The team swiftly withdrew from the Mixed Zone of the Star Dou Great Forest with the captured "Number Seven" token and fragments of the Myriad Soul Crystal. The atmosphere on the journey back was even more solemn than it had been on the way in. The appearance of the Holy Spirit Cult was like a heavy dark cloud pressing down on everyone's hearts.
After the Myriad Soul Crystal attack, Xiao Wu became even quieter. She no longer tried to approach the depths of the forest, merely carrying out her duty as guide mechanically. Whenever she occasionally looked at Yang Yu's back, her fear carried an indescribably complex trace of emotion. When that vengeful spirit had lunged at her, Yang Yu had stepped in front of her.
Zhu Zhuqing seized every moment to familiarize herself with her newly acquired fifth spirit ability and the dark power within her body. Her battle with the Shadow Leopard Emperor and the experience of eliminating the Holy Spirit Cult members had made her understand that strength was the foundation of survival. Her aura grew increasingly cold and sharp, like a bloodstained dagger forever poised to leave its sheath.
Several days later, the team safely returned to the temporary camp on the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest and reunited with the guards left behind. After a brief rest, they set off for Spirit City.
Not long after they left the forest, a streak of golden light shot down from the horizon and landed precisely in the camp, revealing Yue Guan's slightly travel-worn figure. The team under his command had also completed the Silves purge mission and happened to rendezvous with them here.
"Your Highness." Yue Guan bowed, his gaze sweeping over Zhu Zhuqing and the profound Fifth Spirit Ring on her body. A flicker