Shen Ningshuang did not set out immediately.
She glanced at the people behind Duan Lingxiao and said evenly, "We still need to check for medicinal herbs along the way, so we'll be slow. Go on ahead. There's no need to wait for us."
Duan Lingxiao did not insist.
"Very well. There are several Third-Tier Demons up ahead. Watch out for them when you pass through."
With that, he signaled to the others and led the Scarlet Firmament Sect disciples along the other side of the rocky slope. The young man carrying the jade box put it away. As he passed the group, his gaze rested on Su Yu for a moment before moving on.
Only when their footsteps had faded did Xiao Yue speak.
"Since when is he so easy to talk to? He even warned us about the Demons ahead."
"Take the warning, but don't think he's looking out for us."
Gu Changfeng looked toward the rocky slope. Several presences remained there, evidently the Demons Duan Lingxiao had mentioned. Why he had not dealt with them while passing through, Gu Changfeng could not yet say.
Huo Tingchuan checked the map again.
Their planned route ran north along the rocky slope, away from the direction the Scarlet Firmament Sect disciples had taken. Farther ahead lay a mountain hollow where sect elders had once recorded gathering medicinal herbs.
"Are we still going?"
"We'll take a look. Don't get too close."
Shen Ningshuang spoke, then darted ahead.
Su Yu followed slightly behind her, keeping his Soul Power trained on their surroundings. Duan Lingxiao's manner today was strange, but a few courteous words were not enough to tell Su Yu what he had in mind.
Rather than guess blindly, it was better to see what lay ahead.
They rounded the rocky slope, and