Even Walking Along, I Could Get Shown Up

If Rota went out now, even without revealing his identity, the other party would definitely be unwilling to tell the truth. Who would want more competitors for themselves?

The Purple Lightning Leopard's unexpected appearance had truly put every member of the Treasure Hunting Team on edge. Even though the Purple Lightning Leopard had already been dealt with, that feeling of tension had yet to fade.

Reid looked at his hands. Even now, he could not convince himself to believe that he had killed the Purple Lightning Leopard.

"That sense of unreality... The Purple Lightning Leopard definitely could have dodged..."

The Purple Lightning Leopard was a speed-type soul beast, not to mention one that was thirty thousand years old. The speed it possessed was simply unimaginable.

The fact that the Purple Lightning Leopard had completely evaded the Treasure Hunting Team members' attacks was enough to reveal something.

The members of the Treasure Hunting Team were all above Rank 70. It could easily dodge attacks at the Soul Sage level, let alone an attack launched by Reid, a Soul Douluo.

Although Reid was a Soul Douluo, it was not as though the casting speed of his soul skills necessarily crushed that of a Soul Sage.

"Even my attack should have been easy for it to dodge."

The reason Reid considered this matter so carefully was entirely to minimize unknown risks.

One thing Reid could be certain of was that the Purple Lightning Leopard just now had definitely not been killed by him. He had merely happened to land the final blow.

"Looks like the situation is becoming serious!"

The sun was setting, and the sky was gradually darkening. The last trace of sunlight was about to disappear.

"Everyone, stop! We've traveled all day. Set up camp and rest here," Reid said.

Traveling at night was not a wise choice. Many soul beasts liked to move about at night. Recklessly pressing onward carried the risk of the entire group being wiped out. This was soul beast territory; humans could not afford to act arrogantly here.

"And no one use fire. Remember that!"

Naturally, Reid did not forget to remind them not to use torches. Visibility was already poor at night, and accidentally drawing soul beasts over would only harm everyone.

Soul beasts active at night naturally had excellent night vision, and fighting in the darkness would be like a fish in water for them.

The camp was quickly set up. Every member was physically and mentally exhausted. After a day of traveling in constant alarm, their minds had been put through an immense challenge as well.

Everyone soon drifted into sleep, leaving only a few people on watch.

Reid, Wind Concealment, and Jin Ling were among those keeping watch.

"Wind Concealment, Jin Ling, the two of you should be getting proper rest instead of wandering around outside on watch!" Seeing that two crucial members of the team were still loitering outside, Reid could not help but reprimand them.

"But we asked for your permission just now, and you agreed!" Jin Ling said playfully.

Reid sighed helplessly. "I don't remember agreeing to let you keep watch."

"Lord Reid must have been thinking too deeply about something. You agreed before you even heard our question clearly," Wind Concealment pointed out.

At that, Reid understood. These two had exploited a loophole, setting him up while he was focused on his thoughts.

"Fine, fine. If you want to stand watch, that's your business. But tomorrow is very important. I'll have someone else replace you later."

Reid had effectively accepted the two of them joining the watch, but he still had to consider tomorrow's operation.

Wind Concealment and Jin Ling were crucial to this mission. They had to be kept in high spirits.

"All right, you didn't come specifically to stand watch just for the sake of standing watch, did you? Get to the point."

How could Reid not know what Wind Concealment and Jin Ling were thinking? Too many strange things had happened today. They must have noticed them too.

"As expected, we can't hide it from you, Lord Reid. What happened today was too strange. I feel as though we're being manipulated by something," Wind Concealment told Reid what he felt.

"So you felt it too? It seems your powers of observation are quite sharp!"

Reid's words undoubtedly acknowledged Wind Concealment's analysis. The sudden soul beast attack was indeed a major point of suspicion. Then there was the bizarre death of the Purple Lightning Leopard.

"Lord Reid, regarding the Purple Lightning Leopard's death, Jin Ling and I feel there may be more to it."

Reid smiled. "I noticed that strange matter too. The Purple Lightning Leopard died far too bizarrely. It's hard to make sense of it for the moment."

Wind Concealment became even more certain of his judgment. If only he and Jin Ling found it strange, then perhaps it was merely something unique to them.

But now even Reid found it strange, which meant the matter was not as simple as they had thought.

"Then does Lord Reid have any thoughts?" Wind Concealment wanted to see what exactly Reid planned to do.

"Since we've already gone this deep, we won't stop until we find the Soul Bone."

"That's true." Wind Concealment merely echoed him before saying nothing more.

Was an eighty-thousand-year-old soul beast skull really worth sacrificing so many people for? Soul Bones were scarce, yes, but the losses were becoming a little too great.

But this operation was not for a small fry like him to decide. Though everyone treated him with great respect, Wind Concealment knew very well that they were merely using him as a tool.

Jin Ling felt the same way. Both she and Wind Concealment were support-type soul masters and lacked the ability to protect themselves. Without relying on these soul masters with formidable combat strength, even their personal safety would be a huge problem.

"All right, go get some rest. Tomorrow, Jin Ling, it'll be time for you to show what you can do."

"Understood, Lord Reid."

Wind Concealment and Jin Ling bade Reid farewell and arrived before their tent. Since Jin Ling was currently the only woman in the team, it was not appropriate for her to share a tent with those men.

During the time she had spent with Wind Concealment, Jin Ling had discovered that he was an upright and principled man. That was why she was willing to share a tent with him.

Wind Concealment was already forty-six years old, yet this was still the first time he had ever shared a room with a woman.

"This... well, you sleep inside the tent. I'll just rest outside," Wind Concealment said, not daring to look Jin Ling in the eyes.

"I don't mind. Besides, I'd be scared by myself," Jin Ling said, completely unconcerned about the difference between men and women.

"This..."

Wind Concealment was still hesitating, but Jin Ling grabbed him and pulled him inside.

Up in a distant tree, Rota covered his eyes. He had actually been shown off to on the spot.

"Sure enough, that saying was right! Whenever a single dog dies, no couple is innocent~" Rota had never expected the two of them to spark a romance.

In the middle of the night, Rota felt as though he was already full.

But honestly, Wind Concealment was a good person. He had a strong sense of responsibility and commitment. Jin Ling truly had a sharp eye—Wind Concealment was someone reliable.

After observing him throughout the day, Rota had formed an assessment of Wind Concealment. It would not be bad if he could bring the two of them under his wing.

Rota planned to observe them a while longer. A crisis was the best test of one's heart, and the virtues Wind Concealment had displayed were his truest side.

Rota was already considering taking both Wind Concealment and Jin Ling under his command. Once this operation was over, he intended to get in touch with them.

For now, though, he should get some rest first. Once he was well-rested, he could continue tailing them tomorrow.