NOVEL WEB Chapter 6: Into The Eastern Forest
The eastern forest loomed ahead, its dense canopy blotting out much of the moonlight. Shadows danced across the ground, weaving a tapestry of eerie patterns that seemed alive. Liu Fei stood at its edge, gripping her lantern tightly, the rusty pitchfork slung over her shoulder like a makeshift spear. Every instinct screamed at her to turn back, but the injured man—no, demon—lying in her farmhouse needed those Moonshade Leaves, and turning back wasn't an option.
"Host," the system chirped, "current mission parameters: locate and harvest Moonshade Leaves. Caution: Forested areas contain a 67% higher likelihood of encountering hostile entities."
"Thanks for the pep talk," Liu Fei muttered, her nerves already frayed. She glanced back at the farmhouse, its dim outline barely visible through the trees. "Why couldn't this guy crash-land near a meadow or something?"
"Mission rewards include 8 Spirit Points and an achievement bonus for successful completion," the system added helpfully.
"Oh, well, in that case, I'll just skip along merrily into mortal danger," Liu Fei said, rolling her eyes as she stepped into the forest.
The first few steps into the forest were cautious, the lantern's flickering light barely penetrating the thick foliage. The earthy scent of moss and damp wood filled her nostrils, and the air seemed cooler here, almost unnaturally so. Each rustle of leaves set her on edge, the pitchfork in her hands now feeling less like a weapon and more like a flimsy excuse for protection.
"System," she whispered, "why are Moonshade Leaves even in a place like this?"
"Moonshade Leaves thrive in environments rich with spiritual energy," the system explained. "However, such areas are often frequented by spirit beasts or corrupted entities seeking the same energy."
"Of course they are," Liu Fei muttered, squinting at a patch of greenery up ahead. "Nothing can ever be easy, can it?"
The system hesitated before replying. "Host's perception: Accurate."
The deeper Liu Fei ventured, the more the forest seemed to close in around her. The trees grew gnarled and twisted, their roots forming uneven paths that threatened to trip her at every step. Strange noises echoed—the hoots of nocturnal creatures, the rustle of unseen animals, and the occasional snapping of twigs underfoot. Each sound sent her pulse racing, and she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.
Her mind wandered briefly to the tales she'd overheard from Widow Lin about the forest. Ghostly apparitions, malevolent beasts, and even rumors of treasure hidden deep within its depths. Lin had laughed them off as "villager's nonsense," but standing here now, Liu Fei wasn't so sure.
She stumbled into a small clearing, her lantern's light revealing a patch of shimmering blue moss that seemed to glow faintly under the moonlight. In the center of the clearing stood a cluster of plants with silvery leaves, their edges tinged with a faint blue hue.
"Moonshade Leaves detected," the system announced. "Harvest with caution."
Liu Fei approached the plants carefully, crouching down to inspect them. The leaves were delicate, almost ethereal in appearance, and exuded a faint, calming aroma. She reached out, hesitating for a moment before plucking the first leaf.
"Harvest progress: 1/10," the system chimed. "Warning: Disturbing flora in spiritually charged areas may attract nearby entities."
Liu Fei froze. "You… couldn't have told me that before I started?"
A low growl interrupted her, sending a chill down her spine. She turned slowly, the pitchfork raised defensively as a pair of glowing red eyes emerged from the shadows. The creature that stepped into the clearing was unlike anything she'd ever seen. It resembled a wolf, but its fur shimmered like liquid silver, and its claws glinted like polished obsidian.
"Host, hostile spirit beast detected: Silverfang Wolf. Threat level: Moderate."
"Moderate?" Liu Fei hissed, backing away. "What's your definition of mildly terrifying?"
The wolf's growl deepened, its body lowering as it prepared to pounce. Liu Fei's mind raced, her grip on the pitchfork tightening. "System, any advice?"
"Engage strategically. Target the underbelly for maximum damage. Avoid direct confrontation if escape is viable."
"Great, so basically, don't die," Liu Fei muttered, bracing herself.
The wolf lunged, is silver form a blur in the lantern's dim light. Liu Fei swung the pitchfork with all her strength, the tines glancing off the creature's shoulder. It yelped, more in irritation than pain, before circling her with a predatory gleam in its eyes.
"Host," the system warned, "additional entities detected nearby."
Liu Fei's heart sank as more red eyes appeared in the darkness, the soft rustle of leaves signaling the arrival of reinforcements. "You've got to be kidding me," she whispered.
As the wolves closed in, a sudden burst of light filled the clearing. The creatures recoiled, snarling in displeasure, before retreating into the forest. Liu Fei blinked, her vision adjusting to the sudden brightness, and turned to see an elderly man standing at the edge of the clearing.
"Zhu-shifu?" she blurted, her voice filled with disbelief.
Old Farmer Zhu stepped into the clearing, his cane glowing faintly with an otherworldly light. "What are you doing out here, girl?" he demanded, his tone gruff. "The forest at night is no place for a novice like you."
Liu Fei straightened, clutching the pitchfork like a lifeline. "I… had to get these," she said, gesturing to the Moonshade Leaves. "It's for… someone who's hurt."
Zhu's sharp eyes scanned her, then the half-harvested plants. "Risking your life for weeds and a stranger? You've got guts, I'll give you that. But guts won't keep you alive out here."
He reached down, plucking a handful of leaves with practiced ease before tossing them into her satchel. "There. That's enough for now. Let's get out of here before those beasts regroup."
Liu Fei followed him without protest, her legs trembling as they retraced her steps through the forest. The journey back to the farm was mercifully uneventful, though Liu Fei couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.
Back at the farmhouse, Liu Fei set the satchel on the table and sank into a chair, her body sagging with exhaustion. Zhu stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable as he surveyed the injured stranger on the mattress.
"You've got a strange way of running this farm," he said at last. "But maybe there's more to you than meets the eye."
Liu Fei managed a weak smile. "I'll take that as a compliment."
As Zhu turned to leave, he paused, his gaze lingering on her. "Be careful, girl. The forest isn't the only thing hiding secrets around here."
His words hung in the air long after he was gone, and Liu Fei couldn't help but wonder what other dangers—and mysteries—lay in wait.