After the heavy rain, the dense forest isn't as beautiful as you might expect. The chaotic view of weather-beaten trees is the most honest depiction, and even the air is noticeably chillier than usual.
The wagon wheels turn on the wet ground, leaving two deep long tracks, which are then rolled over by the next wagon. This cycle, combined with footprints, creates a confusion of muddy traces.
The heavy rain from the previous night has softened the soil, making the path increasingly difficult to traverse.
"This path has turned into a muddy soup! It's too rough to travel!" someone complained.
"Indeed. We have a few more days' journey ahead of us, and Mother Nature barely holds off! Part of the food is drenched; what if it spoils!"
"Try to move as quickly as possible. We are in the forest closest to Xiyue Country. The longer we linger, the more potential accidents might occur." Zhao Youwei cautioned his soldiers upon hearing their complaints.
