The team trudged onward, the memory of the serpent's attack fresh in their minds. Despite their exhaustion, a quiet sense of accomplishment buoyed their spirits. They had crossed the river, faced one of the forest's final tests, and lived to tell the tale. The boundary of the Endless Forest loomed ahead—a shimmering line where dense trees gave way to open plains bathed in the morning light.
"This is it," Zhou Wei murmured, sheathing his sword as he gazed ahead. "The end of the forest."
Mei Chen glanced back at the dark canopy behind them, her brow furrowed. "Does it feel too quiet to anyone else? Like the forest is watching us leave."
Li Wei nodded, his sharp gaze scanning their surroundings. "The forest never lets go easily. Stay alert. It might have one last trick."
