Fleeing from Life and Death(2)

One moment, there were piranhas; the next, there were army ants—creatures that were completely unheard of until now. Even if they passed right by, he wouldn't recognize them. A person lacking basic knowledge might foolishly try to challenge them. 

Not only Lan Yuxuan, but Xianyue felt the same. She had previously come across descriptions of army ants while perched in a tree, which had sent chills down her spine. She had wondered if such ferocious ants could truly exist. Now, it was evident that everything described in those texts was real—invincible and relentless, they scorched the earth in their path. Even lions and tigers would struggle to contend with them. She moved her index finger, the same finger she had just used to gently poke those intact skeletons, which had instantly turned to ashes. The mere thought sent shivers down her spine. 

With all her strength, she sprinted forward, yet her heart remained restless. The wind whipped past her ears, her heart pounding furiously, as if it could sense the fear and desperation radiating from the fleeing animals. Having grown up alongside creatures of the wild, she had never witnessed such a spectacular scene. Each animal possessed its own means of survival, yet in the face of army ants, all seemed utterly insignificant. She had never realized that animals could express such profound human-like characteristics. Lions and tigers, the kings of the forest, roared mightily as the corpses of smaller animals lay beneath their feet. They fought with all their might, wishing that the dead could halt the advance of the army ants, but it was futile. The army ants swiftly traversed the bodies, engulfing them in an instant. The anguished cries of herbivores echoed through the valley, their heart-wrenching sounds sending chills down her spine. Xianyue ran for her life, glancing occasionally to confirm Lan Yuxuan was still by her side, allowing herself a brief sigh of relief before pressing on. If she hadn't seen Lan Yuxuan beside her, she would have instinctively turned back. However, in just a quarter of an hour, dozens of well-preserved animal skeletons appeared in the valley, and Xianyue was almost certain that those wild boars had met their end at the jaws of the army ants. 

They ran swiftly, but the mournful cries of the animals grew ever closer, seeming to ring in their ears, causing their bodies to tremble. Xianyue felt this sensation, which was unlike the exhilaration of having escaped the marsh; now, the tremors were fueled by fear. They had no choice but to run faster, lest they become the next victims of that carnage. 

The frightened animals scattered in all directions, yet the army ants pursued relentlessly, first devouring those that had gathered together, then splitting into waves to continue their hunt. The formidable horde showed no signs of fragmentation, remaining as powerful and unstoppable as ever. 

Once the army had consumed their prey, they swiftly retreated to another area teeming with life, maintaining an orderly pace as they commenced a new round of hunting. No matter how plump the animals were, it seemed their small bellies could never be filled. The areas vacated by the ants, once lush with green grass, quickly resembled the barren lands surrounding the wild boars—scorched earth, leaving only blackened ashes. 

"Xianyue, can we shake them off?" 

Xianyue's expression was as cold as iron: "We cannot. They have already caught our scent." 

The animals they lived alongside in the rainforest emitted a completely different aura, and this unfamiliar scent stimulated their keen sense of smell. Once, Xianyue had accidentally seen how acutely army ants could smell; if they fixed their gaze on a creature, they could track it for one or two months without rest. No animal could withstand that kind of relentless pursuit, much less a human. Wherever they roamed, living creatures became their meals, and none could escape their predation. 

But Xianyue chose not to elaborate to Lan Yuxuan. There was no point in discussing it now; it was better to conserve their energy and find a shortcut, allowing them more time to devise a plan. 

Lan Yuxuan furrowed his brow. "How can we eliminate them?" 

There was no way to hide. The outcome was only twofold: either he and Xianyue would perish, or they would annihilate the horde. 

He was genuinely grateful that he had chosen not a sheltered lady, for those women, no matter how clever or capable, would only become burdens in critical moments. The only one who could share his trials was Xianyue—versatile, composed even in dire circumstances. 

Taking a deep breath, Lan Yuxuan pointed southwest. "There's water in that direction." 

The meaning was clear: they should flee toward it; weren't army ants afraid of water? 

"That would only kill a portion of them." 

Moreover, afterward, they would pursue them for revenge. 

Seeing the confusion on Lan Yuxuan's face, Xianyue bit her lip and remained silent. 

Army ants, unlike other ants, could not swim, but that was not enough to ensure their demise. When faced with rivers and food, they would not abandon their pursuit. A massive throng of ants swarmed toward the riverbank, rapidly forming interlocked layers, each the size of a basketball, as they rushed toward the water. In this process, the outermost black ants would drown in the swift currents, reducing the mass, yet it would never be sufficient to wipe them out. This was the most terrifying aspect of army ants. 

