuo called out into the courtyard, "Brother Yan, you and Brother Chi take a break, let us practice!"

He turned to look at Gu Qi and the others: "Who's coming with me?"

Ji Xian: "I'll do it!"

......

Lu Beiye stood close to Lu Nange, the child's thin shoulders slightly leaning forward, his eyes fixed intently on the figures practicing in the arena.

Lu Nange closed her eyes and concentrated, sorting out the system rewards deep in her mind. When she opened her eyes, she saw her younger brother's yearning eyes.

"Want to learn?" she asked, looking down.

Lu Beiye nodded.

Lu Xici: "Then will your brother teach you in a bit?"

The child pursed his lips, considering how to tactfully avoid hurting his older brother's feelings: "Brother, you might..."

Lu Xici cut him off decisively: "Fine, I can't beat you..."

At the corner of the table, Zhizhi and Gangzi were huddled together, munching on fruit with gusto.

Lu Nange flipped her palm and fed the new strength pills into the mouths of the two brothers.

Lu Xici: [Nan Nan is too lazy to even make up excuses now.]

Lu Beiye: [I'll eat whatever my sister feeds me!]

After the two swallowed, Lu Nange stuffed the newly acquired Marrow Cleansing Pill into Lu Xici's mouth.

The pills melt in your mouth...

Lu Xici... [Why are there two this time?]

In the center of the field, Ji Xianzheng threw He Zhuo over his shoulder.

Lu Xici suddenly froze—thick black mud was seeping out of his pores, glistening oily in the moonlight.