Chapter 595: “A New Step of Our Journey Begins”
"So this is the No-Man's Land that you have described?"
Xue Wei stood on top of a cliff. The cliff was not high, only around ten meters, but it felt as if they would enter another world the moment they jumped down.
Although the area they had crossed so far felt different from the rest of the world, the No-Man's Land that was spread in front of them was truly hard to describe.
Unlike the Ghost Realm, it did not seem desolate. There were plants, but none of them were very tall, and most of them were brown and withered.
The ground itself was, right below the cliff, covered in sand, but in the distance, one could see various environments appearing. To one side, something resembling a jungle seemed to appear, but on the other, a strange swamp had sunk into the ground.
The No-Man's Land was truly a dangerous place, as the landscape would change, and one never knew what to expect. Some of these places would have weaker beasts residing within them, while others would be home to strong and fierce beasts that could cause them a great deal of trouble.
Xue Wei's expression was grave, but he could not deny that a sense of eagerness arose within him.
As he stood on the cliff and looked at the land that spread out in front of him, he could not help but feel as if he was balancing on the edge of life and death.
Retreat would mean death, but even moving forward did not promise great chances for success. Even so, he had no other option, and this hopeless situation had ignited his will to fight.
Although the future was uncertain, he would never give up before he had done his best. This unyielding spirit had made him more solemn than before, and also more mature.
His previous attitude had been heavily influenced by his negative emotions. He had fought for survival, but he had also held an innate hostility that could not be dispersed.
Everything he did was for the sake of him and his friends, but he always viewed themselves as a group that was up against the rest of the world.
Even the other Sovereign Beast Clans were nothing more than partners that could provide certain benefits, but required something in return. He never considered himself part of this group, and felt as if the entire world was his enemy.
It was not before now that he understood that they were not enemies. Also, the world was not split into friends and enemies, and many could be complete strangers who would have neutral impressions of others.
However, although his life had gained many more nuances, he did not have the time to experience these changes yet.
The No-Man's Land was not like the other continents he had traversed so far. This area was famed for the ruthless and brutal death that almost all who entered experienced.
To survive, Xue Wei had to empty his mind. He could not be influenced by the many thoughts that had occupied his mind recently. For now, he had to give his all for their survival, and the whole group would have to work together.
"This area is strange and treacherous. Although it seems very simple, we can never know what we might encounter. Even so, it might be an important chance for us to mature and grow. We now know what we are up against, and while we do not know what this enemy has planned, it is clear that we have to prepare for a great battle ahead.
"Although we have been fighting for survival all this time, it has never had much of a purpose or direction. We would float around depending on where our tasks took us, and it would result in many strange adventures.
"Although they have managed to help us gain a further understanding of ourselves and enhance our strength, it is still not possible to gain the same results as when we have a clear goal ahead of us.
"Just look at us now. Xue Wei, Hei Gou, and myself, we have all managed to reach the King rank. While my strength is greatly influenced by Xue Wei's breakthrough, and Hei Gou's is depending on the mutation brought by his blood, our current advance is truly more outstanding than we expected."
Bai Tianyi was speaking to the group, but his eyes were roaming across the horizon. His childlike features did not match the vicissitudes of life that could be found in his eyes.
After breaking through and becoming a true spirit, many things had become clear to him, and he felt as if he had managed to leave behind the fog that kept shrouding his mind.
"I guess that there is no reason to wait any longer. Milady, why don't you take the first step?" Lin Xiao looked at Luoluo. He bowed slightly as he spread his arm, resembling a waiter that would invite a lady into their premises, but what he did was to offer her the first, and the most dangerous, position down the cliff.
"What a gentleman." Luoluo could not help but snort, as she shook her head in amusement. Most would not make a fragile-looking girl, such as herself, take the most dangerous step, but considering that her appearance did not match her strength or age, she decided not to comment on the issue.
Luoluo stepped forward. She glanced down at the sand dune that was below the cliff and smiled happily.
"Here I go!"
As she spoke, she jumped off the cliff, and landed in the soft sand, quickly followed by the rest of the group.
They all stood together as they looked towards the horizon, but after landing on the sand, they could no longer see the different environments. Everything in front of them was sand and withered plants.
"Well then, a new step of our journey begins."