At that moment, a barely perceptible, sinister smile touched Hu Ji's lips. A gentle breeze swept through, making the bamboo shadows dance. The refreshing scent of bamboo filled the air, calming the mind and spirit. The group didn't stop, continuing deeper into the bamboo forest.
What no one noticed, however, was that their pace was gradually slowing. Eventually, some of the weaker members began to collapse one by one. By the time Pavilion Master Zhang and Elder Wujie realized something was wrong and looked back, they were the only two left standing. Everyone else had fallen to the ground, unable to move.
Pavilion Master Zhang and Elder Wujie couldn't hold on for long, either. A heavy sensation flooded their minds. Despite their best efforts to fight it, they too eventually succumbed and collapsed.
