Chapter 46: The Crystal Forest Maze

As we continued to explore the crystal forest, a growing sense of certainty formed in my mind. "This place feels more like a maze," I said aloud, turning to Luo Bing. The realization had been simmering beneath the surface, but now it crystallized in my mind, much like the trees around us.

"There haven't been any hostile creatures or attacks. It's almost as if the dungeon is testing our navigational skills, ensuring we can find our way through this labyrinth. The things you mentioned earlier that you heard from the song the forest sang."

I pondered and said, " It repeatedly mentioned the various different colors in different parts of this labyrinth, and I have been able to see patterns which are being repeated here and there and whenever that happens we end up coming back to the location where we started."

Luo Bing nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the crystalline leaves. "That makes sense. It seems to be designed to challenge us without directly threatening our lives. We need to be skillful enough to navigate it, which fits with your hypothesis."

Her voice carried a mix of curiosity and relief, as if the understanding brought some semblance of control in an otherwise unpredictable situation.

I smiled faintly, feeling a bit more confident in our understanding of the dungeon. "Let's keep moving and see if we can find an exit. The sooner we solve this maze, the sooner we can regroup with the others." The thought of reuniting with my friends added a sense of urgency to my steps.

With renewed determination, we pressed on, navigating the crystalline labyrinth and keeping our senses sharp for any clues or changes in the environment. The forest was a mesmerizing maze of light and color, but we couldn't afford to be distracted by its beauty. Every step needed to be purposeful, every turn calculated.

We soon discovered that the forest had subtle indicators of direction. The crystalline trees, while seemingly uniform at first glance, had variations in their coloration and the patterns on their leaves. Luo Bing, with her keen observational skills, pointed out the differences.

"Look here," I said, gesturing to a cluster of trees. "These leaves have a slight blue tint compared to the others. Maybe we should follow the blue-tinted trees."

"Good catch," she replied, feeling a surge of hope. We adjusted our path, following the blue-tinted trees, which seemed to lead us deeper into the maze.

As we moved, the soft chiming of the crystalline leaves created an almost musical backdrop, a serene counterpoint to the tension of our journey.

The deeper we went, the more we noticed other subtle changes in the environment. The patches of glowing moss beneath our feet varied in color, too. We started to discern a pattern: the blue-tinted trees and the corresponding blue patches of moss seemed to form a path. It wasn't a straight line, but a winding trail that required careful attention to follow.

"I think we're on the right track," I said, keeping my voice low. "The dungeon might be using these natural elements as guides. We just have to keep our eyes open and stay vigilant."

Luo Bing agreed, her expression determined. "We have to understand the song and use the right color but even after that we need to choose the right path from within those colors and for that we can't do it without your knowledge.

It's like a puzzle within a puzzle. The dungeon is testing not just our ability to fight or use our powers, but our intelligence and perception. We need to be more than just strong—we need to be clever."

As we navigated, we also noticed that the sound of running water grew more distinct. The stream we'd encountered earlier seemed to parallel our path, its gentle babbling providing an auditory guide. Occasionally, we glimpsed its sparkling surface through gaps in the trees, reassuring us that we were still on the right track.

After some time, the blue-tinted trees and moss began to fade, blending back into the forest's general palette. We paused, trying to discern the next part of the pattern. Luo Bing knelt, examining the moss closely. "The colors are changing again. Look at these patches—they're more purple now."

I nodded, following her gaze. "So, we follow the purple moss and trees next." It made sense that the dungeon would continue to test our adaptability and observation skills, shifting the indicators as we progressed.

We adjusted our course once more, this time following the purple-tinted elements. The forest seemed to shift around us, the crystalline trees creating an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colors. The path wasn't straightforward, but with each step, we grew more attuned to the subtle cues the dungeon provided.

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Despite the challenges, there was a strange sense of peace in the crystal forest. The absence of immediate danger allowed us to focus on the task at hand without the constant fear of attack. It was a welcome change from the usual high-stakes battles we faced in other parts of the dungeon.

As we moved deeper into the maze, our confidence grew. The path, while complex, was navigable with careful attention. The dungeon seemed intent on testing our patience and perseverance, ensuring that only those with the skills to observe and more than that those with the will to persevere could progress.

"Do you think the others are facing similar challenges?" Luo Bing asked, breaking the silence.

"Probably," I replied, considering the various trials the dungeon had thrown at us so far. "But if we can navigate this maze, I'm sure they can handle their own challenges too. We just need to stay focused and keep moving forward."

Without her releasing it Luo Bing was smiling, they were stuck here for almost 4 hours now and after spending so much time together and discussing and talking continuously about the path they take, the initial uncomfortable atmosphere have already evaporated into thin air and Luo Bing even told Ning Feng to drop the honorifics.

But that was not just because of the time spent together but also because of the fact, that his attainments in formations at this age shocked her she wanted him to join as part of her faction in the clan.

Formation masters were welcomed anywhere they went with open arms and he is so young to top it off.

After hours of navigating the crystal forest maze, a new challenge arose. Our throats were parched, and our bodies craved hydration. Despite the serene beauty of the forest, thirst was an undeniable reality we had to face.

