The scent Yun Ran smelled at this moment was clearly recorded in that previous note.
The Ginsengfruit noticed Yun Ran’s oddity and cautiously moved closer: [Host, what’s wrong?]
Yun Ran flicked her fingers lightly, and apart from the little paperman moving the luggage, the other little papermen immediately spread out around, forming a special protective circle.
"Did anyone hear any sound?"
Du Jun’s voice came from not far away, instantly attracting everyone’s attention.
"What?"
Seeing the others seemingly not hearing anything, Du Jun got a bit anxious.
He was the oldest among them, and although he wasn’t the strongest, he placed himself in the position of taking charge.
"Rustling sounds, like someone whispering!"
The group immediately quieted down upon hearing this, listening carefully.
They were all Xuanmen people, and their five senses far exceeded those of ordinary people, so if there was such a sound, it would certainly not escape their notice.
Sure enough, focusing their attention, they indeed heard the rustling sounds, as if whispers were murmured in their ears.
Previously, they hadn’t paid attention; the sound blended with the wind, not easily noticed without close listening.
Fang Yu’s face subtly changed; elsewhere, such whispers wouldn’t matter.
But here, at the outskirts of Death Mountain, whispers carried significant implications, understood by everyone.
Fortunately, they knew their identity and position clearly, their gaze turning directly to Yun Ran, obviously waiting for her decision.
Yun Ran smiled lightly, evidently indifferent to the sound.
"Since the sound seems intent on tempting us, let’s check it out, anyway there’s plenty of time now!"
Seeing the obvious ease in Yun Ran, the others, initially tense, relaxed slightly, influenced by her demeanor.
The little paperman, paving the way ahead, flew out immediately, trying to determine the direction of the sound.
"Master, it’s this way!"
Following the paperman’s voice, the group proceeded in the direction indicated.
The outskirts of Death Mountain allowed most trees to normally be nourished by sunlight, growing relatively robust.
Yet, as they ventured further, the temperature changes became evident, and most importantly, the trail ahead was increasingly covered with moss.
The surrounding trees began looking malnourished, their trunks crawling with various vines and moss, clearly struggling to survive.
"Everyone be careful, this kind of place easily harbors snakes, insects, rats, and ants, they’re highly venomous!"
Ginsengfruit checked the jumpsuit they were wearing; it not only kept them warm but also waterproof, of excellent quality, not easily cut through by ordinary blades.
As long as they didn’t fall, the chances of being bitten by these creatures were slim.
Just as Ginsengfruit thought this, suddenly, from ahead, a vine fell directly onto them from the tree trunk.
Du Jun, at the forefront, clearly saw one end of the vine, its mouth open.
Shocked, his voice cracked: "That’s a snake! Be careful!"
Who could have expected the vine-like thing falling from the tree to be a snake.
With Du Jun’s warning, more vines and seemingly dried twigs followed suit.
Fortunately, they were prepared mentally before entering, and even with countless venomous snakes attacking, none panicked.
Everyone calmly took out their magic artifacts, starting to dispel the snakes.
Yun Ran stood still, with the little paperman on her arm, annoyed by the many venomous snakes approaching, and flew over quickly, forming afterimages in its speed, kicking away all nearby snakes.
At this moment, a seemingly actual vine cautiously approached Yun Ran’s footsteps.
Just as it neared Yun Ran’s leg, she lifted her foot, stepping on the vine trying to approach her.
Upon discovery, the vine immediately ceased to disguise, writhing its body.
Only then did they notice they’d wandered into a trap disguised by the vine.
The vine Yun Ran discovered was just one of the least noticeable.
The venomous snakes driven near this area were scared off upon seeing the vine’s upheaval.
"What kind of vine is this, looks disgusting!"
"It seems to be a tree demon, no doubt it hasn’t refrained from devouring creatures from Death Mountain, these snakes are chased here by it.
If we hadn’t ventured here, the snakes would be its food."
Yun Ran chuckled coldly, then continued: "The thing’s become a spirit; it has a bit of brain, knowing human essence blood is much better than the blood and flesh of these snakes.
Likely, it sensed our presence upon our entrance, following the scent. Alas, it miscalculated this time~"
As she spoke, Yun Ran exerted force on the vine wrapped around her ankle, pulling out its exposed portion entirely from the ground.
Simultaneously, she pulled out her Peach Wood Sword, fiercely stabbing it into the vine’s center.
A piercing screech echoed suddenly, making Yun Ran frown slightly, yet she remained unaffected.
However, among the Sihui Sect followers, one young man felt like his head was being shattered, his skull aching intensely upon hearing the sound.
"Ah..."
Yun Ran glanced at him, then single-handedly performed a sealing, casting a seemingly simple peace charm onto him.
Instantly, the one who felt his head was splitting returned to normal.
Seeing he was okay, Yun Ran spoke calmly: "Entering such places, one must stay vigilant at all times, this is just the outskirts..."
The man felt grateful, his face turning slightly red, as he was startled by the sudden sound, losing focus and getting attacked.
"Yes, thank you for your guidance, Master Yun."
Only then did Yun Ran pull out the Peach Wood Sword she had inserted, Ginsengfruit immediately came forward in understanding, starting to fiddle with the vine Yun Ran had struck.
Soon, from the vine’s center, a small bead was found.
His body was made from Wood Origin, this wooden heart bead was quite nourishing for him,
Though, upon seeing the bead’s color, Ginsengfruit disdainfully pursed his lips.