Overwhelmed by what they saw the disciples rushed forward further into the demon forest, Reece tried to warn them but even before he could utter a word on, they went rushing through the dense forests. With his warning amounting to nothing Reece followed closely behind them, suddenly the crack that the elders had made opened up again and this time the Martial Asura sect disciples came through it.
Xia Ying from the Tranquil Lotus Clan: "we should try heading back to where we last met with that demon beast and try our luck there."
Reece: nods "yeah where we almost died when you wanted to charge head on, maybe we can be lucky this time and get more of those crystals."
Jiang Fang from the Tongtian Sect: "Agreed. I hope we can cooperate like the last time and help each other and fight back the demon beasts too."
Katia from the Tranquil Lotus Clan: raises an eyebrow "Demon beasts? They don't seem pleased to see us. What's the Biggy we have Reece with us he'll save us just like last time. " She said seductively approaching Reece and fawning over him.
Reece: "It's a dangerous there for now I think we should probably try cultivating on the outskirts so you guys can increase your combat strength."
Yao Ming from the Tongtian Sect: "Speaking of that we better get moving before the other sects' disciples and families dry this place up." he pulled Jiang Fang aside and whispered to him," hey why don't we leave this looser and the girls and go find the resources already."
Jiang Fang hit him in the head and cautiously warned him," that looser could easily fight his way to the top of those very mountains you see floating and nobody in this forest can go toe-toe with him in a fight you idiot."
Dise Sang from the Tranquil Lotus Clan: " what are you guys blubbing on about? We are about to leave hurry up or we'll leave without you guys. "
Reece: smiles " don't forget the bigger picture guys. We're not just competing against each other; we're all up against the dangers in this place. You guys go on ahead I'll catch up with you soon just got to take care of a little pests."
Jiang Han: "okay see you soon Reece, don't forget we depend on you to talk to that beast."
Jiang Han and the other disciples walked on ahead leaving Reece behind. Reece had already sensed something was off and he let the other walk on ahead and not let them get caught in what he was going to do.
Reece standing still and calm," you can come out now the rest are gone I know you're there come out or I'll drag you all out."
A group of people in black emerged from the shadows and Lian at the fore front leading them.
Lian," nice of you to wait for us Reece even though you going to be saying hello to Hades soon. This time I brought with me some new powerful friends and they are going to help me."
" I see you still delusional and still out trying to kill me still, it's funny that all your efforts always end up back firing on you." Reece said as he laughed as he slowly approached Lian.
" You won't be laughing for long you stubborn prick, charge kill him for me now." Lian ordered the guys in black to attack Reece.
Rather than facing his attackers on, he utilized the surrounding of the forest to his advantage. With his experience in such forest, he took Lian and his compatriots on a joy ride in the forest leading them through the dense forest, he knew the inherent danger of demon beasts. The creatures were a constant threat, their nature consistent regardless of the particular forest or territory they inhabited. Reece had already been used to them.
With each step, the terrain became more challenging, and the eerie atmosphere of the forest grew more oppressive. However, thanks to his superior physical strength and agility navigating through the forest was easy though it was getting harder getting away from the men in black.
Reece was aware that the only move left was to lead them to a layer of demon beasts. He knew it was a risky maneuver, the creatures' territorial nature might help divert the pursuers' attention. However, he also knew that he would trade one danger for another.
Reece's heart raced as he led the group, desperately searching for a way out of the dangerous situation he found himself in. Within the last stretch using his mirror twin eyes he searched on ahead and found a den of demon larks wolves and he increased his speed.
With his agility it was easy for him to get past the den of demon beasts just as his pursuers were about to cross, he purposely awoke the wolves and left them there.
" Hope you have fun Lian, consider this my gift for your most gracious welcome to this place, I wish I could spend some more time but I see your hands are full right now." Reece's voice faded as he walked away with a smile on his face.
"Reeeeccceeeee!!!!!! I swear to the heavens I'm going to kill," Lian's voice echoed the forest as he and his men were left to deal with the demon beasts by Reece who was now racing through the forest.
"Okay I guess it's time to meet up with the rest of the gang, wait which way was it again, Aaaah, I'll just try this way then." Reece tried to recall the way but only ended heading the way that already not it like usual.
However, the forest's terrain grew increasingly unstable, and the path he was following suddenly led to an unexpected obstacle: a concealed rabbit hole in the ground. Without warning, Reece lost his footing, and the ground gave way beneath him. He fell into the hole, and slide through the tunnel hole into the deeper earth. The darkness closed in around him as he tumbled down.
As Reece tried to regain his senses, he found himself trapped in an underground cave, disoriented and suffocating. He hit his head as he landed into the cave it was dark and couldn't see anything ahead or what was below him, without elemental energy in him he couldn't utilize even the slightest fire element.
He clawed his way up searching for anything that could light up and illuminate the place.
"I see I have another visitor again, snffs!! I can smell the ancient blood in you boy." A voice came from deep the cave and the wind howled. A surge of breath emanated from deep and it came surging quickly towards Reece and hauled him up into the air.