"I’m going to fight them." Ran Lei said, about to charge forward.

But Ming Guang yanked him back.

"They said to exchange for Princess Ahyang - did they mention where the exchange would take place?" Gu Qingheng asked Arang.

"Misty Forest."

"Where is Misty Forest?"

"I know." Ran Lei had calmed down, "But even if we know, so what? They want the Miaojiang King’s Seal, which I don’t have."

"We have to go anyway." Gu Qingheng’s face was calm as water, "Perhaps we can follow the clues to something bigger." Although the Flame Sect’s headquarters is set deep in Miaojiang Mountain, the native people here surprisingly don’t know the exact location, which clearly indicates that it’s an extremely concealed place or heavily fortified. Even if they manage to find it, it will likely cost a lot of time.

This current situation is also a kind of opportunity.

Misty Forest is said to be deep within the Miaojiang Mountain, surrounded by a toxic mist. The forest is filled with towering ancient trees, and the black mist lingers in the forest so intensely that one can’t even see their direction upon entering, making it essentially a place of no return.

"Ahead is Misty Forest." Ran Lei crouched on a large boulder on the hillside, pointing downwards, "The black mist inside never leaves, and it’s poisonous. There’s not even a bird around here, let alone people, so no one knows what’s inside."

The group looked in the direction Ran Lei pointed, and all they saw was thick mist. Even from their higher vantage point, they couldn’t discern the conditions of the forest, only countless towering trees densely packed together.

Everyone felt a bit heavy-hearted, except for the only exception, Gold, who was extremely excited. If not for the orders to protect the master, he would have already ventured into the forest, which was teeming with poisons that made him salivate.

Gu Qingheng gently patted Gold’s head.

Gold could only dejectedly lie on his arm, swallowing his saliva.

"You all wait here, I’ll go take a look." Gu Qingheng glanced at everyone, stood up, and prepared to head down.

"I’ll go with you." Qi Jingyun grabbed him.

"Aren’t you afraid of the poison?" Gu Qingheng raised an eyebrow slightly.

"I’m not immune to all poisons like you, but it’s good to have someone watching your back." Qi Jingyun spoke sincerely.

"I understand your intention." Gu Qingheng shook his head, "But this isn’t the time to act brave." He then looked at the others, "None of you should argue. I’m the only one immune to the toxic air here. I’m just going down to check things out, and if I encounter danger, I can still escape. But if I’m not back by Tianhei, you’d better withdraw quickly."

"General!" Gu Qiao frowned.

"That’s an order." Gu Qingheng’s face darkened.

Gu Qiao fell silent.

Gu Qingheng did not say more, crouched down, and stealthily ran towards the forest. But just as he moved, a figure swiftly appeared in front of him.

"Senior, return!" Gu Qingheng frowned at Ming Guang.

Ming Guang chuckled, "I’ll join you, not afraid of poison."

Knowing the man’s stubbornness, Gu Qingheng said nothing more.

The two silently descended the hillside; at the edge of the forest was a patch of bare ground, almost devoid of vegetation. However, the soil here was black, blending with the surrounding vegetation. It was almost impossible to spot unless one got very close.