Chapter 1251: Terrifying Existence

Several bluish-grey figures squatted in the distance, their eyes burning intently as they stared at the group, as if eyeing their prey.

With the mist finally dispersed, everyone could clearly see their faces. They weren't human at all; they were clearly the stone figures that had lined both sides of the path earlier! These stone figures, some of beasts and some of humans, were no longer static sculptures; their entire bodies were now moving. No wonder no one had recognized them before.

A chill ran down everyone's spines. They hadn't realized so many stone figures had approached them so closely. If the mist hadn't dispersed, who knew how many more would have been ambushed and killed.

Everyone present was an expert. Previously, they had been paralyzed by an unknown fear, unable to retaliate against opponents that struck unseen. But now that their targets were visible, they wasted no time, unleashing a barrage of their techniques. The stone figures, realizing the danger, attempted to dart back into the dense mist. But the demon clan experts wouldn't give them that chance. Each demon clan expert swiftly cut off their retreat, then surrounded and attacked the stone figures.

Realizing they couldn't escape, the stone figures turned ferocious, immediately engaging the demon clan in fierce combat. The moment a few demon clan experts made contact with them, their bodies instantly stiffened. Then, they were either decapitated with a single bite or had their hearts ripped out by a claw.

A shiver ran down everyone's spines. Were these creatures devils?

"Be careful! They seem to immobilize their targets simply by physical contact. Don't fight them with your bare hands!" Princess Sorel, who had observed clearly, quickly warned them.

From a distance, Yun Jianyue secretly nodded. "This woman isn't just 'big-chested and brainless' after all; she has some insight," she thought. Perhaps sensing that they were not to be trifled with, the stone figures made no move towards them. Yun Jianyue and her companions were naturally content to watch the unfolding drama.

Zu An felt a bit confused. Was Princess Sorel really 'big-chested'? He subconsciously glanced at Yun Jianyue. Realizing his gaze, Yun Jianyue's phoenix-like eyebrows shot up, her face flushing slightly. "Do you want to die? What are you looking at me for?" she snapped.

Yan Xuehen couldn't help but stare at Yun Jianyue's chest, then looked down at her own. She scoffed inwardly, "It's not bigger than mine after all. It probably just looks that way because of her clothes." Yu Yanluo, standing nearby, was also secretly observing the two women, wondering what kind of extraordinary beings they were. Not only were their cultivation levels incredibly formidable, but they seemed utterly flawless.

By this time, the situation on the other side had reached a conclusion. Although the stone figures were bizarre, each demon clan member was an expert, and with their numerical advantage, they quickly smashed the figures into fragments across the ground.

"These things are finally dead," Xiong Er panted, waving his hammer. It had taken a considerable effort to smash these stone golems.

Jin Shi, standing nearby, frowned. "I recall there were more stone figures lining the path on our way here than just these," he said.

Everyone's heart skipped a beat at his words. That's right, didn't that mean there were still more stone figures lurking in the shadows?

Just then, in the distant mist, a golden light suddenly flared intensely, then began to shake continuously. The stout man at the center of the formation cried out, "Oh no, something is destroying my banners!" Everyone's expression changed. Sure enough, it had to be the remaining stone figures sabotaging the formation.

Everyone wanted to protect the banners, but the dense mist there meant they would be passively attacked. Since physical contact with the stone figures caused immobilization, no one dared to risk entering. At this moment, the mist that had receded gradually began to creep closer again. Everyone understood that once the stone figures destroyed the surrounding banners, the area would be engulfed by dense mist again, leaving them vulnerable to passive attacks.

The stout man took out his compass, intending to make some calculations. But the needle spun wildly, clearly affected by the local terrain and rendered useless. A thought sparked in his mind, and he looked towards Yan Xuehen. "Miss, if I can disperse the surrounding mist, can you calculate the correct way out?" he asked.

