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Getting in was rather tricky, but coming out was relatively easier. Qin Fang found the mountain gate's location directly and easily opened an exit, allowing the four of them to walk out swaggeringly.

Of course, just as they stepped out of the Island-guarding Great Array, the portal automatically closed behind them, returning to its original state.

If Qin Fang and the others want to go back in, they would still need to risk breaking the array and opening the door; the portal they just used won't work, as the array has automatically adjusted.

"Sigh, what terrible air…"

Once out of the great array, breathing the outside air, everyone's face didn't look too good—the difference between inside and outside was just too great.

Though the Japanese are particular about environmental protection, preferring to pollute abroad while ensuring their domestic environment remains pristine.

Hokkaido is located in the north of Japan, with an environment better than that of the main islands; otherwise, such vast grasslands wouldn't exist.

Even so, the outside environment vastly differs from the secret realm within; the disparity is truly exceptional.

"Let's head back…"

After taking it all in, Qin Fang waved his hand, and the four of them jumped into the water, heading back to the lake's shore… it was already late, and any further delay would mean they'd have to camp outdoors tonight.

However, they didn't have any tents or such, so it was better to regroup with Hattori Sanzo and the others.

Twenty minutes later, the four of them emerged from the water, dripping wet, and Hattori Sanzo and Qin Zi immediately approached.

"It's about time you returned…"

Hattori Sanzo said with a wry smile, "If you didn't come back, I really didn't know how I'd manage through the night…"

He hadn't expected Qin Fang and the others to be gone so long without a word, which had them quite worried.

After all, it was four of them, gone for nearly an entire day without a trace, which understandably made them uneasy.

Especially as night fell on such a desolate prairie, it made one anxious and on edge.

Seeing Qin Fang and the others return now brought great relief, especially noting that they hadn't lost any limbs, which was even more reassuring.

"Old man, you're overreacting; do you think the four of us would just get lost?"

Ji Xiang laughed and scolded, then headed straight to the campfire Hattori Sanzo and the others had set up.

Hokkaido's climate is chilly, so while it's summer, the prairie temperatures aren't too high at night. Plus, Qin Fang and the others had just come out of the water, so warming up made perfect sense.

Of course, Qin Fang and his group knew Ji Xiang was using this as a cover for where they'd been all day and what they were doing…

Although Hattori Sanzo and Qin Zi could be considered allies, caution was still necessary, especially with Sakura, who was more foe than friend, nearby.

"Not knowing when you'd be back, I went ahead and got some tents, planning to camp here to wait for you…"

When Qin Fang and the others gathered around the fire, they noticed several tents already set up, and amid their surprise, Hattori Sanzo couldn't help but smile as he spoke.

That old fox really is something—always thoughtful, preparing these things ahead of time saved Qin Fang and the others a lot of trouble.

"And I got some game as well, so everyone can have a taste…"

Not only was there shelter, but there were also rabbits roasting on the fire, soon ready to eat, all thanks to Hattori Sanzo.

In no time, everyone gathered around the fire, tearing into the golden-brown rabbit meat. Having spent the whole day out without much to eat, even Qin Fang and the others were a bit hungry.

"By the way, Young Master Qin, when I was getting the tents, I heard some news…"

As they sat there eating, Hattori Sanzo quietly moved closer to Qin Fang, whispering to him.

"What news?"

Qin Fang asked, a bit puzzled, as he continued eating.

Hattori Sanzo was an experienced old-timer, well-versed in weighing the importance of things, so if he mentioned it, this news might indeed be useful to them.

"Someone else has come to this prairie…"

As if having anticipated Qin Fang's reaction, Hattori Sanzo quietly replied.

"Hmm?"

Qin Fang paused, eyebrows slightly raised, with a hint of surprise in his eyes as he looked at Hattori Sanzo, "Who?"

Though Ji Xiang and the others also heard Hattori Sanzo's words and initially didn't care, noticing Qin Fang's reaction made them too look up at Hattori Sanzo.

"That person is quite distinguished, from one of the Six Great Holy Lands, based in Kyoto…"

Hattori Sanzo remarked with a hint of disdain.

"Someone from Anping Shrine?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Fang put down the meat, frowned slightly, and asked in confusion, immediately thinking of a certain person.