As the faint light of dawn broke, the two groups converged at the entrance of Baishui Village. The twelve villagers from Qingyan Village stood neatly in a row; Qinghe carried a small bundle stuffed with medicinal herbs, while Xiǎo Shítóu nervously inspected his newly acquired short sword. Across from them, over thirty hunters from Baishui Village were already fully prepared, each with medicinal hoes and ropes hanging from their waists.
"Is everyone here?" Physician Liu tallied the headcount, turned to Zhào Míngxuān, and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhào, we can set off."
Zhào Míngxuān gave a slight nod, though his gaze inadvertently swept over Lingxiao, a trace of wariness flashing in his eyes. He cleared his throat. "Everyone, this journey is perilous, so you must follow directions. Once we find the Purple Spirit Vermilion Fruit, do not pick it arbitrarily. You must wait for me to confirm it is non-toxic."
Chapter 322