These small black ants lacked the power of lions or tigers; their formidable destructiveness stemmed from their sheer numbers. 

Not long ago, they had encountered piranhas in the water. Given that this was a rainforest, the deeper waters were teeming with ferocious creatures like crocodiles. With threats from both vicious fish ahead and relentless ants behind, there would be nowhere to escape. 

"Is there really no other way?" 

Xianyue bit her lip, her eyes reflecting a hint of panic, but she nodded. "We could use fire." 

As long as there were large dry areas after they passed, they could set a blaze. However, this was a rainforest; rain fell almost daily, and the entire forest was damp, making it impossible to ignite a fire fierce enough to incinerate the horde. Moreover, she had no fire-starting tools with her; starting a fire by friction in such a short time was easier said than done. If only they had explosives! Even the mightiest army ants would learn the bitter taste of becoming ashes. 

Behind them, the sounds of the animals began to fade, even disappearing entirely, replaced by the unsettling rustle of the ants and their gluttonous feasting sounds, sending chills down the spine. 

"Now we can only run." 

Xianyue and Lan Yuxuan found themselves nearly on equal footing; if the army ants surged forth, neither would escape. 

Lan Yuxuan slightly turned, noticing Xianyue's flushed face. Her breath was not overly rapid, indicating that several hours of running posed no challenge for her. Without faltering, he edged closer to her, tightly grasping her right hand. "Let's wait and see." 

Xianyue snapped back to reality and nodded with a smile. 

In their desperate flight, they had no clear direction; their only goal was to head in the opposite direction of the army ants. Both possessed remarkable agility, particularly Xianyue. Hand in hand, neither wanted to be a burden, and they sprinted rapidly. Along the way, they encountered several animals unfortunate enough to stumble into the army ants' territory, allowing them brief moments to rest and hydrate. However, as humans, they could never match the relentless endurance of the army ants, which could run without rest for a month or two. By the third day, their energy levels were visibly waning, far from their initial state. They longed to stop and rest, yet out of consideration for each other, neither spoke up until they could no longer bear it, noticing the other's pale face, before finally halting to catch their breath. 

That day, after managing to distance themselves from the army ants, they found a spot to wash their faces and quenched their thirst directly from the water. In the days of running, they had not paid much attention to direction; the surroundings were still lush, verdant hills and clear waters teeming with life. Yet this place could very well become her final resting place. No matter how powerful a person might be, they were often helpless in the face of nature. Just as now, if she and Lan Yuxuan joined forces in the martial arts of the Zhou dynasty, who could stand in their way? It was no wonder that those martial arts masters chosen by Bai Ao, including Bai Zhantang, met their demise here. It mattered little if the entire martial arts community gathered; in this place, no one could unleash their unparalleled skills. 

"Lan Yuxuan." 

Xianyue stood at an elevated position, rising to see Lan Yuxuan gazing not at the water, but upward, peering through the dense trees into the distance, lost in thought. 

Xianyue stood up as well, observing the expression of delight blooming on his wearied face. Rising on her toes, she followed his line of sight and froze, her face lighting up with joy. She stepped forward and embraced Lan Yuxuan. 

The sky, bright and pristine, was as blue as turquoise, gradually unveiling wisps of smoke drifting in the breeze, carrying with it a fragrant aroma that embodied hope—a sight she had longed to behold throughout this arduous journey. 

"Wonderful, simply wonderful." 

In the days of fleeing, she had witnessed life vanish before her eyes; creatures that had danced moments ago were reduced to ashes in an instant. This force was more ruthless than any grand event, for while fire feared water, granting them a chance to escape, these swarming ants were far more terrifying than any flood. 

She held Lan Yixuan tightly, embracing him as they faced the trials of life and death together, and just like Feng Jiulan, Lan Yixuan had become an irreplaceable part of Feng Xianyue's life. 

She felt fortunate, truly fortunate; once, she possessed nothing, yet in this life, she had gained family, love, and friendship all at once. 

The two of them shared a moment of quiet joy, but soon the rustling sound of the ants began to echo behind them. Xianyue and Lan Yixuan exchanged knowing glances and smiled in unison, filled with a renewed sense of strength. They both understood that there might be unforeseen dangers ahead, but after their experiences over the past few days, they believed nothing could be more formidable than those swarming ants. 

They crossed the river and continued onward, leaving the ants behind, who were preparing to cross the water. Navigating through dense thickets, they were no longer aimlessly wandering. The scent of charred delicacies grew stronger, drawing closer, wafting through the air like an inviting embrace. Following the aroma, they first heard not the sounds of laughter and chatter but the clear ringing of bells. 

