Truly The Devil Forest

The man adjusted his wide-brimmed hat, which was decorated with small talismans fluttering slightly with his movements.

"Ah, where are my manners?" he said with an exaggerated bow. "Name's Qin Lan. Wandering cultivator, poison master, and connoisseur of fine wines."

Victor raised a brow. "And you're in the Devil Forest for…?"

"The same reason you two are, obviously," Qin Lan grinned while tossing a small poison dart between his fingers. "The Pond of Dragon Tears. But unlike you the usual minded folks who seek it, I don't have some noble cause."

Lady Li's expression darkened slightly, but she said nothing.

Qin Lan continued, "I just want to get some of its water and sell it. Nothing personal, nothing grand."

Victor couldn't help but chuckle. The man was too carefree, especially for someone wandering such a dangerous place alone.

As they continued through the mist-laden path, growls began to echo from the darkness.