Given how excitedly the wood spirits were chattering away around Zhang Lie, he believed that at least two-thirds of the wood spirits would be willing to leave with him.

"We will not accept such a transaction."

Zhang Lie smirked. "Is that so? As far as I'm aware, the wood spirits are ill-suited to combat, and the creature in that direction has already taken over half the forest. At this rate, I can't imagine that you'll be able to hold out."

"That's none of your concern."

"If I don't step in, I'm afraid the wood spirits will go extinct. Haven't you considered how many of your kin will have to die if you try to fight against those corrupted beasts?"

Even the shaman's guards seemed...