Chapter 9 Departure

Upon hearing Rod's response, Mace's plump face immediately drooped like a frostbitten eggplant. He certainly did not understand Rod's thoughts, but wasn't this a bit too careless? Reflecting on this, the portly merchant began to reconsider whether he had made a wrong choice. Upon careful thought, this young man had been severely injured in the deep mountains. If he were not injured, then such ease would be understandable. However, he was injured now; such casual and careless words... were they not akin to courting death?

Watching Rod's back, Lijie tilted her head in confusion. According to the captain, such skills could only be mastered by experienced elves and rangers. Ordinary elves, while capable of communicating with nature, could not achieve this level. However, Rod appeared to do so with such ease; he had never even stopped to communicate with the plants around him. This indicated that he should not be an elf, but... looking at him, he did not seem like a ranger either. Although Lijie had not interacted much with rangers, she knew that their primary weapon was the bow. Yet, from the moment she first saw Rod until now, he had never used a bow.

Is there nothing that needs to be noted

I am able to understand your current thoughts

Upon hearing this, Lijie was suddenly taken aback. Instinctively, she crossed her arms protectively around herself and took two or three steps back, stopping only when she bumped into the large tree behind her. Yet, even so, Lijie remained unfazed. She simply stared intently at the man before her, opened her mouth, but could not utter a single word. How could he possibly know? No, that is impossible. She had never told him, and even within the mercenary group, the number of people who could know about this was very few. She just stared intently at the man before her, opened her mouth, but could not utter a single word. How could he possibly know? No, that is impossible. She had never told him, and even within the mercenary group, the number of people who could know about this was very few.

Rod walked at the forefront. Although traversing through the roadless forest was not easy, his figure moved exceptionally nimbly, weaving back and forth among the trees. Neither the vines nor the thorny plant stems could hinder his progress. Just by looking at his back, it was hard to imagine that he had previously been gravely injured

Who exactly is he

You are welcome

No ... ... I ... ...

With this thought in mind, Mei and Tubosi forcefully slapped their faces to dispel the last remnants of sleep. He then carefully watched as Luode stood up from the ground, casually brushing off the dust from his legs and feet. After that, he flexed his wrists and finally spoke.

... ... etc., etc., Mr. Rhodes

Although it may appear on the surface that Rod's direction is quite random, he does not choose to move in a straight line; rather, he occasionally turns left or right, and sometimes even makes a large detour. From a superficial perspective, one might think he is leading them aimlessly. However, few notice that under Rod's guidance, a smooth path emerges within the once-obstructed forest, as if it had been hidden there all along, waiting for people to discover its existence.

Covering her flushed cheeks, Lijie widened her eyes in disbelief as she gazed at Rod before her. The young man, however, simply watched her quietly before speaking.

However, before the fat merchant had the chance to satisfy his curiosity, a single remark from Rod immediately plunged him into despair

In the northeast, there is a small town; once you arrive there, the subsequent journey becomes much easier

This is your path; you should choose it for yourself

Gazing at the clear lake before him, Meisi instinctively licked his already cracked lips. Although it had not been long since their departure, for a businessman accustomed to a life of luxury, it felt as if he had endured several days of hardship. Upon seeing such a fine resting place, the plump businessman immediately strode forward, intending to take a good rest by the lakeside. However, just as he began to move, Rod's hand pressed firmly on his shoulder.

Lijie once heard the leader mention that this is a very advanced skill. After all, it is exceedingly difficult for ordinary people to find their way in the forest; only those elves who live harmoniously with nature and rangers who have spent years in the deep mountains can master this skill. She had witnessed it firsthand once before. At that time, her team had lost their way in the forest, and the elf sent to assist them did not follow the existing paths or those documented in books, but instead chose to move in a completely opposite direction. Lijie was quite worried at that moment. However, they ultimately left the forest quite smoothly, and it was during that time that Lijie learned about this skill from her leader. But... at that time, her team had lost their way in the forest, and the elf sent to assist them did not follow the existing paths or those documented in books, but instead chose to move in a completely opposite direction. Lijie was quite worried at that moment. However, they ultimately left the forest quite smoothly, and it was during that time that Lijie learned about this skill from her leader. But...

