Enchanted Trails: Journey through the Treacherous Forest

Standing in front of the academy, Zi Qian expressed his frustration, "This tool is not working." He sighed, raising the device in his hand as if seeking a signal. Zi Qian then lowered his hand and shook the compass, holding it near his ears in an attempt to troubleshoot the issue. Without uttering a word, Xiao Yang calmly took the golden Enchanted Qi compass from his hand. To Zi Qian's surprise, as soon as Xiao Yang held the device, the previously stationary arrows began to move, indicating a change in the detection of spirit essence.

The arrows gracefully shifted their aim, pointing westward, leading away from the town in the East and towards the concealed backside of the mountain. Despite Elder Xu's stern prohibition against exploring that direction, Xiao Yang abruptly set off towards the west, surprising Zi Qian. Swiftly, Zi Qian chased after him, reaching out to grab Xiao Yang's wrist. "Wait! Venturing there is forbidden," Zi Qian cautioned, releasing Xiao Yang's wrist. Xiao Yang scoffed and turned to face Zi Qian, his tone biting. "Is Yu Xing Xing not your closest friend? Or do you lack the will to find her now?" Xiao Yang's words dripped with sarcasm as he scoffed again and continued ahead. Zi Qian, quiet and perplexed, muttered, "Why is he treating me this way?" Disappointment etched on his face, he folded his hands and whispered, "Oh heavenly gods, protect us. I never meant to defy Elder Xu, but Xing Xing's importance urges me," as he ran after Xiao Yang, determined to keep pace.

They soon arrived at the entrance to the rear of the mountain, where two guards stood watch over the imposing gateway. "What's our plan?" Zi Qian whispered to Xiao Yang, both concealed behind a large tree a few meters from the entrance. However, to his dismay, Xiao Yang offered no response. "He was always so kind to me before. What has changed?" Zi Qian pondered, his disappointment growing as they both remained hidden behind the tree. Abruptly, Xiao Yang's gaze locked onto Zi Qian. His hand delicately glided to the small of Zi Qian's back, drawing him closer with a gentle, yet intentional, pull. and with a snap of his fingers, they both dissipated into thin air, reappearing inside the concealed enclave behind the imposing gate. The teleportation, swifter than light traversing through air, left Zi Qian disoriented. His head spun, and he clutched Xiao Yang's hand for stability. Panting, he exclaimed, "Oh god, what was that?" Holding his head with one hand, Zi Qian struggled to maintain his balance. Xiao Yang nonchalantly explained, "We just teleported," releasing Zi Qian's hand, causing him to lose balance and tumble down, wincing as he landed on his rear.

Zi Qian fought to rise, and the visible struggle tugged at Xiao Yang's conscience. He took a step back, ready to extend a helping hand, but before he could, Zi Qian's words cut through the air. "If only I came with the Crown Prince," he whined, nursing his discomfort. The remark grated on Xiao Yang, extinguishing any guilt he felt. Rather than offering assistance, he turned away, letting the distance between them grow. Zi Qian brushed off the dust from his clothes, determined to keep pace with Xiao Yang. As they ventured deeper into the back of the mountain, a breathtaking scene unfolded. It was an enchanting, unknown realm, where vibrant flowers adorned the landscape, filling the air with a fragrant symphony. Towering green trees formed a natural canopy, veiling the forest in a soft, verdant embrace. Despite the lack of direct sunlight, the presence of special luminous flowers illuminated the surroundings with a magical glow. Zi Qian, nursing a sprained leg from the earlier fall, persisted beside Xiao Yang. Despite any reluctance on Xiao Yang's part, Zi Qian held onto his arm for support. Eventually, they reached a large rock, and in a tone void of warmth, Xiao Yang instructed, "Sit down here." Zi Qian obediently complied, casting a look at Xiao Yang with his innocent eyes, a gaze that could melt even the sternest heart.

Xiao Yang places his hands gently on the injured leg. The air shimmers with an otherworldly energy as Xiao Yang closes his eyes, channeling a healing force. Soon Zi Qian no longer felt pain but instead he felt relax and at ease.

