Chapter 194 Progress Stalled
To make a long story short...
After receiving the notification that the tenth task had been activated again, I resumed my daily routine of living on two separate platforms.
However, unlike before, this time, progress on both sides is very slow.
With the help of the Pegasus, our group was able to quickly approach the Crimson Flame Land. Although the weather became increasingly hot as we went southwest, it was not entirely unbearable.
The main force of Tianma chose to stop halfway.
After all, the further south we went, the hotter the climate became, even though it was winter now. This was unbearable for these long-haired spirit beasts, who were really not used to it. Only a few of them, taking turns carrying us, were still mixed in with the group. But if this continued, these leisurely and easy days would probably come to an end one day.
About a week later, we finally arrived at the southwestern end of the mountain range. With just one step, we were able to officially step into the reddish sand.
However, we could no longer move forward.
A transparent film appeared in front of us, blocking our way.
This abrupt and irrational situation confuses and alarms us. Our Pegasus, which carries us, is also restless, trying to cross it time and again, only to be blocked by that transparent presence.
After calming down Annie and the Pegasus leader, who were the first to discover its existence and were injured as a result, it took me almost half a day to barely glean some information.
As described earlier, the appearance of this thin film is completely illogical. Not only is it invisible to the naked eye, but our senses also fail to detect it.
Its length cuts through the gap between the entire mountain range, its top extending above the clouds and its bottom penetrating deep into the earth. Transparent yet tough, it possesses excellent ductility and slowing properties. Even after enduring several attacks from me and Shenxue combined, we received no feedback whatsoever. In fact, the rebound attacks caused us minor injuries.
Of course, if you approach without any intention to attack, at most you will be gently bounced back to your original position, or after taking steps forward for more than ten minutes, you will turn your head and find that you are still in the same position without moving an inch.
"That's strange. I've never heard Yao-jie or the others mention that something like this exists here."
Hikari, who was casually taking care of the gray wolf, tilted her head in confusion.
An, who was peeking out from the shadow space, also nodded in silence.
I recalled our conversation for a while and was certain that Yao hadn't mentioned this when I asked about the boss's whereabouts.
That's strange.
"Could it be that we missed some information, which is why we discovered this?" I looked up at the sky. "For example, should we wait for these gathered magical turbulence to dissipate?"
Following the direction, Hikari squinted at the air, and after a long while, she let out an "Ah," muttering to herself, "Perhaps?"
It seems she has no idea either.
"It seems that a direct attack is not going to work."
After finishing her morning training—using a transparent membrane as an opponent for stress-based dodging practice—Shinyuki sheathed her sword and walked slowly over. Sweat poured from every open pore on her body, but she simply wiped it off casually with the towel around her neck, completely unconcerned.
She took a few small breaths, then took the water bag I handed her and drank it down heartily, letting the water droplets slide down her lips and wet the tightly bound bandage on her chest. She then waved her hand to wipe them away before continuing her conversation.
“I tried attacking with my eyes closed just now, and I could feel that although the strange repulsive force had weakened considerably, it was still there,” Miyuki said calmly. “However, this may also mean that this transparent barrier is not completely unbreakable, but requires a certain amount of skill.”
"If one day I can reach the level of clarity and stillness that the [Sword Saint] taught me, I might be able to see through this illusion and easily leap to the other side."
“Let’s not discuss those distant goals for now,” I said, spreading my hands. “The problem now is that we need to get through here as soon as possible and enter the Crimson Flame Land.”
“You’re just too impatient, that’s why you can’t smoothly advance to a higher level,” Shen Xue said calmly.
I instinctively retorted, "Isn't it because your mind isn't calm enough that you can't reach the state of perfect tranquility?"
As soon as I said it, I knew I was in trouble. I saw Shenxue's two willow-leaf eyebrows immediately rise, and her icy gaze fixed on me, as if she was about to get angry.
But in the end, she showed no sign of anger, and her expression returned to its usual calm. She nodded slightly and said, "You're right. I need to maintain a peaceful state of mind as much as possible so that I can comprehend it smoothly."
As soon as she finished speaking, Shen Xue picked up her long sword and walked towards a large rock not far away. She lightly leaped to the top and sat cross-legged in meditation.
Hikari, who had been observing from the sidelines, shook her head and chuckled, "Let's apologize later. Let Miss Miyuki have some peace and quiet first."
I slumped against the rock, shaking my head. "Sorry, I was too hasty these past few days."
"It's not entirely Mr. Yumi's fault. After all, anyone would feel anxious if they suddenly encountered such a change."
Hikari patted the gray wolf's side twice, watching it shake its groomed fur and nimbly approach Annie's body. With a smile, she pulled out a familiar wooden comb, then put her legs together and gently patted the back of her legs twice.
I couldn't help but stare blankly, and quickly turned my face away: "W-what are you doing?"
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
