C30 The Conflict Began

Following that brief interlude, Zi Xuan's demeanor had taken on a somber cast, and she grew considerably quieter as they progressed, speaking only occasionally at the juncture of pathways.

By midday, Zhang Yu and his companions had finally traversed the dense, layered forest and arrived at the mouth of a long, narrow valley.

"This is it," Zi Xuan paused, addressing Zhang Yu