Chapter Forty-One: The Enigmatic Forest

Everything seemed to have vanished into thin air. Thunderous applause erupted from the audience, and everyone was full of admiration for Jiang Feng’s strength. Li Chen, looking like a defeated dog, was taken away by his own attendants, casting several venomous glances at Wang Yingying before leaving, which left her feeling unsettled.

With an effortless leap, Jiang Feng landed beside Wang Yingying. Her cheeks flushed, her heart racing, and the crowd believed they were a perfect pair, golden boy and jade girl. Jiang Feng glanced at Wang Yingying, slightly embarrassed, still savoring the events of the moment.

Surrounded by well-wishers, Jiang Feng and Wang Yingying returned to Wang Family Manor, which was adorned with lanterns and decorations. Not only had Jiang Feng won the challenge, but he had also repelled Li Chen, further solidifying his standing in Old Master Wang’s heart.

“Feng’er, what do you think about your marriage to Yingying?” asked the old master.

Jiang Feng scratched his head, unsure what to say. Perhaps after the ordeal, he realized his feelings for Wang Yingying weren’t as hurriedly formed as he thought. The divine beast nestled beside Jiang Feng like a gentle bird, accentuating Wang Yingying’s stunning beauty. If only such a scene could last forever.

“I leave everything to your judgment, Old Master,” Jiang Feng replied. With those words, he tacitly agreed to the marriage. Old Master Wang was delighted. If he entrusted the Wang Family Manor to Jiang Feng, it would surely become a renowned estate, bustling with life. The union with the Jiang family could bring even greater benefits.

“Very well! We shall hold the wedding in a month’s time. Perhaps we should invite your family to join the celebration,” said Old Master Wang.

Jiang Feng nodded, then shook his head. He wasn’t sure how to explain things to his father, and he didn’t want the family’s affairs to be delayed because of him. Besides, none of his older brothers were married yet—such special treatment might arouse jealousy. Though his strength could support the family, he felt it best to proceed cautiously.

Seeing Jiang Feng’s hesitation, Old Master Wang didn’t press further. Such matters were best left to the young. His own task was simply to await the marriage, then pass the manor to Jiang Feng. If Jiang Feng devoted himself to cultivating the secret arts, he would receive the family’s secret manual, rumored to help achieve the tenth level of the Underworld Practitioner—a feat admired by all. Yet the necessary prerequisite was reaching the ninth level, and many were in awe of the manual. With Jiang Feng’s talent, he was sure to succeed, making Old Master Wang the father-in-law of the world’s first Underworld Practitioner—a source of pride.

Jiang Feng had no idea of Old Master Wang’s ambitions. In truth, he cared little for such matters. Wang Yingying’s lively spirit brought color to his life of vengeance and cultivation; he could wish for nothing more. If he asked for more, he feared fate would take it away.

Everything seemed to be proceeding smoothly. Jiang Feng was quite happy these days, but joy is always fleeting. Three days before the wedding, Old Man Yichen arrived unannounced.

Yichen, an eccentric, burst into Jiang Feng’s room in the middle of the night. Jiang Feng heard the commotion, leapt from his bed, and grabbed his weapon, ready for combat.

“Jiang Feng, child, why are you always so quick to fight?” Yichen waved his hand, and Jiang Feng’s weapon returned to its original place.

Jiang Feng could only sigh, unsure of Yichen’s purpose. Sensing Jiang Feng’s suspicion, Yichen said, “Do you think I’ve come here in the middle of the night just for a chat? What’s on your mind, boy?”

Jiang Feng did indeed wonder why the master would break in at such an hour; it wasn’t his usual style. Alert, Jiang Feng watched Yichen closely. Yichen smiled, “Silly boy, I’ve come to congratulate you on your wedding—believe it or not.”

Jiang Feng shook his head, not believing it. Yichen, like a child, agreed with him. “If you did believe me, I’d find it odd.”

“So what are you really here for?” Jiang Feng blurted out the question, as if it had been waiting inside him.

