Upon hearing human voices, Yun Sheng landed gracefully on the ground, and saw that over ten martial artists and mages were standing under the tree.

Seeing that the person coming down from the tree was a young female mage, the blue-clothed male martial artist who had initially spoken was taken aback.

The blue-clothed male martial artist had a delicate appearance, bright eyes, was tall and lean, and held a half-foot-long Bright Moon Saber in his hand.

When he saw Yun Sheng’s appearance clearly, a trace of embarrassment flashed across his face.

"Thank you all for saving my life," Yun Sheng nodded and smiled.

Her eyes glinted as she discreetly observed the appearance of those around her.

Like the Wanyan Sect, these dozen sword-and-spell-wielding warriors and mages also wore matching attire, indicating they likely belonged to another sect.

Though these individuals were also quite young, most were just over twenty, their skills were impressive.

Especially the leader, the blue-clothed male martial artist, was unexpectedly a Martial Emperor.

"Why are you smiling? You look sly and charming, yet your skills are so poor, and you dare run wild in Wei Wu Forest; you almost ruined our big plan," a young woman holding a bow and arrow beside the male martial artist glared at Yun Sheng.

Yun Sheng couldn’t help but glance at the young woman several more times, noticing that the bow and arrow she carried were not ordinary but magical.

Unexpectedly, someone in the Netherworld practiced the Elf Clan’s magic bow and arrow.

The young woman jealously glared at Yun Sheng’s face, and when she observed the ’ten’ punishment mark on Yun Sheng’s hand, she scoffed disdainfully. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"Ying Yue, show some manners. This young lady, obviously new to the Netherworld, wasn’t deliberately intruding on our ambush," the blue-clothed man frowned, apologizing for his junior sister’s rude behavior.

"How am I wrong? Look, she couldn’t even handle a few Cannibal Vines. Without us, she would be done for," Ying Yue protested, not fooled by how her senior seemed smitten at the sight of this woman.

"Bo Bo, you ugly girl, you’re the one who’s done for. Our master is incredibly powerful; she could crush you with her pinky!" Bo Bo Sheep stuck its head out, snarling at Ying Yue.

"Brother Ying, look at this Demon Beast, I want to rip its mouth apart," Ying Yue was furious and made a move to catch Bo Bo Sheep.

Seeing Yun Sheng’s Demon Beast capable of human speech, the blue-clothed man took a closer look at Bo Bo Sheep and Yun Sheng.

In his mind, he thought a Demon Beast that could speak must be above a Holy Beast; this young lady seemed poised and could venture into Wei Wu Forest with such a beast, suggesting her ability wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

"Ying Yue, be quiet," the blue-clothed man reprimanded her, then bowed to Yun Sheng: "My name is Ying Chuan, from Bai Ren Sect. Young lady, may I ask your name and what brings you alone to Wei Wu Forest?"

Yun Sheng had a good impression of Ying Chuan; he had stood up for her earlier, and they seemed familiar with Wei Wu Forest.

Having encountered Cannibal Vines, Yun Sheng realized she had underestimated this forest.

If these people were familiar with the terrain, she’d like to befriend them for a smoother passage through the forest.

"I am Yun Sheng, recently arrived from the Human World. Unable to afford Wanyan Sect’s protection fee, I had to traverse this forest myself," Yun Sheng’s words made Ying Chuan and a few Bai Ren disciples’ faces change slightly.

"Miss, are you talking about the Wanyan Sect? Good thing you didn’t join them, otherwise..." Ying Chuan was relieved, thinking if Yun Sheng fell into the Wanyan Sect’s hands, her fate would be grim.

"What do you mean?" Yun Sheng asked curiously.

"Hmph, you lucked out. Wanyan Sect is notorious in Jimo County for deceitfully preying on newcomers to the Netherworld, robbing and killing the vulnerable. They sell young women and children to the county’s brothels and slave markets," Ying Yue expressed a wish that Yun Sheng would be sold off.

Ha, someone dared to bully her.

Yun Sheng sneered inwardly, wondering who was really lucky. If Wanyan Sect dared target her, their outcome wouldn’t be mere plundering.

"I am fortunate to have met you. I believe you all are from Jimo County. Could you accompany me there? I lack soul stones but have elixirs to pay my fare," Yun Sheng offered as she reached for her medicines.

"Miss Yun Sheng, you needn’t pay us. We’ll escort you out," Ying Chuan was straightforward, waving her offer away.

"That won’t work! Brother Ying, we still need to find that thing. If she’s skillless, she’ll be a burden," Ying Yue protested, stomping her foot angrily.

"Leaving her alone in the forest? You know Wanyan Sect’s ways; they’ll ambush for sure. Besides, Wanyan Sect has wronged us terribly. Don’t forget about our junior sister..." Ying Chuan knew traveling with Yun Sheng might inconvenience them.

Ying Chuan and Ying Yue hadn’t mentioned to Yun Sheng that Wanyan Sect and Bai Ren Sect were mortal enemies, and their junior sister was killed by Wanyan Sect members.

Ying Yue fell silent afterward.

"Miss Yun Sheng, we’ve reached an agreement. You will travel with us, if you don’t mind staying a few days in the forest while we handle some matters. Don’t worry, we carry special powders to prevent attacks from Head-eating Vines," Ying Chuan finished and offered Yun Sheng several bottles of the powder.

Yun Sheng then realized these people’s weapons and bodies were coated with a unique Plant Repelling Powder to fend off demon plant attacks in Wei Wu Forest.

Thus, Yun Sheng joined Ying Chuan and his group, traveling through Wei Wu Forest.

Though Ying Chuan’s group hadn’t said so explicitly, Yun Sheng observed their mannerisms, sensing they were searching for something important in the forest.

That evening, as Yun Sheng and Ying Yue were the only women in the entourage, they shared a tent.

Ying Yue still disapproved of Yun Sheng, offering her only cold behavior throughout the journey.

Yun Sheng couldn’t be bothered with her, and unable to sleep, she stepped out to breathe the fresh night air.

Outside the tent, a bonfire was still burning.