The light only lasted an instant, then disappeared without a trace.

Uncle Yong thought for a moment, then turned to the armored girl behind him. “Miss, there seems to be a person lurking deep in the white pine forest.” 

“A person?” The girl in military attire wasn’t the least bit scared. On the contrary, she looked curious. “Does that mean someone has come to Mother Ghost Ridge, just like us?”

“Most likely,” said Uncle Yong in a low voice.

“That’s actually rather interesting,” said the girl after a moment’s thought. She quickly made up her mind. “Since we ran into them anyway, we might as well go take a look. It won’t take up too much time.”

Su Yi’s brow furrowed slightly, but in the end, he said nothing.

The group changed course, heading toward the distant white pine forest.

They were already halfway up the mountain. The entire route was covered in wild grasses tall enough to reach their knees; there was no “path” anywhere in sight.

Guo Bing waved a hunting knife, clearing the grass from their path. He smiled. “During the day, that ruined temple is perfectly safe. It’s at night that you have to be careful.”

Before long, the group entered an area covered in white pine trees.

The trees towered...