Zi Yun patted her chest and confidently assured that indeed, when poison is used properly, it can serve as an antidote. Not only is she Netherworld Palace’s premier poison expert, but she is also the top pharmacist. It can be said that her medical skills are the best in the Netherworld Palace, which indeed could help navigate the obstacles within the primeval forest.
"Brother, you believe in me, right? I have explored the ancient forest alone and absolutely nothing happened." Zi Yun saw that Ye Shikai was still hesitant and spoke again to reassure him.
"In that case, alright then. But you must stay close to me, and you’re not allowed to wander off." Ye Shikai eventually compromised, considering Zi Yun’s reasoning; bringing along such a master of herbs could save them many detours.
"Ghost, I will be going to South America this time, I entrust the affairs here to you. Also, you must ensure Qingyu’s safety. I have a feeling that there will be more attempts on her life." Ye Shikai did not forget to instruct, remembering the assassin that was still under interrogation. If things were as Ye Shikai expected, there would certainly be a second and third wave of assassins until they succeed, especially once they find out he’s headed to South America. Thus, Ghost’s role in her protection was crucial.
"Don’t worry, Boss, I will personally guard my Sister-in-law and ensure her safety without fail," Ghost firmly stated.
"Then, I am relieved," Ye Shikai nodded with satisfaction.
.....................
"Boss, Zi Yun, I heard that you guys are heading to the forests of South America." During the Netherworld Palace meeting, everyone showed a shocked expression upon hearing this news. At the same time, opinions were divided; on one hand, everyone was somewhat doubtful about risking their lives for something recorded in an ancient tome, while, on the other hand, many volunteered eagerly, willing to accompany Ye Shikai on the journey.
"Boss, inside the primitive forest of South America, there are many wild animals, and according to rumors, these aren’t just ordinary animals," said Ghost, his expression slightly grave as he spoke to Ye Shikai.
"They aren’t ordinary animals? Are you implying they are extraordinary?" Ye Shikai joked.
"These creatures have long resided in the primeval forest, a place with extremely concentrated Spiritual Energy, thus potentially turning into demon beasts." When Ghost mentioned "demon beasts," Ye Shikai involuntarily gasped. In plain language, a demon beast is akin to a ’cultivator’ among animals - half beast, half spirit, and extremely ferocious.
"Ghost, aren’t you exaggerating a bit? An animal is just an animal; how would it understand the Heart Spell of human cultivators?" Soul Destroyer was half-doubtful, half-believing. Indeed, very few had seen demon beasts, and even if those "few people" told others, not everyone would believe it.
"No, what Ghost said is true," Ye Shikai suddenly spoke up, instantly silencing everyone. Crossing his fingers and placing them on the table, Ye Shikai glanced around at the crowd and said lightly, "I have seen a demon beast before on the Holy Mountain, Soul Destroyer, haven’t you all forgotten?"
"Oh, I remember now," Soul Destroyer suddenly exclaimed. Once Ye Shikai spoke, everyone naturally believed him. The Holy Mountain is also a sacred site for cultivators, rich in Spiritual Energy. That giant beast Ye Shikai remembered vividly was indeed the best proof, fundamentally having cultivated in an area rich in Spiritual Energy.
"Therefore, the forests of South America is an extremely hazardous place, with dangers that are no less than the Holy Mountain, and since we have never entered, we are even more unfamiliar with the environment; hence..."
"Sir, I am willing to go," Nightmare voiced directly, causing everyone’s gaze to turn towards him. As the top general of the Netherworld Palace, second only to Ye Shikai, he indeed was the most suitable person to go.
"Sir, I request to go together as well," Illusion Fox immediately followed, she being Nightmare’s woman, naturally wanted to go together.
"No, Nightmare, Illusion Fox, you stay in Yanjing. Soul Destroyer, Demoness, and I will go," Ye Shikai shook his head, turning down Nightmare’s offer.
"No need to say more, I have other tasks to entrust to you," Ye Shikai outright refused. For him, Nightmare and Illusion Fox had other important tasks...
.....................
"Are you leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes, if Qingyu’s illness drags on, it would be detrimental to her, so I must leave sooner and return sooner," Ye Shikai was organizing his travel pack, which contained essential outdoor items like tents, raincoats, and lighters. Fortunately, he had a Storage Ring, so he wasn’t afraid of packing too much.
"Remember to bring insect repellent, there are a lot of poisonous insects there."
"Got it, Zi Yun has already made it, a specially made strong insect repellent, only 998 for a bottle, would you like one?" Ye Shikai, holding a metal bottle, teasingly said.
"Jerk, you still have time to joke around?"
"Speaking of which, prepare an extra set for me," Ji Qian suddenly said.
"Why." Ye Shikai instinctively looked up, Ji Qian was holding a set of women’s jungle attire in her hands.
"What are you doing?" Ye Shikai seemed to guess Ji Qian’s thoughts; her mouth corners slightly lifted, displaying a confident smile, "I’m going too."
"Nonsense, how could you go?" Ye Shikai instinctively refused.
"Why can’t I go? Are you worried about my strength?" Ji Qian retorted.
"Of course not, it’s just that... what I mean is... I am enough to go alone."
"Alright, alright, I’ll go together. Things are extraordinarily dangerous there, and with me around, you’ll be a bit safer," Ji Qian showed a relaxed smile, then her face briefly flashed an undetectable tension. In reality, what Ji Qian was worried about wasn’t the dangers of the South American forest, but issues concerning Ye Shikai himself. If he doesn’t use his Inner Strength during his days in Yanjing, it indeed helps suppress the resurgence of his second personality and Demon Addiction. However, if something unexpected happens in the South American forest, that could be problematic. Ji Qian being by his side could provide some help.
"Alright then," Ye Shikai laid out a large array of items in front of him, and then in one go stored everything into the Storage Ring. This trip to seek the awakening fruit, he didn’t know whether they would find it or not.
"What will you do if we don’t find the awakening fruit?" As if reading his mind, Ji Qian’s voice suddenly echoed beside his ear.
"Then I will just keep watching over her, until she wakes up or until I die," Ye Shikai looked up at the ceiling, his resolve firm, a trace of determination flashing in his eyes.
"Hmm, I hope we can find it, but you still need to be mentally prepared," a wave of disappointment crossed Ji Qian’s face, then she turned her head away to not look at him.