"We need to find water soon," Luo Bing said, her voice slightly hoarse. "The stream we encountered earlier might help."

We quickened our pace, guided by the distant sound of babbling water. When we reached the stream, the crystalline water glinted invitingly under the ambient light. Cautiously, I knelt and scooped some water into my hands, but as soon as it touched my lips, I spat it out. "It's not drinkable," I said, grimacing at the bitter taste.

Luo Bing tested it as well, and her reaction mirrored mine. "It's contaminated with some kind of magical residue," she observed. "This must be another part of the dungeon's challenge."

Frustration mounted as the situation grew more dire. I could feel the weight of our predicament pressing down on me. I had a secret that could solve our problem, but revealing it wasn't a decision to be made lightly. I possessed the water concept, and I could create water runes. However, exposing this ability might draw unwanted attention.

I pondered my options. Revealing my water concept was too risky, but crafting runes seemed a safer bet. It would still surprise Luo Bing, but it wouldn’t fully expose my capabilities. After a moment of deliberation, I made up my mind.

"I can create runes to help us," I said, breaking the silence. Luo Bing looked at me, curiosity and surprise flickering in her eyes.

"You can make runes?" she asked, clearly intrigued.

I nodded. "Yes. I'll make a water rune to give us clean water and then cool it with temperature runes." I focused my energy, channeling it into the runes. Luo Bing watched intently, her gaze fixed on my hands as I worked.

As I inscribed the runes into the ground, Luo Bing's expression shifted from curiosity to awe. She had heard of rune masters but seeing one in action, especially one so young, was a different experience entirely.

When the runes activated, water began to flow, pure and clear. I followed up by inscribing temperature runes around it, cooling the water to a refreshing chill. Luo Bing stared in disbelief.

"Incredible," she murmured, her eyes wide. "You're not just a formation master; you're a rune master too. And at such a young age."

I offered her a cup formed from the crystalline leaves. She took it, still in awe. "Drink up," I said, managing a small smile.

As Luo Bing drank the water, her mind raced. She was astounded by Ning Feng's skill and versatility. Formation masters were highly valued, but a rune master could command even greater respect and power. Luo Bing couldn't help but think about how valuable he would be to her faction in the clan. She was determined to recruit him, no matter what.

While Luo Bing was absorbed in her thoughts, I focused on making sure we had enough water.

Luo Bing couldn't hide her amazement as she watched me work. She couldn't recall the last time she had felt this relaxed and engaged in a challenge. The stress of clan politics and the constant pressure to meet suitors chosen by the elders were distant memories now. Here, in the maze, she felt free.

Luo Bing’s thoughts wandered back to her life in the royal court. The endless demands of clan politics and the pressure to meet various scions of powerful families had always felt stifling. Every day, she was reminded of her duties and the expectations placed upon her. But here, amidst the crystal forest, those worries seemed to fade away.

She found herself smiling genuinely, something she hadn't done in a long time. The puzzle of the maze was challenging, but it was a challenge she relished. Solving it alongside someone as talented and intriguing as Ning Feng made it even more enjoyable. For once, she felt she could be herself, free from the burdens of her royal lineage and the constant scrutiny of the clan.

Luo Bing realized she wanted more moments like these—moments of genuine connection and adventure. She wanted to explore the world, to see its wonders, and to choose her path freely. She also wanted to find a partner on her own terms, someone who valued her for who she was, not just her status.

The thought filled her with a warmth she hadn't felt in years. As they continued their journey through the maze, Luo Bing knew one thing for certain: she was determined to forge her own destiny, starting with solving this labyrinth.

As we continued to navigate the crystalline labyrinth, we came upon an intricately designed door. The door stood tall and imposing, shimmering with a myriad of colors that danced across its surface. It was crafted from a material that resembled the same crystalline structures that surrounded us, yet it exuded an aura of mystique and grandeur.

The door was adorned with elaborate carvings that depicted various mythical creatures and intricate patterns. In the center was a large, circular emblem with numerous smaller circles radiating outwards. Each circle contained different symbols and runes, forming a complex and mesmerizing mosaic. The symbols glowed faintly, indicating the presence of powerful magic.

Luo Bing and I stood in awe, taking in the sheer beauty and complexity of the door. It was clear that this was the final barrier between us and the next stage of the dungeon. As we approached, a soft, ethereal voice echoed through the forest.

"To those who have journeyed this far, your final test awaits. You have ten minutes to solve the puzzle and unlock the door. Fail, and the path will be sealed."

The announcement sent a shiver down my spine. We had to act quickly, but as I examined the door more closely, I realized that this was not just a test of knowledge in formations. It was a puzzle that required logic, intuition, and a keen eye for detail.

Luo Bing's eyes scanned the symbols and runes on the door. "This isn't like any formation puzzle I've seen before," she said, her voice tinged with urgency. "It's more like... a riddle."

She turned to me, concern evident in her eyes. But instead of anxiety, she found me smiling with excitement. I leaned closer to the door, examining the intricate patterns with a gleam in my eye.

"Is this a formation 'Sudoku'?" I mumbled, a grin spreading across my face. "Time to geek out."

Luo Bing blinked, momentarily taken aback by my enthusiasm. "A what?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.