It was Jin Yexue who seemed oblivious, standing on tiptoe and looking sharply in Fang Yuâs direction, as if recognizing Fang Yu.
"So it turns out to be the Zuo Familyâs expert, our apologies for the intrusion. We thought the pursuers had arrived... it was all a misunderstanding, please, Zuo Family lord, spare us."
Guan Qingning was flexible, directly bowing his head in apology.
However, Zuo Caicai just threw over the severed head in her hand with a slap.
"Spare you? Fine, help us blaze a trail ahead, and once we leave the Death Forest, this matter will be over."
As soon as these words were out, the faces of the Juling Gang members immediately changed.
Everyone understood Zuo Caicaiâs meaning, and Guan Qingning stiffened his face and bowed his head.
"If we donât agree..."
"Watch your words."
Guan Qingningâs words were interrupted.
"Taking your life would be as easy as retrieving an object from a bag."
Guan Qingning had to admit, he was frightened.
He glanced back in the direction of Jin Yexue, and with his last breath.
"We, the Juling Gang members, are willing to pave the way for the Zuo Family lord!"
"Good."
Zuo Caicai was greatly pleased, then raised her hand and pointed at someone.
"That woman, yes, you, come out."
Jin Yexue was clearly stunned, clutching her wooden sword, and nervously looked around, but no one responded to her, instead retreating to either side to leave a path.
"Come."
Accompanied by Zuo Caicaiâs intensified tone, Jin Yexue could only helplessly walk towards Zuo Caicai.
"I thought we would achieve our goal upon arrival. Unexpectedly, one-third of it was accomplished here."
Placing her large hand on Jin Yexueâs shoulder, Zuo Caicai took the wooden sword from her embrace.
"Keep an eye on her, this should become our bargaining chip."
Instructing her subordinates to watch over [Jin Yexue], Zuo Caicai returned to the group.
Everyone else just watched the event unfold, taking no action.
"She, and the wooden sword..."
Fang Yu asked softly.
Ling Huxiang whispered, "It should be one of the three artifacts mentioned in the mission and its holder."
"So if I kill the holder, does that mean the mission canât continue?"
"I donât know, and moreover... if you intend to kill the holder now, youâll probably have to deal with Lady Cai first."
Ling Huxiang gestured forward with his mouth for Fang Yu to look ahead.
There, Juling Gang members had reluctantly entered the Death Forest and started carving a path ahead.
"Theyâre not in a hurry; you shouldnât dwell on it too much."
Unfortunately.
Fang Yu sighed inwardly.
If a fight ensued, with so many people down, the blood volume would be able to absorb quite a bit.
Now theyâve all become Zuo Caicaiâs fodder, making it difficult for Fang Yu to find an opportunity to act.
Whether itâs Zuo Caicaiâs sheer luck or these peopleâs misfortune, they all ended up being Zuo Caicaiâs cannon fodder consecutively.
The only good news is, the Juling Gang members, being the lowest in status now, can relax along with the Hei Family members.
A group of teams each harboring hidden motives began their grand procession into the depths of the Death Forest.
In the team, Hei Ao and Zuo Lv exchanged a frustrated glance.
Their initial target was this Jin Yexue; unexpectedly, despite twists and turns, they still caught up.
The only strange thing is, this Jin Yexue wasnât as the news said, alone; rather, she had the Juling Gang conducting a reception.
That Juling Gang lying in ambush here seemed suspicious and must have another agenda.
Also, Jin Yexueâs reaction to Diao De Yi seemed like they had known each other for quite some time?
Amidst their inner doubts, the two suppressed their confusion and followed the team forward.
As this team entered the Death Forest, not long after, another group arrived at the location.
"...We arrived late, theyâve encountered some situation."
"Letâs move, enter the Death Forest, catch up with them. This is our Juling Gangâs chance for a turnaround, allowing no errors!"
"Yes!"
This group quickly entered the Death Forest.
Everything returned to silence. As the setting sun gradually sank, within the dim forest where day and night were indistinguishable, the sound of insects chirping echoed, growing louder and clearer...
...