Without waiting for everyone to react, he took the lead and entered the mansion, and the others exchanged glances and quickly followed.

One hour later.

The red-robed old monster and Bai Wanxi left the Li Mansion one after another.

The red-robed old monster showed no change in expression, but shortly after leaving the Li Mansion, Bai Wanxi suddenly seemed distracted and froze on the spot.

Afterward, her expression displayed a mix of confusion and fear, but she quickly controlled herself, nervously accelerating her departure from the area.

Meanwhile, at the Heavenly Square Inn, Bo Wei, who had just returned to her room to rest after a busy day, was completely unaware of the aura returning to her at this time.

"Interesting! Interesting! The old monsters of the Five Great Families, along with the enigmatic Lord Lan... A small place like Tianyuan Town really hides dragons and tigers? Even I can't act recklessly here."

"To uncover the secrets of that Pure Blood Demon, I might have to sneak around privately, avoiding any major commotion."

This aura was grateful for the initial caution, otherwise, it might have already provoked those old monsters to take action.

The initial grand formation served as a warning for him; otherwise, with his usual behavior, it wouldn't have been possible to act so discreetly in a small place like Tianyuan Town.

"Buddha Finger, I've only mastered one finger, allowing me to control just one Demon Leader."

"If discovered and attacked, leaving aside victory or defeat, the commotion alone might cause those old monsters to take action."

He was merely here to handle a small nuisance incidentally, seeking benefits from someone in Thunder City, certainly not to risk his life.

But the Pure Blood Demon was indeed tempting for him.

"Through this Ice Immortal Demon, find a way to infiltrate this local demon organization, and then trick the Pure Blood Demon!"

However, forcibly seizing the Pure Blood Demon would be pointless.

The Pure Blood Demon is strong in potential and future, not the present.

If they're not willingly following, capturing them would be of no use to him.

Gradually, this aura formed a plan in his heart, calming down.

Meanwhile, after a whole day of searching with Mi Hengpeng's assistance, Bo Wei had no results.

She planned to expand the search area and continue intensifying the search.

Thinking of this, Bo Wei fell into a deep sleep.

...

The official road.

Tianyuan Avenue.

Darkness.

Fang Yu never expected the wilderness to be this dark after nightfall.

If the night in Tianyuan Town was still illuminated by the rustling lights,

then the wilderness was pitch black, with darkness so deep that one couldn't see their fingers.

The faint moonlight seemed insignificant in the wilderness.

If not for the torch providing light, Fang Yu doubted whether the team could advance.

"Captain Linghu..."

His red horse and Ling Huxiang's black horse were at the front of the team, acting as the vanguards, paving the way.

They were like the guarding mountains for the team, safeguarding their journey.

But it was Fang Yu's first time in the wilderness, and the pressure was immense.

However, Ling Huxiang beside him seemed unfazed.

[Ling Huxiang: 4500/4500.]

Although Ling Huxiang was not as strong as Zhang Zhenyi, she should still be considered strong among the captains.

After all, Dong Xingzhou's 3000 health was already considered captain-level strength.

Ling Huxiang cast a sidelong glance at Fang Yu.

"What is it?"

"Captain Linghu, this is my first time executing an outdoor mission. I was wondering if there are any precautions I should take, and I'd appreciate any advice you could offer."

Her expression was calm as she averted her gaze and replied.

"Don't worry, the official road is relatively safe. At regular intervals, designated personnel clear demons along the way. Plus, we're still near Tianyuan Town within the daily patrol zone; worry when we leave this range."

Fang Yu noticed a softly glowing Jade Pendant at Ling Huxiang's waist.

Without the torch, the Jade Pendant could provide some light, albeit not very bright, still better than complete darkness.

Isn't this the precaution? Damn, why didn't anyone remind me to prepare outdoor lighting tools?

Torches are bright, but during battles, who has a spare hand to hold one and diminish combat effectiveness?

Fang Yu posed a few more questions indirectly, but Ling Huxiang was quite dismissive and lacked enthusiasm for the outing.

Seeing this, Fang Yu decided not to further embarrass himself.

Looking back, the team followed on horseback, forming a complete formation, seemingly experienced in field missions.

All in all, it seemed like his first outdoor mission.

Unable to get information from Ling Huxiang, Fang Yu opened the package from Ding Hui, checking its contents.

Although Ding Hui attached notes, it's impractical to consult them in the field; preparation is necessary.

Upon inspection, Fang Yu found Ding Hui indeed prepared similar items for him.

A Goose Stone Pendant adorned with blue speckled light.

Though called a Goose Stone, it seemed made from demon materials, ground into powder and reconstituted into stone, purely artificial.

Nonetheless, it was highly effective; wearing the Goose Stone Pendant around the neck cast a light blue glow, offering decent brightness.

According to Ding Hui's instructions, a firm tap on the pendant activated it, greatly increasing brightness and extending its range.

This Goose Stone Pendant turned out much better than Ling Huxiang's Jade Pendant.

Fang Yu also found other items, like disposable cloaking mist potions and two demon skins affixed to soles for noiseless movement.

These demon skins were too raw, mismatching his feet and stained with blood, seemingly freshly cut from Ding Hui's lab...

Some of Ding Hui's actions were truly unsettling upon thought.

Having inspected the contents and memorized them, Fang Yu secured the package and gazed ahead.

The torchlight stretched forward on the dark road, surrounded by soft insect chirps. If not for the chaotic hoofbeats behind, providing some comfort, Fang Yu would feel tense, wary of demon attacks from the roadside.

Hiss— Hiss—

Suddenly, amidst the calm crickets' chirps, arose strange noises.

"Hmm—"

Ling Huxiang sharply pulled the reins, stopping and listening intently.

Yet...

[Two-headed White-Scaled Snake Demon: 5342/5342.]

[White-Scaled Serpent Demon: 1381/1381.]

[White-Scaled Serpent Demon: 1092/1092.]

[White-Scaled Serpent Demon: 1156/1156.]

[...]

One by one, health bars emerged from the left-side darkness, cautiously approaching.

Fang Yu widened his eyes slightly.

The power of those Snake Demons wasn't intimidating, but the sheer number was.

Over thirty Snake Demons acted collectively, lurking in the dark.

The environment in the dark was unknown; they needed torchlight to see.

"Something's approaching..."

Ling Huxiang whispered.

Just as she finished speaking, Fang Yu dashed left with a torch, leaving a single sentence.

"Over there! I'll handle it!"

His actions stunned Ling Huxiang.

She hadn't even reacted.

What kind of person is this?

What kind of madness is this?

The new captain is this brave? This is the wilderness!

Without knowing the demons' appearance or level, charging ahead recklessly? Are you crazy??

Regaining composure, Ling Huxiang immediately shouted.

"Captain Diao, come back! Don't act recklessly! First, let other team members scout..."

Tss!!!

Sword light brightened ahead.