Your eyes reflect a golden glow under the light, which is precisely the hallmark of an angel as a 'Guardian of Light.' However, unlike pure-bred angels, the radiance in your eyes is not dazzling, and this is precisely the aspect that is concealed by your human lineage—am I not correct?

It is not surprising that Rod would say this, as the Pafield region, being a novice gathering place in the Dragon Soul Continent, has long been thoroughly explored by players. Particularly influenced by online novels, many players intentionally ventured into uninhabited, dangerous, or hard-to-reach areas during the early stages of the game, attempting to obtain legendary artifacts capable of dominating the game. ... Then they could wield powerful weapons, becoming invincible, establishing formidable factions, and ultimately unifying the continent ... In the early stages of the game, many players deliberately explored uninhabited, dangerous, or hard-to-reach areas, trying to acquire legendary artifacts that could dominate the game. ... Then they could wield powerful weapons, becoming invincible, establishing formidable factions, and ultimately unifying the continent ... ... Of course, reality is always harsh. Although, through the relentless efforts of players, some very rare and well-attribute equipment and weapons were indeed found, unfortunately, none met the players' standard of "with the artifact in hand, the world is mine."

Rod stopped in his tracks

Then ... ...

Rod extended a finger

There is nothing particularly noteworthy

So I said, I am able to understand your thoughts

What is he doing

Looking at the girl before him, Rod let out a sigh

Rod shrugged his shoulders

Departure

I think it is time to set off

Although this place is fraught with danger for Mace, where every step could cost him his life, for Rod, this area is as familiar as his own backyard. In the game, as a guild leader, Rod has often brought newcomers from his team here to level up, so he is naturally well-versed in the details such as where the monsters are abundant, where they are scarce, which equipment from quests is suitable for which professions, and where the attributes are optimal for the most efficient training. Even if he were randomly thrown into any location, Rod could navigate his way out with his eyes closed. Therefore, there is nothing particularly noteworthy that he needs to remind himself of here. As for Mace? Rod has completed the task of protecting merchants in the game not just hundreds, but likely thousands of times, so how could he possibly take it to heart?

Lijie lowered her head, tightly clutching the hem of her dress.

I understand, thank you, Mr. Rod.

Thinking of this, Mace hurriedly raised his head and looked at Rod. Since this young man said he had a way, he must have a very thorough plan, after all, they were in the depths of the mountains, and it was not impossible to get lost. Moreover, there were so many fierce beasts lurking within; how could they evade their pursuit? These were all essential knowledge for survival in the wild. I must pay close attention and not miss a single word. If I were to die here due to carelessness, it would be a great loss.

Although there was a faint sense of regret deep within, for Meisi, there was no second path to take, as the saying goes, "riding the tiger south." Thus, with no other choice, he could only grit his teeth and follow the two individuals deeper into the forest

Although he did not receive an answer, Rod had already confirmed that his thoughts were not mistaken. The girl standing before him at this moment was indeed a half-angel. In fact, he had been observing Lijie for some time. As a top-tier player, Rod was already familiar with the methods of assessing an opponent's attributes through their equipment and characteristics during his long gaming career. This not only allowed him to devise the most suitable tactics in the shortest time during BOSS battles, but also enabled him to take the initiative in PVP combat. Rod had long mastered the skill of judging an opponent's attributes through their equipment and characteristics. This could be said to be a technique that all seasoned players inevitably acquire.

This is truly wonderful

Although the process was somewhat "brutal," in the end, Lijie emerged from the shadows of losing her companions and her guilt. When the sun rose the next day, the golden-haired girl no longer bore the sadness from before; instead, her face was adorned with the same gentle smile as always. This left Meisi, who had just woken up and was completely unaware of what had happened, a bit surprised. He curiously looked this way and that, ultimately revealing a meaningful and bookish smile towards Rod—what this truly meant, however, remained a mystery to everyone.

