Hearing this, Hua Ling nodded. "Let's go and take a look. After all, this is a requirement of the exam, right?"
Although Hua Ling had joined the group midway, after hearing Xiaojiu's complaints last night and today's account, he basically understood the ins and outs of the matter.
True to the style of the Qingyun Sect, everyone was treated as a disposable pawn to be used to the fullest.
Or perhaps these scholars had no real chance of entering the Qingyun Sect at all. Most of the people in the sect probably had some unspoken connections with the elders.
So even if the scholars brought back the items, they would only be able to become outer - court disciples.
Thinking of these people risking their lives but still having no chance of becoming inner - court disciples, it was truly a pity.
With these thoughts in mind, Hua Ling looked at Xiaojiu and the scholars with a pitying gaze. He carefully followed behind them, constantly on guard against the surrounding environment.
There had always been forbidden areas in the Qingyun Sect. These areas were filled with many dangerous animals, and most people who entered never returned. Even those who did make it back were extremely rare.
If he hadn't shown up in time last night, those people would have been in great danger.
The group walked along the jungle, following the nearby stream, and headed deep into the jungle. Before long, the dozens of people found a cave.
The cave opening soared into the sky, but fortunately, they were at the bottom of the cliff.
When they saw the cave, many people felt timid. They looked at Xiaojiu standing in front of the cave and whispered, "Xiaojiu, do we all have to go in? What if there are dangerous things inside?"
Hearing this, Xiaojiu fell into deep thought. It was indeed a problem, but he couldn't just not go in. Looking at the people backing away one by one, their faces as pale as sheets.
They were probably still in shock from last night's encounter. It was truly a case of being so frightened that they were on edge at every rustle.
Xiaojiu let out a long sigh and said helplessly, "Alright, you can wait outside for me first. Is there anyone else willing to go in with me to scout the way? That way, we can take care of each other if something happens."
However, as soon as he said this, the people took another step back.
Among the crowd, there were a few strong - built men who stood still. Looking at the people behind them, their eyes were filled with disdain.
Heizi let out a snort and sneered, "Look at you all. You don't want to take risks but still want to get the herbs and stay alive. Your calculating minds are so obvious!"
A man beside Heizi grabbed his arm and stopped him, saying, "Heizi, don't bother with these people. They're different from us. They're just sons of wealthy families. We're tough and can take on more responsibilities."
Hearing this, Heizi felt even more aggrieved. He thought it was unfair and immediately retorted, "Hey, Lao Bai, are you kidding me? This is an exam. If we go out for them and find the herbs, aren't we just letting them cheat?"
Seeing that Heizi was getting worked up, Lao Bai quickly patted his shoulder to calm him down and reminded him, "Come on, taking a bit of a loss is a blessing. Don't be so bothered. It's just a small thing. Don't be angry."
When things got to this point, the scholars couldn't hold back anymore and nodded one after another, saying, "Yes, what Brother Lao Bai said is right. How can we compare with you? You're used to doing physical work..."
Xiaojiu stood there quietly, listening to their words. His anger was building up and was about to explode.
Some of the scholars said even more outrageous things.
"Since you're all from poor families, if you can get the herbs, we can help you refine them into pills. I bet your families don't have a pill - refining furnace, right?"
Hearing this, Xiaojiu finally couldn't hold back. He looked at the timid and talkative scholars and sneered,
"You can go and get the herbs yourself. We have no obligation to help you. Even if we're in a group, we won't help you cheat!"
After he said this, the scholars' faces changed instantly. They were angry but dared not speak out. They couldn't afford to offend Xiaojiu and the others.
"Fine, fine. We can get the herbs without you. We'll just take care of ourselves. Don't try to take ours later."
Xiaojiu ignored their words. He looked at Heizi and Lao Bai in the distance and motioned for them to go into the cave with him.
Seeing this, Hua Ling also quickly followed, saying, "I'll go in with you. I don't feel comfortable staying with those people."
Hearing this, Xiaojiu nodded. "You have to stay close to us. If something happens, just call my name."
Hua Ling nodded, and the group finally entered the cave.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Tang Youyou had led the people behind her on their journey after a good meal. As the jungle became sparser, they gradually saw the vast expanse in the distance.
It seemed they had finally arrived at their destination.
"Don't move. There might be other things here. No matter what you see, even if it's the herbs, don't touch them easily!"
These people were smart and naturally wouldn't touch anything randomly. Moreover, since Tang Youyou had saved their lives, they naturally trusted her words.
Tang Youyou started walking forward alone, but was gently pulled back by a hand behind her. "My lady, let me go and check it out. Your skills might..."
Ye Yue frowned worriedly, afraid that Tang Youyou would act impulsively.
Tang Youyou tilted her head and asked, "Do you know what the Dragon Bone Herb looks like?"
Ye Yue shook his head. "I don't."
"Then do you think that even if you saw the Dragon Bone Herb, you would be able to recognize it?"
Ye Yue shook his head again.
"I can't."
At this point, Ye Yue slowly let go of his hand.
Tang Youyou walked alone towards the edge of the cliff. When she reached the cliff, she saw that it was a bottomless abyss below.
She carefully examined the edge of the cliff and saw that the Dragon Bone Herbs were growing about ten meters below the cliff.
But this short distance was unacceptable to these people.
It was so high that if someone slipped while going down, they would fall to their death.
Or perhaps there were some dangerous things down there waiting for people to come down for a "meal". Tang Youyou knew very well that the more important something was, the more dangerous it would be.