"Du Wenzhen, it's you."

Three Mutated Beings recognized Du Wenzhen almost immediately, and the surprise was evident on the face of the youngest-looking one among them.

"Qi Rui, Liu Jie, Wu Lie, it's you guys, haha, what a rarity."

Just as quickly, Du Wenzhen recognized the three Mutated Beings and simultaneously reminded Xiao Mu of their identities.

Like Xiao Mu and Du Wenzhen, all three were members of the Great Tang Ruins task force on Reserve Duty.

The young man who was their leader went by the name Qi Rui, the middle-aged woman was called Liu Jie, and the man around fifty years old was named Wu Lie.

It was apparent they had come over after detecting the Brilliance of the Five Elements emanating from Du Wenzhen's body as he consumed the dust.

From the tone of the conversation between Qi Rui and Du Wenzhen, it was clear that there was some strain in the relationship between them and these three.

"So it's you, Du Wenzhen. What's happening to you? Why is there such strong Power of the Five Elements? And why are so many plants growing like that?"

Qi Rui stared at Du Wenzhen, his curiosity tinged with wariness.

Without a doubt, the way Du Wenzhen's body was emitting the Power of the Five Elements felt highly unusual to Qi Rui.

"None of your business."

With a terse retort, Du Wenzhen dismissed Qi Rui without any inclination to explain.

"Haha!"

Qi Rui gave a cold laugh and didn't press further, his words cloaked in irony, "Du Wenzhen, you do know that even if you advance to the Mid Yin God Realm, you're not guaranteed immediate entry into the task force, right?"

Du Wenzhen lifted his head proudly, "I can't say for sure if I'll join immediately, but I know for certain I'll join the task force sooner than you will."

"We'll see about that!"

Qi Rui glared at Du Wenzhen and beckoned to Liu Jie and Wu Lie, "Let's go!"

The trio had arrived quickly and left just as swiftly, employing their Escape Arts to speed away from the spot.

"Your enemy?"

Xiao Mu looked towards Du Wenzhen.

"An enemy? Him? I doubt he's worthy."

There was a touch of conceit in Du Wenzhen's tone.

However, having interacted with Du Wenzhen for some time, Xiao Mu knew that this was just his nature. He smiled and didn't probe further.

Both employed their Escape Techniques and continued their return towards the direction of the Great Tang Ruins.

Compared to their journey there, their return was significantly faster since Xiao Mu had mastered the Earth Escape Technique and Du Wenzhen's corresponding technique had mutated; they were more than ten times quicker. It took them less than a day to reach the outskirts of the Great Tang Ruins.

"Reserve Duty, right? You can hand back the Soul Chasing Pearl now."

At the entrance to the Great Tang Ruins, the guards checked the Identity Badges of Xiao Mu and Du Wenzhen and then stopped them.

"Old Xiao, force the Soul Chasing Pearl out to hand to them; we'll just get another one the next time we leave."

Without waiting, Du Wenzhen reminded Xiao Mu, taking the lead in forcing the Soul Chasing Pearl out of his body and handing it back to the guards.

Xiao Mu did the same, passing his Soul Chasing Pearl over to the guards.

Entering the Great Tang Ruins, their first stop was the Task Hall.

"Old Xiao, shall we team up again next time?"

On the way, Du Wenzhen extended an invitation to Xiao Mu again.

"Sure."

Xiao Mu agreed and brought up his own plan, "Keep an eye out for where we can find a large amount of Energy Fruits. I need to get ready to step into the Mid Yin God Realm."

With his casual demeanor, Du Wenzhen shouted, "Isn't that obvious? I'll figure out a way to find out. When we locate a spot with Energy Fruits, we'll go together."

"However, Energy Fruits are a scarce resource, and competition is inevitable each time. You should be mentally prepared."

Xiao Mu nodded, "I will take the opportunity to improve my strength."

As they were talking, they entered the Reserve Duty Task Hall.

"Xiao Mu, what a coincidence, you're back from a task as well?"

Shi Meng passed by Xiao Mu, stopped, and greeted him.

Curious, Xiao Mu asked, "Have you completed your task?"

With a smile, Shi Meng nodded, "Everything went smoothly!"

Xiao Mu responded with a smile, "Then congratulations!"

"Thank you!"

The joy on Shi Meng's face was unmistakable as she said, "This task earned me three points. My total is now eighty-eight points, only twelve away from being able to exchange for the Fire Escape Technique Secret Manual."

Xiao Mu praised, "I wish you get the Fire Escape Technique Secret Manual soon."

Shi Meng smiled and thanked him again, "Thank you!"

Then, as something seemed to dawn on her, "Oh by the way, He Qian has already accumulated a hundred points and has gone to exchange for the Wood Escape Technique Secret Manual. He should be returning soon."

Xiao Mu noticed that despite Shi Meng's smile, envy was evident in her expression as she mentioned He Qian exchanging for the Wood Escape Technique Secret Manual.

For Mutated Beings on Reserve Duty, acquiring the first Secret Manual is the hardest. Once they obtain their first manual, the following ones become relatively easier to get.

Xiao Mu reassured Shi Meng with a smile, "Don't be envious of him. I believe it won't be long before you can get your hands on the Fire Escape Technique Secret Manual."

"Thank you, Xiao Mu. You really know how to comfort someone. I feel much better hearing your words," Shi Meng thanked him again, her tone notably more relaxed.

"Shi Meng, haha, Xiao Mu is here too. Look, I've finally obtained the Wood Escape Technique Secret Manual."

As they spoke, He Qian walked over, talking to Shi Meng and coincidentally seeing Xiao Mu, proudly showing off to the two of them.

Green Light flickered beneath He Qian's feet, weaving around his soles, indicating without doubt that he had already cultivated the Wood Escape Technique.

"Congratulations, He Qian. With the Escape Art, you'll be able to complete tasks even faster."

While complimenting He Qian, Shi Meng couldn't help but glance at the Green Light swirling around his feet.

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