Compared to Panshi City and Yanjing, this place was not large, but it was significantly bigger than a typical village. Thatched cottages lined a straight path, resembling a bustling town. At the entrance, a large sign displayed a series of letters that Lan Yixuan couldn't decipher. From Xianyue's viewpoint, silver bells hung from the eaves of the houses, each adorned with fluttering red paper strips, yet the surroundings were eerily deserted. 

As Lan Yixuan prepared to enter, he noticed Xianyue frozen in place, staring blankly at the intricate, worm-like characters above, her brow slightly furrowed, lost in thought. 

Just as Lan Yixuan was about to speak, Xianyue suddenly grasped his hand, glanced around, and finally spotted a large tree. They both leaped effortlessly into the thick foliage. 

In the center of the cottages lay an expansive open area, now bustling with a sea of people—at least a thousand strong. Upon a wooden platform stood a shaman dressed in ceremonial garb, his face painted in bold patterns, hair cascading over his features. In his right hand, he shook a bell, leaping and chanting words that were unintelligible. Below, the crowd, a mix of men and women, had a robust vigor; the women, vigorous and radiant, rivaled even the finest from Xuanyuan, while the men, with dark, muscular arms resembling pillars, radiated strength. They stood with hands clasped, eyes closed, faces painted in vibrant totems, all wearing identical garments, indistinguishable from one another. 

Suddenly, the shaman knelt, hands clasped, gazing up at the azure sky. He bowed three times before a group of four sturdy women approached, lifting a large cauldron that was exuding thick white smoke, evidence of a significant fire within. They set it down, bowed towards the shaman with joined hands, then quickly retreated, only to be replaced by others bearing pots to place atop the cauldron. 

Positioned high above, Xianyue and Lan Yixuan had a clear view. Lan Yixuan stood behind Xianyue, peering over her shoulder, while she leaned into his embrace, both observing the spectacle below. 

Lan Yixuan gently squeezed her fingers, and Xianyue turned to hush him, pointing down to signal for him to look. 

The shaman abruptly rose, holding a previously unseen white branch, which he cast into the pot. Someone behind him offered a small bowl, which he accepted, spooning its contents as he stood before the burning cauldron. 

The strong young women who had brought the cauldron returned to the platform; two walked in front while two trailed behind, accompanied by a boy of about fifteen or sixteen, his skin a deep brown, yet his features remarkably refined. 

The shaman approached the boy, gently stroking his head, eyes closed, murmuring softly, while the boy remained still, his expression growing serene, even adorned with a faint smile. 

With calmness, the boy accepted the bowl from the shaman and drank. As he did, the eyes of the one who drank transformed gradually into a blood-red hue. Under the setting sun, his eyes gleamed like amber, radiant as he looked skyward, his expression becoming entranced. He muttered softly before wandering deeper into the thicket. Xianyue felt an unsettling sense of familiarity wash over her, as if she had witnessed this scene before. 

"Let's go take a look." 

Xianyue grasped Lan Yixuan's hand, cautiously following the dazed figure. The trance-like individual halted before a tree resembling a spiky pineapple, its eight enormous leaves forming an arch. The leaves were covered in needle-like thorns, and at the tree's peak were six white branches swaying through the air, creating an eerie spectacle. As Xianyue gazed at the white paper strips hanging from the branches, a sudden realization struck her; no wonder it seemed familiar—the shaman had held one of these, and it was this concoction that had rendered the individual in such a daze. 

When the delicate boy appeared beneath the towering tree, it seemed to sense the scent of blood like a piranha, awakening with excitement. The branches danced frenetically in the air, emitting a hissing sound reminiscent of a snake flicking its tongue. Looking up at the sky, it felt as though a rain of colors began to fall, and the blood-red sky exuded a rich fragrance. Suddenly, the arms around her tightened, bringing Xianyue back to reality. The dazed figure had climbed the tree, clinging tightly to the trunk, his expression tender as though embracing a lover. 

The white tendrils writhed like the tentacles of a cuttlefish, enthusiastically coiling around his neck upon sensing his embrace. She watched as his complexion paled, darkening to a deep purple as he gradually suffocated. His eyelids slowly descended, a peaceful smile lingering at the corners of his mouth, while the spiny leaves of the giant tree opened wide like a demonic maw, enveloping his entire body before expelling a complete skeletal frame. 

