Even after searching the entire night, no one found a single trace of Bai Ruyi or Feng Kuanglan. Although every inch of the hunting grounds was combed through, the two families felt that there had to be some places that were missed. Continuously, they asked if there was a chance that the two could have slipped into the forbidden area. Yet, every time, Sect Leader Jin would assure them it wasn't possible.

"Hmph! How can he be so sure!" Long Yuzhe complained.

Along with worry, Long Yuzhe was consumed with guilt for leaving his sister behind. Never could he have expected something like this to happen. And now that he could not do anything else, he became increasingly anxious. In the end, he went out to the grounds again to look for his sister, along with Feng Zhiyu and Xiao Ling.

Meanwhile, back in the cave, Bai Ruyi woke up, and she and Feng Kuanglan began to find their way out. The two slowly followed the wind current, hoping it would lead to an exit. However, the further they went, the darker it became.

"Bai gongzi, could it be that we are going the wrong way?" Feng Kuanglan asked.

"I do not know."

The two stopped, and Feng Kuanglan looked at the trees around him. The forest was damp, and the cold air was increasing. Never could he have imagined a place like this in Jinshan. But what made him even more puzzled was why there was a place like this here. Everything around them carried a heavy evil aura. It was nothing like the land where cultivators resided.

"Who would have thought there was a place like this in Jinshan."

Bai Ruyi, who was lost in a sea of her own musings, suddenly had a thought. This place seems to be the forbidden area of the Jin clan. If so, it makes sense that there would be some unusual beast here. But these animals seemed like they had been corrupted by evil magic, turning them into blood-crazed beasts. Could it be that someone is testing out some dark arts?

Turning to face Feng Kuanglan, she asked, "Feng gongzi, do you feel like something is not right with this place?"

"I do, but..."

"But what?" Bai Ruyi asked.

"This place is part of Jinshan. How can such a place exist on a cultivation land?"

Reaching the same conclusion, the two were even more on guard. However, with limited options, they pressed ahead into the shadows. Yet, in the fading light, their footing betrayed them, and they tumbled down a small hill, splashing unceremoniously into a hidden pond. The cool water enveloped them.

SPLASH!

The sudden drop startled the two. When they managed to climb out, they both coughed out the water they had accidentally drank.

"Are you alright?" Feng Kuanglan asked.

"I am fine, are you?"

"I am."

The two looked around again. This time, they were even more confused. First, they fell down the hill into this dark forest and encountered a swarm of crazy mutated animals. Now, they fell down another hill into the pond.

"Just what is this crazy place?"

Although Feng Kuanglan usually has a very good temper, his patience was beginning to wear thin after going through everything they just did. Soaked from head to toe, Bai Ruyi lit a talisman for some light. The place they had fallen into was another cave. How it was possible was beyond her comprehension. The walls were formed from black granite, making the place even darker. Yet, even though they thought there was no way out from there, they could still feel a wind current. Aiming the talisman over the water, Bai Ruyi could see some light coming up.

"How strong is your swimming?"

"Not bad," Feng Kuanglan replied.

Satisfied with the answer, she said.

"Follow me," and dived into the water. Unsure of what Bai Ruyi was thinking, he quickly followed. At first, the water was dark and murky, but as they continued to dive deeper and closer to the light source, the water became clear, and they could see a wide hole. After swimming out of the hole, they emerged from the water.

Finally, they were out of the forest. Scanning the area, Feng Kuanglan realized they were no longer near the hunting grounds. Instead, they were now at the bottom of the backside of the mountain.

When the two swam to shore, they were equally exhausted and wanted to rest. But not knowing how long they had been gone, they forced themselves to find their way back to the Gold Crest Tower. Riding their swords, it took them less than 20 minutes to make it back to the hunting ground gates. When the two landed, Long Yuzhe and Feng Zhiyu had just returned from the grounds. At first, they didn't notice the two. However, when Xiao Ling started barking, they looked up to see their siblings back in terrible condition.

"Ming Yue!"

"Ge!"

The two boys ran up to Bai Ruyi and Feng Kuanglan. Grasping onto her shoulders, Long Yuzhe looked his sister up and down to make sure that she was okay, but all he saw were cuts and blood.

"Are you okay? Where have you been? What happened?"

Although Bai Ruyi was happy to see her brother, all his questions made her head spin.

"Ge, I'm fine."

Realizing that he was going overboard, he calmed down and said.

"Alright, it's good that you're back. We can talk about what happened later. Let's go see mom and dad."

Bai Ruyi nodded. Meanwhile, Feng Zhiyu hugged his brother tightly.

"Ge, you're back."

Feng Kuanglan patted Feng Zhiyu's head, assuring him he was fine. However, Feng Zhiyu didn't believe a single word he said. All over Feng Kuanglan's body were cuts and tears. His leg was also stained with blood.

"Feng Ming, I really am fine. Bai gongzi helped me treat the wounds already."

"Really?"

Feng Kuanglan nodded. Feng Zhiyu glanced over at Bai Ruyi. He couldn't believe that the cold and distant person in front of him would have helped his brother so much.

While the four were busy, Xiao Ling had run off to get the adults. So, just as they started to head back, their parents were already running towards them. Relieved to see her parents, Bai Ruyi took a step forward. Yet, suddenly, her vision became dark, and she fainted. Luckily, Feng Kuanglan was right next to her and caught her before she crashed onto the ground.

"Ming Yue!"

"Yue'er!"

Everyone came running to her side to see what was wrong with her.