This put him at ease. He decided to observe his surroundings first, making sure not to stray too far from the barrier so he could retreat at a moment's notice.
But as Yang An took a few dozen steps forward, he began to approach the jungle ahead.
Peering through the gaps between the trees, he saw a clearing in the jungle where a bonfire was burning.
The burning firewood was gray, and so were the flames.
And right beside the bonfire sat a gray, cross-legged figure!
The instant he saw the figure, a flicker of disbelief flashed through Yang An's eyes, and he froze in place.
The figure by the bonfire, who seemed to have been waiting all this time, slowly raised his head.
He was gaunt, but a faint smile graced his refined, gentle face as he looked over at Yang An.
Then, an incredibly familiar voice slowly drifted over.
"I've waited a long time for you... You're finally here."
"Fu Ming...!!!"
A sudden breeze rustled the grass and trees of the forest.