Everyone followed his gaze, surprised. They had initially thought this delicate young woman was just wandering aimlessly, but his words implied she was skilled in breaking formations. Yan Xuehen was slightly taken aback, having not expected him to ask her. After a moment of contemplation, she nodded. "Yes," she replied. A faint confidence resonated in her tone. Princess Sorel, Prince Shi Ling, and other figures of princely rank looked at her with curiosity, wondering about her background.

The stout man nodded, then immediately stood up. His plump hands moved rapidly, weaving intricate formation patterns in the air, before he let out a loud shout: "Rise!" The elemental stones on his person visibly depleted. Immediately, the golden-glowing banners in the surrounding dense mist flew upwards, their entire forms seemingly engulfed in blazing flames.

The forty-odd banners rapidly spun around the area, emitting streaks of golden light that completely dispelled the mist in the central space. Low roars echoed from the depths of the dense mist, seemingly from the stone figures attempting to attack the golden banners. However, scorched by the flames burning on the banners, they were momentarily helpless.

The demon clan experts were astonished. This unremarkable-looking stout man actually possessed such formidable abilities? They wondered which clan he hailed from. Many members of prominent families were already planning to find an opportunity to recruit him.

Meanwhile, the stout man was covered in a fine sweat, clearly not as relaxed as he appeared. He anxiously looked towards Yan Xuehen. Once these banners burned out, he would truly be out of options.

Fortunately, Yan Xuehen did not disappoint him. She swiftly surveyed the layout of the surrounding trees and the terrain, her slender, delicate fingers forming hand seals as she calculated. Soon, she took a step in one direction. Zu An and his companions followed without hesitation.

The stout man also quickly followed. As he moved, the burning banners around him moved with him. Wherever they went, the dense mist gradually receded, only for the space they vacated to be filled again by the mist. The others, who had initially harbored some doubts about the delicate young woman, no longer dared to hesitate upon seeing this. They quickly hurried to follow.

Yan Xuehen led the way, and the others followed, gazing at her back. Her shoulders were perfectly slender, her waist exquisitely graceful. Her neck was long and elegant, revealing her radiant, fair skin. Despite her captivating and enchanting beauty, every gesture exuded a serene composure. Everyone wondered which clan this woman belonged to. Even the Queen of Qingqiu, renowned for her beauty, surely couldn't surpass her.

Yan Xuehen navigated with twists and turns, sometimes even walking a few steps forward only to retreat several more backward. Although they felt they were backtracking, causing initial doubt and uncertainty, her calm and elegant demeanor instilled in everyone an inexplicable confidence. Moreover, with her white clothes like snow and her long flowing hair, she truly appeared like a light cloud veiling the moon, drifting like snow whirled by a flowing breeze. The gazes of many became fervent.

Yun Jianyue felt a bit annoyed. This "ice maiden's" demeanor was indeed popular everywhere. Previously, she was revered as a fairy among humans, and now it was the same among the demon clan. She wondered if she should also change her temperament and not appear so fierce... "Bah! Would I ever learn from her?"

After an unknown period, the stout man was drenched in sweat. Looking at the golden light flickering in mid-air, he knew the banners were almost burnt out. "I can't hold on much longer. How much longer will it take?" he urged.

Yan Xuehen's clear, cold voice replied, "Done."

With one step forward, the view ahead suddenly cleared. The mist was gone, and the entire forest returned to normal, just as they had seen it from the other side of the swamp. It stood quietly behind them, without a trace of mist, and even the stone figures now stood peacefully along the sacred path deep within the forest.

The stout man slumped onto the ground, muttering to himself, "Damn it, I almost lost my life in there. This trip was a huge loss." He felt a pang of pain thinking of the forty-nine banners that had just burned away.

Seeing that they had finally exited the strange misty forest, everyone cheered, feeling as if they had narrowly escaped death.

Yan Xuehen, however, frowned slightly. Yun Jianyue, standing nearby, also whispered, "You felt it too?"

Zu An's expression was grim. "Indeed," he said, "just now, an extremely terrifying presence seemed to be lurking nearby several times. But why didn't it intervene?"