Pillar of Yita

”You black devil, your tribe is full of suspicious people.”

But the Duke Clan ranger didn’t even glance at the two people, instead only spoke to the old wizard: ”Mr. Ebene.”

Hearing this, Fang Hong felt a flash of determination in his heart; it seemed that this battle was inevitable. Just as he was about to raise his hand to signal to the others—everyone heard a buzzing sound at that moment.

The two Great Swordsmen and the old wizard looked in that direction simultaneously—

”Someone!” the two Great Swordsmen shouted loudly and immediately rushed in that direction.

The old wizard hesitated for half a step, looked back at the Duke Clan ranger, and then also headed in that direction.

Only the Duke Clan ranger himself suspiciously glanced in the direction where Fang Hong and the others were hiding, then finally took off his longbow and walked out.

Seeing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Although they didn’t know the source of the earlier sound, they had narrowly escaped. Gita instinctively wanted to lift the spell, but Fang Hong placed a hand on her shoulder and signaled the others to be silent.

Everyone paused, about to inquire using hand signals.

But suddenly, a figure appeared from the direction the others had left—it was the cold Duke Clan ranger, who looked around with a slightly skeptical expression, furrowed his brows, and then returned after confirming nothing.

Everyone nearly froze.

Especially Wu Xiaopang, who had just been about to feel relieved.

He mouthed silently, ”Will they come back?”

This time, Elisa directly spoke: ”No need to worry, they’ve already gone far.”

Fang Hong nodded in agreement.

Gita dispelled the spell upon hearing this.

Wu Xiaopang then asked in surprise, ”Boss, how did you know he would come back?”

”I didn’t know,” Fang Hong shook his head. ”I guessed, just to be safe.”

”Good thing,” Wu Xiaopang couldn’t help patting his chest, thinking that the ups and downs of life came a bit too quickly.

The Papalarians were muttering on the side:

”What does that count for? I predicted he would return.”

”Then why didn’t you tell me?” Xiangzi was quite dissatisfied.

Parker gaped at his best friend, his expression indescribable.

Elisa, however, asked curiously, ”Wasn’t that your ’Hornet’ outside just now, Captain?”

Fang Hong looked in that direction and gently shook his head. Earlier, everyone had distinctly heard the buzzing sound, which indeed sounded like the flapping of a Clockwork Fairy’s wings.

However, many things could produce a similar sound, not necessarily a Clockwork Fairy, or even a Construct. But why did that sound appear precisely at that moment? Was it really just a coincidence?

But he couldn’t determine what it was nor could he pursue it, so he could only say to everyone:

”Let’s not discuss this for now; we need to leave this place quickly.”

”Indeed, if they don’t find anything, they’ll likely come back,” Elisa also nodded.

This was exactly what troubled Fang Hong—although the earlier sound had resolved the immediate crisis, it would make the opposition more vigilant. They might even report the incident, which would not be good for their mission.

So it was best to seize the moment.

”Wait,” Wu Xiaopang now also realized the problem: ”If we leave now, won’t they find it different when they return?”

”That’s simple,” Luo Yu replied, ”I can use Earth Element spells to mold an outer wall, and Gita can use Illusion Techniques of a decorative nature to alter its appearance.”

Gita nodded: ”Yes, I can maintain it for a long time if it’s just decorative spells.”

”Then you two stay back to complete the spells,” Fang Hong said, knowing they didn’t have time to wait: ”Elisa, Luo Hao, you stay back to protect Luo Yu and Gita.”

All four nodded.

With tasks assigned, Fang Hong led the others onward. They were approaching the spiral passage that would lead them to the entrance seen before.

As they moved, he couldn’t forget the conversation between the two Great Swordsmen. He activated the Communication Crystal and whispered to Tianlan, posted on the other side, ”Tianlan, please ask Mr. Abed how the Grand Princess cleared this place previously.”

”Also, ask why they didn’t directly destroy this underground cave system.”

Tianlan answered with a cheerful ’Yes, Brother Ade,’ before running off with the sound of footsteps.

But shortly after, the footsteps quickly returned: ”Brother Ade, what cave system are you talking about?”

”?”

Fang Hong paused slightly, realizing something before explaining the situation on his side.

Tianlan turned back, and low conversation sounds came from the Communication Crystal, indicating Mr. Abed was coming over. After a moment, his deep voice resonated: ”Mr. Ade, what you found might be a new smuggling port.”

”The Princess did not discover this place last time; you’re likely in a lower part of the Land Ridge.”

Fang Hong had roughly guessed this from Tianlan’s tone. He asked, ”Do you have any idea where this place might be?”

”We can guess some,” Abed replied. ”Mr. Ade, do you need the Princess’s Guard Corps mobilized?”

Fang Hong pondered for a moment. Judging from the previous adversaries, the task was still manageable for him. Concerned that the city might have Blind Followers’ spies, he only replied, ”We can, but don’t act too hastily. Try to stay undercover; it’s not urgent yet.”

Abed agreed, expressing the Princess’s gratitude on their behalf.

Beside them, Wu Xiaopang was stunned, ”Princess... Boss, which Princess?”

”It’s the Grand Princess, Rupert,” Fang Hong replied.

”You took on the task for the Grand Princess!?”

Little Fatty was shocked to the point of nearly jumping up.

But Fang Hong stopped him because as he looked up, he had spotted the location of the trapdoor above.

They had arrived.

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