Xianyue's eyes widened in shock, breathless, while Lan Yixuan held her tightly. They both witnessed another vibrant life vanish from their world—not a tiger, nor a lion, but a fellow human being. 

The rustling grew ever closer, disturbing the residents who had congregated in the open space. Xianyue and Lan Yixuan turned simultaneously to meet the gazes that had fallen upon them. 

Damn it, they were closing in fast.

As their gazes met, Lan Yixuan looked at Xuan Yue, and she looked back at him. Hand in hand, they soared toward the row of thatched houses, landing gracefully among them. Xuan Yue could distinctly sense the wariness in the residents' eyes, mingled with a hint of bloodlust; their grins and slightly parted lips inadvertently evoked memories of a carnivorous tree regurgitating bones.

The flesh-eating ants, seeing Xuan Yue and her companions change direction, immediately altered their assault, a surging tide of black rushing towards them.

The residents regarded the advancing hordes of ants with impassive faces, their dark features betraying no emotion. They exchanged glances, then calmly retreated. Moments later, they emerged, brandishing torches that illuminated the sky with bright flames.

With booming voices, they shouted, their powerful tones resonating with their sturdy physiques. They waved their torches, sparks flying onto their skin without eliciting any sensation, yet they continued to shout excitedly, rushing toward the ants, their steps synchronized. Curiosity piqued, Xuan Yue and Lan Yixuan followed. They observed the once ferocious ants recoil at the sight of the bright flames, clustering together in the center, frozen in fear. It was a fear they had never anticipated, a look of trepidation on the faces of the once unstoppable swarm. United in their resolve, the local indigenous people stood strong, armed with the very fire that terrified the ants.

The shaman, who had passed by Xuan Yue, approached the forefront, taking a torch from one of the residents. He began chattering in an unintelligible tongue, and then, miraculously, the fearsome ants collectively retreated to their original direction.

As Xuan Yue witnessed the departure of the flesh-eating ants, a sigh of relief escaped her lips. Yet, when her eyes met those of the residents, a sudden tension gripped her.

The shaman stepped forward, and the crowd parted respectfully for him. In this rainforest teeming with tigers and other unseen dangers, he must be the legendary chief of this primitive tribe.

Realizing there was no escaping this situation, Xuan Yue tightened her grip on Lan Yixuan's hand and approached the shaman. The crowd, once gathered around the ants, raised their torches, encircling them in a protective barrier.

Xuan Yue understood that there was no way to evade the confrontation any longer. She stood before the shaman, clasping her hands together in greeting. He smirked, the corners of his lips curling, and reciprocated her gesture, illustrating a gesture of goodwill amidst a string of unfamiliar words in a native tongue. Lan Yixuan, unable to comprehend Xuan Yue's words, leaned in to ask what she meant.

"I told him we were pursued here by flesh-eating ants and noticed their ceremonial activities, so we dared not disturb them. I have no malicious intent and hope he does not take offense."

As Xuan Yue explained to Lan Yixuan, the chief spoke in ancient Indian dialect, which Lan Yixuan could not understand, so he looked to Xuan Yue for clarity. She grasped the general meaning, though some things eluded her articulation. 

As they exchanged words, Xuan Yue's smile gradually faded. The shaman suddenly raised two fingers, then merged them into one, glancing at Xuan Yue and then at Lan Yixuan. The last trace of politeness evaporated from Xuan Yue's expression, replaced by a weighty coldness emanating from her entire being. She turned to Lan Yixuan, her once-bright eyes clouded with pain and despair. Then, facing the shaman once more, she shouted several times, as if declaring a resolute intention, casting a fierce glare at him. She grasped Lan Yixuan's hand and turned to leave, but the shaman raised a hand, and those holding torches stepped forward, creating an impenetrable wall of strong arms, impervious to harm.

"What exactly did that man say?" Lan Yixuan asked, wrapping his arm around Xuan Yue's shoulders. She bit her lip, trembling all over, and after a moment, she gradually calmed herself. Turning to face him, her brows still furrowed in contemplation, she smiled faintly. "Young Master Lan, they have invited us to stay."

Xuan Yue smiled, her eyes glinting. The shaman approached her again, speaking more words that Lan Yixuan could not comprehend. However, this time, Xuan Yue's expression was composed, and she nodded in acknowledgment. Soon, two young men, equally dark-skinned, emerged to lead the way.

"Let's stay for now and plan our next steps," Lan Yixuan suggested as he guided Xuan Yue alongside him, and she leaned into his embrace without resistance.

"Lan Yixuan, if I told you that only one of us could leave this place, what would you do?"