The next morning, a gentle breeze swept through the vast forest, the tree canopies swaying with the wind like waves of green. The azure sky was dotted with a few white clouds, while two large birds soared high up. The branches came alive with the sounds of various birds and beasts chirping, emitting all kinds of strange noises. Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, dappling the ground with spots of light, making the scene enchantingly beautiful.
Due to the tree canopies blocking the sunlight, no grass grew under the forest, which was covered with dry leaves and branches. Huge tree roots were exposed, looking like giant pythons snaking along the ground. On these roots sat many fully-armed people eating in silence, wiping their weapons from time to time, and glancing occasionally at the officers sitting together not far away. These were none other than the Hook Tribe's armed forces who had retreated overnight.