Following closely behind, Lijie was not slow either. It was evident that she had become accustomed to this kind of outdoor movement and lifestyle. Although she was dressed in an inconvenient long robe, Lijie still walked steadily beside Rod, occasionally reminding the merchants behind her to be cautious and watch their steps.

Let us go

After all, this standard is rather high

... ...

Lijie finally spoke up

The deeper she delved into it, the more astonished Lijie felt within her innermost heart

However, that slap you gave really hurt

Because right in the shadow by the lake, a large white wolf was quietly lying there, resting with its eyes closed

At this moment, deep within Lijie's heart, there is an increasing sense of confusion

Lijie must be well aware of this herself, which is why she appears so despondent

Where are we going

Upon hearing these words, Lijie fell silent for a moment, and then she raised her head

The text provided does not contain any content to translate. Please provide a specific text in Simplified Chinese for translation.

Bang!

The girl did not speak

You are well aware of why you have survived, but this is not due to luck; rather, it is the result of the differences between you and others, a reality you cannot accept... If possible, you even wish you were just an ordinary human, facing death like your companions, rather than surviving in such a cunning manner.

Only because one is different from others, one harbors a sense of guilt for being able to survive. For a half-angel, such a thought cannot be considered correct

Through the bushes, he could clearly see the clear lake not far away, which was the center of Silver Moon Forest, the Lake of Moonlight. In the game, this place can be considered one of the outdoor camps for players to rest midway.

... ... ''

Upon hearing the word "last night," Lijie instinctively recoiled, as if she was reminded once again of that incident. Nevertheless, the young girl stubbornly bit her lip and then shook her head.

But this is not something you can decide

Lijie, the person you should be most concerned about right now is you. From last night until now, you haven't had a proper rest, have you

How do you ... ...

Looking at Lijie's slightly trembling shoulders, Rod's tone softened considerably

Li Jie had not finished speaking at hetushucom.com, and at that moment, Rod had already raised his hand and delivered a heavy slap to her face

The plump merchant looked at the young man in confusion, but Rod said nothing. He simply extended a finger and made a gesture for silence, then pointed ahead. The plump merchant, puzzled, followed Rod's finger and then his face suddenly turned pale.

Upon hearing this calm statement, which was almost devoid of any emotional fluctuation, a surge of anger erupted from the depths of Lijie's heart. She put her hands down, clenched her fists tightly, seemingly wanting to refute Rod's irresponsible remarks. However, Rod's next words completely drained her of the strength to do so.

The fat merchant almost jumped up with a "clang" as if he were sitting on a chair with iron nails facing upwards

What should I do

Under the bright sunlight, the Silver Moon Forest appeared very tranquil, with sunlight filtering through the gaps in the leaves, casting speckles of light on the ground. The crisp sound of birdsong occasionally rang out, and one could even catch glimpses of wild rabbits in the grass. The scene before him was so peaceful that the previously anxious fat merchant gradually relaxed. No longer was he suspicious and restless as he had been before.

You cannot decide your own origin, nor can you prevent all of this; these are matters beyond your control. Never regret the things you are unable to accomplish

This word jolted the plump merchant, who had just woken up and finished his breakfast, into a sudden realization. He remembered that he was no longer in his comfortable, warm room, but rather in this vast and perilous forest. Right, they were not out for a leisurely outing; that damned wind serpent and that cursed captain. Well, it was pointless to dwell on these matters now. The most important thing was—how were they going to find their way out of this damned forest?

Your eyes

In fact, after Rod and Lijie were rescued, he began to consciously observe the young girl, and soon he quickly realized her true identity. Although she was merely of mixed blood, the powerful healing abilities and damage resistance of an angel did not diminish as a result. This is also the main reason why Lijie was able to survive after being thrown out of the floating ship