Zi Qian leaped to his feet in a burst of excitement, jubilantly testing his once-sprained leg. "It's not hurting anymore!" he exclaimed, bouncing around like an exuberant child. As his eyes met Xiao Yang's, a rush of gratitude overwhelmed him. Zi Qian sprinted towards Xiao Yang, enveloping him in a spontaneous hug, burying his face in Xiao Yang's neck. Though he felt Zi Qian's warm breath against his neck, Xiao Yang remained silent, letting the moment linger. "Thank you!" Zi Qian expressed his gratitude, the words filled with sincerity as they hung in the air.

"Ensure you don't get hurt again," Xiao Yang cautioned, gently pulling away from Zi Qian. "This forest, though beautiful, is treacherous," he added solemnly. Xiao Yang then retrieved the golden Enchanted Qi compass, studying its direction with a thoughtful gaze. The arrow on the golden Enchanted Qi compass pointed straight, leading them deeper into the heart of the forest. Suddenly, a subtle snake-like hiss echoed in Zi Qian's ears. "Shhh!" Xiao Yang hushed, swiftly silencing any noise. "Don't make a sound! Stay close. There might be a snake den nearby," he warned, eyes scanning their surroundings. Zi Qian summoned Qing Feng, but Xiao Yang restrained him. "We can't provoke them," Xiao Yang advised, lowering Qing Feng gently into Zi Qian's hands. As they tread cautiously, a snake appeared before them. The snake, with its hypnotic movements, revealed a striking crimson hue that painted its entire form. The snake's forked tongue hissed, a delicate whisper slicing through the air as it extended outside its sinuous mouth. The creature's body coiled and uncoiled with a certain serpentine elegance, leaving an imprint on the enchanted surroundings ground. Zi Qian followed Xiao Yang's lead, staying silent as they navigated around the serpent. "Its eyesight is weak," Xiao Yang whispered, signaling Zi Qian to maintain silence, their every step carefully measured in the hushed ambiance of the mysterious forest.

"Are you alright?" Xiao Yang inquired, keeping a watchful eye on both Zi Qian and the retreating snake. "Yes, but I wonder if Xing Xing is alright," Zi Qian responded, a sigh of disbelief escaping him. "Can we teleport again?" he asked, hope flickering in his eyes. Aware of the toll teleportation took on their spirit essence, Xiao Yang hesitated but eventually agreed. "Give me your hand," he requested, extending his hand toward Zi Qian. With a hopeful smile, Zi Qian reached out, intertwining his hand with Xiao Yang's. In an instant, they were transported to a snowy landscape, surrounded by a frosty chill. The air hung with the quiet beauty of a frozen garden.

A blanket of pristine snow covered the ground, untouched and undisturbed, creating a serene landscape that stretched in all directions. Frozen flowers were suspended in a state of perpetual bloom and their their petals gleaming with an icy sheen. Delicate icicles adorned the branches of frost-kissed trees. Within the frozen garden, a crystalline surprise awaited them—an intricately frozen swing swayed gently, suggesting recent use. Zi Qian signaled Xiao Yang to investigate, and as they drew near, their eyes fell upon the delightful sight of Xing Xing. She sat on the frost-kissed swing, her joy evident as she playfully interacted with the delicate petals of the frozen flowers. "Xing Xing!" Zi Qian's joy echoed as he sprinted towards her, prompting her to gracefully abandon the frozen swing. Their embrace, though enthusiastic, almost bordered on breath-stealing. Overwhelmed with relief, Zi Qian held his best friend tightly, his happiness palpable. "What are you doing here?" he inquired urgently. Xing Xing, now free from the hug, responded with a mixture of sadness and wonder, "I don't know. When I woke up, I found myself in this majestic place." The initial sadness in her voice dissipated as she spoke about the enchanting surroundings. " Come on, let's go back," Zi Qian said as he looked at Xiao Yang who seemed to be suspicious of Xing Xing.