On that continent shrouded by the flames of war, the banners of the Allied Forces advanced like blades in a fierce wind, pushing forward with unstoppable momentum.
They were like an indomitable tide of steel, breaking through the three formidable defense lines meticulously arranged by the Demon King’s army around the outer perimeter of the Hall of Ten Thousand Nightmares.
Each time the horn of victory sounded, a thunderous cheer erupted from the Allied camp, as if it would pierce the clouds and shake the earth itself.
However, amidst this atmosphere of triumphant celebration, Luo Ling felt as if a heavy stone pressed upon his heart, unease spreading like wild vines within him.
He stood silently among the ranks, eyes deep and vigilant, staring at the conquered defense line ahead with furrowed brows.
Though the enemy’s resistance was fierce, his sharp intuition told him it felt more like a deliberate stalling—no, more like a carefully woven, invisible net luring them ever deeper.
Sure enough, when the Allied Forces, riding high on morale, advanced to within half a day’s march of the core region of the Hall of Ten Thousand Nightmares, their progress was abruptly halted at the edge of a twisted woodland known as the Youdark Forest.
This forest was utterly unlike any other vibrant woodland in the world outside—it was as if it had grown from the very depths of hell itself.
At the forest’s edge, the first sight to greet the eye was rows of pitch-black, ink-like trees.
Their branches were twisted and spiraling, like vengeful spirits imprisoned in darkness, struggling desperately to break free.
Every line and texture seemed to whisper endless pain and resentment, enough to chill the heart of any onlooker.
The leaves were even more bizarre, a chilling dark purple, emitting an ominous glow under the faint light.
They stared like the eyes of demons, fixing upon every living being daring to step into this forest.
A sweet, drowsy fragrance lingered in the air, like an invisible rope wrapping around the nose and mind, trying to erode the will bit by bit.
The ground underfoot was soft and slippery, every step sinking as if treading on rotting corpses, producing a sickening squelch.
Luo Ling wrinkled his nose, suppressing the urge to vomit as he looked down.
The ground was covered in a thick layer of decaying leaves and unknown black slime, exuding a pungent stench.
Sunlight was completely blocked by dense foliage, casting the forest into gloom.
Only scattered, will-o’-the-wisp-like lights drifted among the trees, flickering in and out like ghostly shadows wandering aimlessly.
These lights shimmered with a strange, eerie glow, sometimes clustering together, sometimes dispersing, as if enacting some mysterious ritual.
An invisible pressure pressed down upon the entire Allied force.
The excitement faded from the soldiers’ faces, replaced by inexplicable fear and irritation.
Their advance slowed unconsciously, and their once orderly formation began to break apart.
“Something’s wrong…”
Luo Ling reined in his horse, halting at the front of the column, warily surveying the bizarre forest.
“Pass down the order: Stop advancing! All units on alert! Mage Corps, strengthen protective magic and dispel this evil aura!”
The command was swiftly relayed.
The mages immediately began chanting Purification Magic and Protective Magic.
Gentle light spread out, invigorating the soldiers and greatly weakening the sweet, oppressive scent.
At that moment, a faint, soul-stirring song, like a lover’s whisper, drifted through the woods.
The melody was elusive, seemingly everywhere and nowhere, resonating in the depths of each person’s heart.
It was filled with endless temptation, stirring the most secret and intense desires within the listener.
“Mm?”
Luo Ling’s heart trembled.
He instantly gathered his fighting spirit to shield himself from the song’s influence.
He saw that many soldiers nearby, those with weaker wills, were already dazed, their steps faltering, some even smiling dreamily as they wandered toward the heart of the forest.
“Not good! It’s Charm! Everyone, cover your ears! Focus! Those with strong wills, restrain your comrades!”
Luo Ling shouted sharply, unleashing his own aura.
A wave of warm, sun-like authority spread out, snapping the entranced soldiers back to their senses and temporarily freeing them from the song’s grip.
“Hehehe… How boring. To be discovered so quickly.”
A delicate, enchanting voice echoed clearly in everyone’s mind—not a vague song, but a direct proclamation ringing through their very souls.
As the voice faded, a figure slowly emerged from the depths of the Youdark Forest.
It was a woman of breathtaking beauty—or rather, a succubus wielding irresistible allure as her weapon.
Her long, wine-red hair cascaded over her shoulders like seaweed, her skin pale as snow and glowing with a pearlescent luster in the dim light.
Her features were exquisite, like a work of flawless art, and her eyes shimmered with a myriad of emotions, enough to drive any man mad.
She wore a nearly transparent black gown that flowed like night itself, its faintly visible curves exuding deadly seduction.
Behind her, a pair of delicate bat wings unfurled, and a slender tail with a heart-shaped tip swayed lazily.
Simply standing there, she seemed to become the very sovereign of the shadowed forest, drawing every ray of light and gaze to herself.
“Succubus… and a high-ranking one at that!”
A seasoned veteran cried out, terror written across his face.
Succubi were infamous for their Charm and ability to drain soul energy—a nightmare for all male warriors.
Luo Ling’s pupils contracted sharply.
He stared at the familiar yet distant figure, waves of emotion surging in his heart.
Liliya!
It was her! Liliya the succubus, one of the four Demon Generals under the Demon King!
He never imagined he would meet her again—here, and in such a way.