The starlight gradually faded as dawn broke. A layer of mist drifted over the boundless grassland of heart-wrapping grass, its dewdrops glittering in the morning light.
Wu Jinliang hopped onto a stalk of heart-wrapping grass, sending a shower of dewdrops pattering down. Caught unawares below, Shi Chun shuddered under the drenching and looked up with an expression that plainly said he was cursing someone's mother.
After checking the sky, Wu Jinliang took out a Mother-Child Talisman and contacted Xiao Sheng. Once he had confirmed the news, he hopped back down and reported, "It's been almost four hours. Xiao Sheng has been watching along the route, and he still hasn't spotted anyone following us. Looks like your cultivation method really can conceal our trail. If we'd known that earlier, we wouldn't have gotten into all that trouble in the Divine Fire Domain. Ah."
Brushing the water off himself with his sleeve, Shi Chun said, "It's also possible that the Demon Eye was keeping watch outside the grand formation and didn't notice us leaving. We should test it again when we get a chance."
Wu Jinliang said, "True. Better play it safe. But at least we've established that nobody's following us for now, so we're safe for the moment. What next?"
Shi Chun said, "Process the soul-returning tree first. The sooner we make enough Death-Defying Incense, the sooner we can leave this damned place. All kinds of ox-headed demons and snake spirits have gathered here now. One careless move could spell trouble. It's a damn nuisance." He stamped his foot, indicating that they would do it right below.
Wu Jinliang understood and immediately used the Earth-Diving Technique, taking him deep underground...
On a large rock atop a hillside, the Red-Clad Woman, draped in a black cloak, was also gazing toward the distant