With a deafening boom
, the courtyard was paved with bluestone, a cluster of black roses stood by the window, and a low tower and statues of angel princesses stood side by side.
The air rippled like water as the last three twisted, venomous spirits, poised to pounce, were frozen in the light barrier!
They struggled and roared frantically, each impact causing ripples in the space, the white light illuminating their猙獰 (zhengning - ferocious/hideous) and unwilling faces.
"Puff puff,"
two points of white light quietly appeared.
One was from a black rose, its petals and core emitting soft white light.
Simultaneously, on one side of the space, a lifelike statue of an angel princess also emitted white light.
The spirits let out mournful roars, their voices filled with fear and resentment, trying to resist purification.
But the white light seemed to possess life, cleansing their twisted nature.
Black mist continuously evaporated and dissipated from the spirits, their forms thinning, their struggles weakening, their roars gradually fading into almost inaudible sobs, until they vanished completely.
As the last traces of energy were purified, the white light emanating from the Black Rose and the Angel Princess statue slowly receded, returning to its previous silence.
The dark gray ashes automatically moved to the roots of the Black Rose, serving as fertilizer.
"The Black Rose and the Angel Princess statue are getting stronger," Su Yu thought , "
or rather, the courtyard is getting stronger." His consciousness withdrew, returning to the real world. At this moment, a faint orange-red hue intertwined with the pale white of dawn on the eastern horizon, foreshadowing the arrival of a new day. He stood on a high point in the Witch's Forest, gazing into the distance. The chilling gloom and evil aura that had once permeated the forest had vanished. Sunlight pierced through the dissipating morning mist, illuminating the newly transformed forest, where the clear chirping of birds filled the air. The entire Witch's Forest, after this purification led by Su Yu, was free of evil. Su Yu gently exhaled a breath of stale air, a sense of relief washing over him. His purpose in visiting the Witch's Forest had been achieved; although the process had been slow and arduous, the result was undoubtedly perfect. He turned around and looked at the figure waiting not far away—the witch Lanmei.
Looking at the pristine Witch's Forest, Lanmei felt the slightly gloomy atmosphere fade considerably, replaced by a sense of relief and brightness.
"Mr. Su Yu," Lanmei stepped forward, her voice tinged with emotion, "Thank you... thank you for everything you've done for the forest."
"From today onward, this forest will remember your kindness,"
Su Yu nodded slightly. "It was nothing. And it was also for my own sake."
He spoke frankly, after all, the reward from the witches was substantial.
Lanmei, however, didn't see it that way. She solemnly shook her head. "No, your achievements must be remembered. As the guardian of the forest, on behalf of all living beings who inhabit this place and those who will benefit from it in the future, I pay my respects to you."
With that, she took out a small, exquisite badge carved from emerald green leaves from her bosom.
"This is the witch's 'Emerald Leaf Emblem'," Lanmei said, handing the badge to Su Yu. It was warm to the touch, almost alive. "It contains your reward—and with it, wherever you go in the witch's forest, you will be considered a guest and ally, receiving all the help and welcome we can."
Su Yu took the badge; it was slightly cool to the touch, and he could feel some energy fluctuations and magical information within it. He didn't examine it immediately, but carefully put it away. "Thank you."
"It's just a small token," Lanmei smiled slightly, then clapped her hands.
Not far away, a black horse snorted and strolled over leisurely.
The horse was well-proportioned, muscular, and had bright, intelligent eyes—clearly a fine steed.
"This horse is named Snowwalker, one of the finest forest horses, with incredible stamina, a gentle temperament, and a keen understanding of human nature. It might be able to provide you with locomotives for your journey."
Su Yu looked at the black horse named "Snowwalker," a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before thanking her again, "Ms. Lanmei, you're too kind."
"It's nothing." Lanmei's smile was genuine. "Well then, Mr. Su Yu, farewell. May you have a safe journey." "
Until we meet again." Su Yu mounted the horse, waved to Lanmei, and then gently spurred it. "Snowwalker" understood, neighing and galloping off towards the edge of the forest.
The sound of hooves faded into the distance. Lanmei stood there, watching Su Yu's figure disappear into the boundary between the morning mist and the dense forest. After a long while, she let out a long sigh, turned, and walked into the depths of the forest, where there were too many things that needed her attention.
Leaving the Witch's Forest, and with three days already passed, Su Yu didn't head directly to the port. Instead, he took a short detour towards Falling Moon Valley.
"Snow Treader" lived up to its name, displaying incredible speed and endurance, traversing even the rugged mountain paths as if they were flat ground.
As he drew closer to Falling Moon Valley, the sky darkened, and large snowflakes fell like goose feathers, quickly carpeting the ground with a thick white blanket.
When Su Yu reached the outskirts of Falling Moon Valley, the entire valley was completely shrouded in a vast expanse of snow.
The howling wind whipped up the snow, creating plumes of white mist that stung his face.
However, in stark contrast to this frigid weather was the bustling construction activity within Falling Moon Valley.
From afar, the entire valley resembled a giant construction site.
The once desolate valley had been cleared and leveled, with timber, stone, bricks, and other building materials piled up neatly.
Despite the heavy snowfall, the construction within the valley had not ceased.
Hundreds of workers braved the wind and snow, bustling about at various construction sites. Some were compacting foundations, others erecting beams and pillars, and still others carrying materials. Shouts, work chants, the clanging of tools
, and the roar of steam-powered machinery blended into a symphony that broke through the snow's barrier and could be heard from afar.
Su Yu reined in his horse and stopped on a high slope at the valley entrance, silently observing the situation within.
Snowflakes settled on his shoulders and hair, quickly accumulating into a thin layer, but he paid no heed.
The main framework of the manor buildings in the core area was largely complete; although not yet topped off, its outline was already beginning to take shape.
Several main roads were clearly visible, and workers were laying roadbeds.
Su Yu's gaze was quickly drawn to a figure.
It was a middle-aged man wearing a thick overcoat and a hat, directing workers to move and sort stones at the quarry.
Despite the heavy snow and his reddened cheeks, his voice remained loud and clear, occasionally gesturing with his cane.
"Well done,"
said the middle-aged man, Manager Liu, sent by Yuntong Trading Company to oversee the overall construction project of Falling Moon Valley.
Seeing Manager Liu's dedication, even in such harsh weather, personally supervising the work, Su Yu felt a sense of satisfaction.
He knew that Manager Liu's contribution was indispensable to the rapid construction of Falling Moon Valley.
He stood quietly on the high slope for a long time, but did not choose to enter the valley at this time.
Confirming that the territory's construction was progressing steadily, Su Yu took a deep look, then, without hesitation, turned his horse around and silently left the high slope, galloping towards the port.
After leaving Falling Moon Valley, the snow gradually subsided after leaving the mountains, but the temperature remained cold.
"Treading Snow" picked up speed again, galloping along the road towards the increasingly prosperous new port.