Lu Xueqi (67)

While settling the bill at the inn, the proprietor kindly warned them, "Are you three guests heading to the Southern Border? The roads have been unsafe lately. I heard demon beasts have been appearing and specifically attacking passing travelers."

Su Han thanked the proprietor, but his mind was made up.

After leaving Lin Nan Town, the three traveled south along the trade route.

The farther south they went, the stranger the surrounding scenery became.

The once-gentle hills gradually gave way to steep peaks, while the vegetation grew dense and bizarre. Many of the plants were species rarely seen in the Central Plains.

The air was filled with a hot, damp heaviness that made them somewhat uncomfortable.

Following Bi Yao's guidance, they chose a relatively remote trail. Though difficult to traverse, it did save them quite a bit of time.

Along the way, Bi Yao's familiarity with the customs and terrain of the Southern Border made Su Han even more certain that she had not merely "visited a few times with her father."

Not only could she accurately identify all kinds of poisonous plants, but she could also decipher markings understood only by locals.

"These marks were left by Witch Clan hunters. They mean there is danger ahead." Bi Yao pointed at a strange symbol carved into a tree as she explained.

Lu Xueqi suddenly asked, "Miss Bi Yao seems very familiar with the Witch Clan?"

Bi Yao's expression stiffened slightly before she smiled. "Our Ghost King Sect has had some dealings with the Witch Clan, so I know a little."

Su Han did not expose her pretense. Everyone had their own secrets, and as long as they did not affect the bigger picture, he had no desire to pry.

After traveling continuously for five days, they had reached the depths