Accompanying them on the road were his old leader, Lu Tianming, the local scholar Ding Zhijing, and eight other locals from Qingshi Town, along with two ox carts.
"Dangers lurk around these parts," Ding Zhijing sighed, "Once we leave the deity's protection, we might become targets for monsters or other malevolent beings. We must be cautious."
"They each have their methods, some may curse, others may become parasitic, and without Taoist skills to protect ourselves, it's likely we'll fall victim."
"We will follow this official road forward, and not stray. If all goes well, we should reach Fenghua City before dark."
Li Qingshan looked ahead. The so-called official road was merely a muddy path made of small stones which had formed due to occasional foot traffic.
