Chapter 356: Lost Time

Chapter 356: Lost Time

Liu Xing took a deep breath and spoke, "Did you all just feel it? It seems like there’s something watching us in this bamboo forest."

Ling Ishikawa nodded in surprise, saying, "What? So, I’m not the only one who felt that. When I was looking into the depths of the bamboo forest earlier, I suddenly felt like something had locked onto me. The sensation was strange, as if I were a rabbit being stalked by a tiger."

At this moment, after a brief conversation between Zhang Jingxu and Wan Chongshan, Zhang Jingxu chimed in, "Wan Chongshan and I also had the same feeling as you. It confirms that something is indeed observing us deep within this bamboo forest. We’re just not certain whether it’s a wild beast or a mythical creature. However, it probably considers us prey by now. Given the density of this bamboo forest, it might take a while for whatever is lurking there to reveal itself."

Of course, Zhang Jingxu’s last statement couldn’t be taken seriously.

Liu Xing was certain that the presence watching them from the depths of the bamboo forest was some kind of mythical creature. For mythical creatures, leaving this bamboo forest would likely be a breeze.

So, Liu Xing speculated that this mythical creature in the depths of the bamboo forest was trapped there for some reason. However, to get more details, they would have to inquire with the locals of Panlong Town.

"Let’s retrace our steps for now to avoid any accidents. After all, there’s an old saying in China that says, ’A wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall,’" Liu Xing said earnestly.

With that, Liu Xing and the others began to backtrack, returning to the broken bridge.

At this point, Liu Xing spotted a young man in a windbreaker, leaning against the railing and seemingly gazing at the scenery across the Panlong River.

It had to be said that this young man had captured the attention of Liu Xing and the others.

Liu Xing exchanged a meaningful glance with Zhang Jingxu, who understood the signal. He and Wan Chongshan approached the young man for a chat.

It was only then that Liu Xing saw the true appearance of this young man. He could be described in one word: "handsome." He had the kind of looks that could easily make him a popular internet celebrity with the right packaging.

However, it was precisely because of this that Liu Xing found this young man rather peculiar, as he didn’t quite fit the overall atmosphere of Panlong Town.

It was like in a science fiction movie where a group of soldiers with laser guns were engaged in a firefight, and suddenly, a white-robed Taoist flying on a sword appeared, throwing a few yellow talismans to blow up the soldiers.

After a while, Zhang Jingxu returned and said, "This young man’s name is Xiao Mochen, and he’s a local of Panlong Town."

Liu Xing raised an eyebrow, curious. "Oh, Xiao Mochen is actually a local? I initially thought he was stranded in Panlong Town like us, considering his different style and unique name. After all, he doesn’t quite blend in with the others."

Zhang Jingxu smiled and nodded, continuing, "That’s what I thought at first too, but Xiao Mochen mentioned that he and Hu Cang are childhood friends who grew up together. He also shared a legend about that bamboo forest. Would you like to hear it?"

"Mr. Zhang Jingxu, please don’t keep us in suspense any longer. Please tell us," Ling Ishikawa said with a hint of impatience.

Zhang Jingxu continued, "However, for some reason, when Wan Chongshan mentioned the Black Flood Dragon, Xiao Mochen’s expression visibly changed. Nevertheless, he continued to deny the existence of the Black Flood Dragon. Now he has bid us farewell and invited us to his teahouse this afternoon."

As Zhang Jingxu finished speaking, Xiao Mochen nodded to Liu Xing and the others before leaving.

Liu Xing sighed and said seriously, "It seems that we were being observed by that monster just now. I didn’t expect it to still be alive after being trapped in the bamboo forest for so many years."

Zhang Jingxu smiled wryly and said, "Of course, Liu Xing, you should know that most mythical creatures are essentially immortal beings. So, the fact that the monster is still alive is not surprising. Well, let’s return to Hu Cang’s house for now and talk to Li Dian about what just happened."

Liu Xing nodded, and the group headed back to Hu Cang’s house.

At that moment, Hu Cang and Li Dian were engaged in a casual conversation. When they saw Liu Xing and the others, Li Dian said something that caused Zhang Jingxu and Wan Chongshan to freeze in shock, taking out their phones.

Liu Xing and Ling Ishikawa stood puzzled, waiting for Zhang Jingxu to translate.

Language barriers were indeed troublesome.

Liu Xing had made up his mind that after completing this module, he would definitely purchase a "Textbook" from the Shop.

In the Shop, there was a special type of item known as a "Textbook." For example, the Beast Taming Notes that Liu Xing had seen in Ling Ishikawa’s bag belonged to this category.

In simple terms, "Textbooks" were books that allowed players to learn or improve their skill values. However, players needed to spend a certain amount of time in the module reading and comprehending them. These "Textbooks" also had limitations on the number of times they could be purchased. For instance, players from the Shoggoth Region could only buy three "Textbooks."

Now, Zhang Jingxu looked at Liu Xing with a serious expression and said, "Ryuusei, Ling Ishikawa, please check the time displayed on your phones right now!"

Liu Xing furrowed his brow and quickly checked his phone, only to find that it displayed 11:00 AM!

Liu Xing, just like Zhang Jingxu and Wan Chongshan earlier, was now wearing a shocked expression.

Liu Xing remembered that he and his group had left Hu Cang’s house at 8:30 AM. Although they hadn’t checked the time in between, based on his own estimation, they had spent at most half an hour outside.

So, where had those two hours gone?

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