CHAPTER 38: CHAPTER 38: ENCHANTED SWAMP

After about a quarter of an hour, Lu Chengfeng stepped out, warmly sent off by the Ministry of Affairs steward, and quickly headed towards the Enchanted Swamp without any further delay.

"I’ve done all I can. Whether it succeeds or not depends on fate now."

If the beast tide hadn’t erupted, he could have found other ways to win a woman’s heart and come up with a plan, but in this situation, where could he find the time to do so?

Upon reaching the entrance of the Enchanted Swamp, he immediately saw a towering giant stone. The stone seemed to be stained with blood, covered in dark red marks, and at the top, there was a notch as if cut by a divine weapon’s blade.

This was the renowned Dragon-breaking Stone.

It’s said that the Trapped Dragon Abyss of the Inner Peak has an underground river that leads straight to the Enchanted Swamp.

The river is filled with poisonous miasma, and after years of erosion, this swamp has become infested with countless venomous insects, snakes, and ants, with the air permeated by mind-altering miasma, making it extremely dangerous.

Usually, the Trapped Dragon Abyss is suppressed by the Five Peaks, but once it erupts, countless demon beasts will follow the underground river and appear in the Enchanted Swamp.

This Enchanted Swamp is surrounded by mountains and originally had no outlet. It’s said that thousands of years ago, a poisonous dragon emerged from the underground river, spewing terrible venom that corroded a narrow passage on the mountain, with its head protruding, attempting to escape from the swamp.

At the critical moment, the acting Sect Leader Yun Cang wielded the Great Five Elements Extinction Divine Light Sword, slicing the dragon, not only severing its head but also cleaving the already venom-eroded, crumbling mountain.

And this Dragon-breaking Stone was the place where the poisonous dragon’s head was severed!

Thousands years of legend, true or false, no one knows if dragons truly exist in this world, but the terrifying beast roars from the Trapped Dragon Abyss and the recurring beast tide make many disciples believe that a true dragon is suppressed beneath it.

When Lu Chengfeng arrived, the place was already bustling with activity. Many True Disciple disciples registered at the Dragon-breaking Stone and were given a set of Profound Iron Black Armor and a Heaven-Reaching Thunder. After changing into armor, they were formed into teams to enter the swamp.

"Be sure to wear this Profound Iron Armor properly. It contains a sect-special Phoenix Blood Silk inside that can quickly stop bleeding when injured and also protect against the swamp’s poisonous miasma."

Perhaps recognizing Lu Chengfeng, or maybe seeing his name on the registry, the disciple distributing supplies specially advised him.

"This Heaven-Reaching Thunder is for use when you encounter danger. Activate it with inner strength and throw it skyward to serve as a distress signal, visible for tens of miles around."

"Thank you for the guidance, Senior Brother." Lu Chengfeng thanked him after receiving the items and went to the side to don his armor.

At this point, a burly bald man with a full beard beckoned to him, saying, "Junior Brother Lu, we’ve been waiting for you."

Lu Chengfeng approached and saw the man and three others looking at him.

"I’m Tan Xiong, a disciple of Yellow Dragon Peak." The bald man initiated the conversation: "When True Disciple undertake missions, most of the time it’s the Five Peaks disciples collaborating in teams of five."

"These three beside me are Lu Lingxi from Cyan Cloud Peak, Xu Changge from White Rainbow Peak, and Duan Li from Chixiao Peak."

Lu Chengfeng greeted each one individually, respectfully calling them Senior Brother and Senior Sister, being the youngest among everyone present.

Lu Lingxi was a twenty-seven or twenty-eight-year-old graceful woman in a cyan robe, with a slender figure and long legs, now covered by the black armor which obscured her lovely curves. Her hair styled in side buns was concealed by an iron crown.

In the swamp, with miasma pervading and poison insects everywhere, long hair would be a hindrance in critical moments, so before entering the swamp, they would tie their hair completely with iron crowns for ease of movement.

Xu Changge from White Rainbow Peak and Duan Li from Chixiao Peak were easy to distinguish: one wore a white robe with a sword at the waist and held a folding fan, while the other donned bright red brocade with jade-like features but had distinctly red eyebrows.

"Junior Brother, I’ve heard of your name for a long time, and now I’m finally able to meet you. It’s truly fortunate." Xu Changge said with a smile, "I’m quite impressed by your skill, and if there’s a chance, I’d like to learn from you."

Lu Chengfeng, seeing his winking expression, immediately understood that this man was referring to the matter of him marrying the teacher’s wife, his face darkened slightly, and he quickly changed the subject: "Senior Brothers and Sisters, this is my first time participating in a beast tide, and I have no experience. If there are any challenges, please guide me."

The silent Duan Li only said, "Lift your sword and kill. Besides fellow disciples, all are enemies."

Tan Xiong, though burly and fierce, spoke and acted with great caution, "Junior Brother, you haven’t been in the Inner Peak long and likely haven’t trained in the Enchanted Swamp. The environment here is complex, the terrain treacherous, and there are many poisonous creatures."

"I suggest we familiarize ourselves in the outskirts first, to build some rapport and cooperation, before venturing into the inner areas when ready. What do you think?"

Lu Lingxi said, "Senior Brother Tan’s plan is the most prudent."

Xu Changge also said, "That sounds good."

Duan Li didn’t speak but didn’t reject the plan either.

Tan Xiong said, "That settles it then. I’m the oldest among us five, and my swordsmanship has reached the Eighteenth Layer. Once we enter the swamp, I will lead, unless anyone objects?"

Xu Changge laughed and said, "Senior Brother, you are one of the sect’s seven heroes, the Violent Bear. Although we have some skills, how can we compete with you? Naturally, we’ll follow your lead in the swamp."

"I only follow Senior Brother." Lu Lingxi’s personality was somewhat distant, her speech calm, but she showed respect towards Tan Xiong.

Duan Li snorted, "Don’t get too proud. One day I’ll surpass you, but for now, you can lead."

Lu Chengfeng said, "I have no objections, please guide us, Senior Brother."

With unanimous agreement among the five, Lu Chengfeng also finished donning his armor, tucked the Heaven-Reaching Thunder into his waist pouch, held his sword in his left hand, and followed the group into the swamp.

After advancing a short distance, they saw gray mist hanging in the air, and the ground was damp, with the soil soft and loose.

Lu Chengfeng surveyed the swamp and found its trees extremely tall, with many trunks entwined with thin vines. Numerous trees bore green moss at their roots, some glowing blue, clearly poisonous.

In addition, centipedes, scorpions, snakes, and other poisonous creatures were increasingly prevalent, and the air was humid and hot, with no birds to be seen.

Only occasionally did the shadow of beasts flash through the woods, mostly wolves, sensing the presence of humans and prowling back and forth around them.

"Junior Brother, demon beasts differ from ordinary wild beasts. They possess intelligence, are very cunning, and can use demon techniques, making them hard to deal with."

"Demon beasts are inherently different; you’ll know them when you see them. More importantly, they can drive wild beasts to attack, which is the origin of the beast tide."

"The root lies in those demon beasts!"

Tan Xiong held a copper stick, paving the way in front. Lu Chengfeng followed directly behind to the left, with Lu Lingxi on his right, while Xu Changge and Duan Li brought up the rear.

As they ventured deeper into the swamp, everyone’s expressions turned cautious, carefully observing their surroundings for any signs of danger.