The inn wasn't far from a swamp, and beyond that, a mangrove forest loomed, branches overcrowded and fog swirling. Fang Hong climbed up from the ground, not having the luxury to worry about much, and followed the others into the water.

The night was pitch black, with only the faint starlight sprinkling through the trees. The silhouette of the person in front was almost out of sight, with only the sound of splashing water reaching from distant places.

Red Leaf was not far to his left, moving with uneven steps, trying to keep up with the others, having put away the Annihilator—after all, it would probably pose no threat to that dragon.

To his right and slightly ahead was Miss Atira, the elf girl with a bow on her back and a spear in her hand, occasionally turning her head to check if Fang Hong was encountering trouble.

This made Fang Hong feel somewhat flattered.

A little farther off were the vague figures of Luo Yu and the Papalarians, the latter struggling in the water that reached his chest—of course, that was relative to him. The tall trainee walked beside him, squatted down, and gestured for the other to climb on his back.

Parker grumbled a sentence or two about the dignity of Papalarians but nevertheless obediently clambered up.

As for Tianlan, Gita, Hudi, and their party, who had entered the water first, they had probably entered the Redwood Forest by now; their figures were completely out of sight, with only pervasive fog visible in that direction.

Hilveld and her maid, Xiesta, had run off to who knows where long ago, prompting Fang Hong to sneer that this pair ran faster than rabbits.

Bringing up the rear were Wu Di and Liuli Yue, the latter still loudly complaining—mostly about that "damn dragon" that should "go to hell." He prattled on until Red Leaf, unable to take it anymore, said, "Enough, can't you just stop—"

Liuli Yue moved his lips, wanting to argue, but Wu Di added, "Just stop talking." This made him shut his mouth very reluctantly, merely glaring at Red Leaf irritably.

Fang Hong looked back toward the direction of the hill. It seemed like not all the members of the Crimson Fire Guild had died yet; suddenly, in the darkness, a golden flame burst out from afar, as the giant dragon breathed out golden fire, sweeping over the entire hilltop, reflecting on the water surface, glaringly bright, like a fiercely burning solitary island.

The giant dragon paced within the flames, as if searching for fish that had escaped the net, then it suddenly lifted its head, looking in their direction. Even at a distance of hundreds of meters, Fang Hong could see its eyes twinkling with a golden-red light staring at him.

Then it spread its wings and took to the sky.

Fang Hong knew it was coming.

He immediately turned and hastened his pace involuntarily, but advancing in deep water wasn't easy; mud clung to his feet, and the alchemist's robe was drenched, as if several hands were dragging him down.

Fang Hong pushed through the water laboriously, parting the water plants and mangrove roots. Countless water insects scattered in all directions, most of them luminescent, twinkling beautifully in the darkness, though he was in no mood to appreciate them.

Because he knew that beneath the water lurked deep pools of mire, some naturally formed, but others had their own "masters." Fang Hong couldn't help but think of terrifying scenarios, as if he would be sucked into quicksand at any moment, with the rotting underwater plants dragging down his ankles.

Below the heavy water surface were piles of white bones and numerous bloated, pale faces, like bodies soaked in formalin. One of the faces even had eyes opened, its pale orbs resembling translucent bug eggs, with something inside seemingly about to hatch.

Several fish slid past his feet, scaring Fang Hong into a cold sweat, snapping him back to reality. He realized he had fallen for the dragon's deception again; the Dark Giant Dragon inherently emitted an aura of fear, capable of amplifying the darkness in a person's heart indefinitely.

Any slight flaw in one's will and it would take the opportunity to invade, particularly effective against low-level characters like them.

Behind them, the sound of heavy breathing was already audible, and ripples began to spread over the water's surface.

"Split up and run," Wu Di suddenly whispered softly.

This was undoubtedly the best course of action.

At this moment, several trainees were already in the lead, having mostly escaped danger. It was clearly not possible for all of them to survive; splitting up and leaving it to fate was the best choice to ensure they wouldn't all be caught in one sweep.

Everyone nodded, lifted their heads, and looked at each other. Although they hadn't known each other very long, they had fought side by side.

"Take care, little brother, and remember to visit our guild," Red Leaf glanced at Fang Hong, not having time to say more, and sent a communication code. "This is my communication ID, good luck—"

With that, she turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving behind the sound of water.

"Remember our fight isn't over," Liuli Yue's parting words were: "Don't think I'm afraid of you because you can control fairies, I'll be waiting for you at the Silver Forest Spear."

Fang Hong mulled over these words, and realized this guy was quite cunning too. But just as Tianlan had said, he wouldn't go to the Silver Forest Spear, not for anything; he refused.

Wu Di remained silent, giving him a deadpan look. However, Fang Hong always felt that there was more to his glance when it landed on him.

It was as if he were looking at a fish about to be slaughtered on a cutting board—

Their figures too grew more distant.

Fang Hong turned to Miss Atira at his side and said, "Miss Atira, let's split up too."

Atira looked at him, not objecting, and nodded. Fang Hong saw those gentle, understanding eyes in the darkness and sighed in relief; had it been Miss Sicape, he likely would have received a chop to the head just moments ago.

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