“Help me retrieve the Blood Fiend Fruit,” Yichen revealed his true purpose.

Jiang Feng threw up his hands in resignation. In three days, he was to marry Wang Yingying; how could he go on such a quest now? Besides, he had no desire to fetch the Blood Fiend Fruit; how could he abandon his beloved?

“Master Yichen, could I go after the wedding?” Jiang Feng asked humbly, knowing Yichen would not let him off easily otherwise.

“No. You and Wang Yingying must depart for the Forest of Mystery the day after tomorrow. You’ll have a day to prepare; I will handle matters with the Wang Family Manor. If you don’t obey, you know the consequences. Two days from now, you will set out, and I will send you to the Forest of Mystery,” Yichen said, then vanished from the room.

Jiang Feng felt bullied, like a duck forced onto a perch. Yichen was always eccentric and never failed to carry out his words. Perhaps tomorrow his words would be confirmed. Since there was no alternative, Jiang Feng found comfort in Wang Yingying’s companionship; as long as she was with him, the journey would not be lonely.

The next day, Yichen informed Old Master Wang of the arrangement. The old master couldn’t understand why the two children were to venture into the Forest of Mystery, but the master’s words must have reason. Yichen even joked that if they survived the ordeal, they would have countless offspring. Old Master Wang, persuaded by Yichen, had the steward recall all wedding invitations, postponing the wedding, disappointing many who had anticipated the event.

Both the Wang Manor and Jiang Feng were easy for Yichen to handle, but Wang Yingying was another matter. Upon learning she had been “sold” by Yichen and was to journey to the mysterious forest, she nearly tore down his home. Yichen had to plead and reason to soothe her anger. He insisted that Jiang Feng bring Wang Yingying along. Yingying, ever fond of adventure, was satisfied to see the world with Jiang Feng; as long as his heart was with her, marriage was only a matter of time.

After packing their belongings, the two prepared to depart. Before they left, Old Master Wang called them over, wishing them well and urging them to support each other. Wang Yingying, now like a little girl, obeyed Jiang Feng’s arrangements in all things, making him feel somewhat embarrassed.

The day to enter the Forest of Mystery arrived. Jiang Feng and Wang Yingying went early to Yichen’s dilapidated temple. As soon as they entered, they sensed a force guiding them. Wang Yingying found the mysterious energy intriguing. Upon entering Yichen’s room, they discovered he had already prepared the barrier, ready to transport them.

“You both arrived right on time, and brought your little companion,” Yichen remarked, glancing at Jiang Feng’s divine beast.

The pair remained silent. Yichen then explained many things, giving Wang Yingying several elixirs and three silk pouches, to be used only in times of trouble. The pouches would help them through difficulties. Wang Yingying quickly stowed them, as if she had found treasure.

Jiang Feng was grave, for the journey would be perilous. He would need to care not only for himself but also for Wang Yingying. Yichen explained that the divine beast could use all its powers in the Forest of Mystery and would aid them when needed, which comforted Jiang Feng.

“Master Yichen, why are we going to the Forest of Mystery?” Wang Yingying asked, her suspicion confounding Yichen. Yichen glanced at Jiang Feng, who gently stroked Wang Yingying’s hair. “Girl, I’m here. As long as you follow me, there’s nothing else to worry about.”

Jiang Feng’s tender words left Wang Yingying utterly enchanted.

“All right, the time to connect with the Forest of Mystery’s barrier has come. The journey will be fraught with danger; be careful. If anything happens, don’t panic—I will do my best to rescue you.”

Determined, Wang Yingying and Jiang Feng joined hands, spreading their arms. Before them, in Yichen’s mirror, the Forest of Mystery appeared. Yichen cast a spell, opening the gateway. The two stepped through as if crossing into another world, vanishing from Yichen’s meditation chamber.

Seeing them gone, Yichen, assured the transmission was successful, sat down at ease. Though perilous, this journey was their trial; whether fortune or disaster awaited them depended on their fate.