Initial Team Battle, Cooperative Training

The Flame Valley lived up to its name.

Even a mile from the entrance, waves of heat washed over them. The air shimmered, distorting the view like ripples on water. The rocks within the valley were a dark crimson, and orange-yellow flames flickered from cracks, making soft crackling sounds.

"It's hotter than I expected," Zhou Ming wiped sweat from his forehead, the droplets evaporating before they could even form. "At least sixty degrees Celsius."

Sun Wanting took out an Ice Condensation Pill. "Take one now, and its effects will last for an hour. We need to find the Crimson Flame Tiger, complete the hunt, and leave within that hour."

Five blue pills were distributed to each person.

Lin Fan held his pill, feeling its coolness. He put it in his mouth, and it dissolved, a refreshing sensation spreading from his throat throughout his body, greatly diminishing the heat.

"Much better," Chen Dahu chuckled heartily. "This stuff really works."

"Don't get careless," Sun Wanting said gravely. "The Ice Condensation Pill only resists high temperatures; it doesn't protect against fire. The Crimson Flame Tiger's flame attacks are extremely hot. Getting hit means a serious injury."

She unfolded a crude map—Zhou Ming had bought it from the black market. It showed the general terrain of the Flame Valley and the areas where the Crimson Flame Tiger might appear.

"The valley is shaped like a gourd, narrow at the entrance and wide inside. Crimson Flame Tigers are usually active near the 'Lava Lake' in the center," Sun Wanting pointed to the center of the map. "We'll cut in from this direction, avoiding the high-temperature zone directly ahead."

"Understood," everyone nodded.

"Formation," Sun Wanting began to assign positions. "I'll be in the center, commanding and providing ranged support. Chen Dahu will be the vanguard, Lin Fan on the left flank, Zhou Ming on the right flank, and Bai Susu behind the center. Maintain a triangular formation, with no more than ten meters between us, ensuring we can support each other at all times."

"Yes!"

The five adjusted their positions and stepped into the valley entrance.

The heat intensified, and even with the Ice Condensation Pill, their skin felt a burning sensation. The ground was scorching, and the soles of their boots gave off a burnt smell. The air was filled with the pungent, unpleasant odor of sulfur.

The scenery inside the valley was desolate and eerie.

Dark red rocks resembled solidified blood, with lava flowing slowly in the cracks. Occasionally, bubbles would form, burst, and splash sparks. Strange plants grew along the edges of the lava, their leaves thick like leather and a deep crimson color.

"Fire Velvet Grass," Bai Susu murmured. "It's a secondary ingredient for refining fire-attribute pills. We can collect some."

"The mission comes first," Sun Wanting shook her head. "We'll gather it later if there's time after the hunt."

They continued deeper.

The further they went, the higher the temperature became. The rocks shifted from dark red to orange-red, some areas even appearing semi-molten. Zhou Ming had to frequently use his movement techniques to avoid the intensely hot ground.

"Attention," Sun Wanting suddenly raised her hand, signaling them to stop.

About thirty meters ahead, on a relatively flat rocky clearing, lay a colossal beast.

A Crimson Flame Tiger.

It was over three meters long and nearly as tall as a man at the shoulder. Its fur was fiery red, with a faint glow moving between the strands. It lay with its eyes closed, feigning sleep, and small sparks puffed from its nostrils with each breath. Most striking was the flame-shaped marking on its forehead, as if it were burning.

"Tier 2 High-grade, equivalent to the peak of a 3rd Grade Martial Master," Sun Wanting whispered. "Stronger than the intelligence suggested."

Lin Fan activated the Martial Arts Panel's reconnaissance function—a support ability unlocked after a system upgrade, allowing for a rough assessment of a target's strength.

[Target: Crimson Flame Tiger (Tier 2 High-grade)]
[Status: Healthy, Alert (Mild)]
[Threat Level: Medium-High]
[Weaknesses: Abdomen, Eyes, Junction of Neck and Spine]
[Notes: Fire-attribute Demonic Beast, skilled in area attacks, extremely fast]

"It hasn't fully detected us yet," Zhou Ming observed. "We can attempt a surprise attack."

"How do we do it?" Chen Dahu gripped the saber on his back, eager to fight.

Sun Wanting thought quickly. "Lin Fan, you're the fastest. You'll make the first strike, targeting its eyes. Once you hit, retreat immediately; don't get greedy. Chen Dahu, you'll cover him and block the tiger's counterattack. Zhou Ming, find an opportunity to attack its abdomen. Bai Susu, prepare for support and crowd control. I'll provide ranged cover."

"Understood," Lin Fan nodded, drawing his longsword.

The blade reflected the firelight, gleaming coldly.

"We attack in three seconds," Sun Wanting nocked an arrow. "When I count to three, Lin Fan charges."

"One."

Lin Fan adjusted his breathing, Profound Origin Qi surging through his meridians. The Minor Accomplishment level Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art provided ample Origin Energy, bringing his body to peak condition.

"Two."

He crouched slightly, his leg muscles tensing.

"Three!"

An arrow whistled through the air.

Sun Wanting loosed her shot, aiming directly for the Crimson Flame Tiger's left eye—a feint to force it to close its eyes or dodge, creating an opening for Lin Fan.

Almost simultaneously, Lin Fan moved.

"Gale Sword Technique—Thrust!"

His figure flashed like lightning, covering thirty meters in an instant.

His sword lunged straight for the Crimson Flame Tiger's right eye.

Sun Wanting's arrow arrived first.

The Crimson Flame Tiger's ears twitched, and its eyes snapped open—they were golden-red vertical pupils, filled with savagery. It tilted its head, and an arrow grazed its ear, embedding itself in the rock.

The arrow shaft instantly turned black.

At that moment, Lin Fan's sword arrived.

The sword tip was only three feet from the tiger's eye.

The Crimson Flame Tiger roared, and its massive body moved sideways half a foot with incredible speed. Simultaneously, it swiped with its right claw.

"Clang!"

Claw met sword, sending sparks flying.

Lin Fan felt a surge of immense force, his hand going numb. The longsword nearly slipped from his grasp. He used the force to flip backward, taking three steps before regaining his balance.

Such great strength!

The power of that claw was no less than the Pig King's charge.

"Roar!"

The Crimson Flame Tiger was thoroughly enraged. It stood up, its fur bristling, flames erupting from its body. The surrounding temperature soared, and the air distorted even more violently.

"Scatter!" Sun Wanting shouted.

But it was too late.

The Crimson Flame Tiger opened its maw and spat out a ball of crimson fire, half a meter in diameter, heading straight for Chen Dahu at the front.

"Dahu, be careful!" Lin Fan yelled urgently.

Chen Dahu roared, bringing his back-mounted saber horizontally in front of him, channeling Origin Energy.

"Iron Wall Slash!"

His saber light formed a wall.

"Boom!"

The fire ball collided with the saber wall, exploding into a sky full of embers.

Chen Dahu grunted, staggering back five steps. The saber blade turned red, his hands' tiger mouths split open, and blood streamed down.

"Dahu!" Bai Susu cried out, about to step forward to heal him.

"Don't come over!" Chen Dahu gritted his teeth. "I can hold!"

At this moment, Zhou Ming moved.

He moved like a phantom to the Crimson Flame Tiger's rear flank, thrusting his dual blades directly at its abdomen—where the fur was thinner, its weak point.

"Got it!" A glint of joy flashed in Zhou Ming's eyes.

But the Crimson Flame Tiger seemed to have eyes in the back of its head, its tail whipping like a steel cable.

"Crack!"

Zhou Ming was caught off guard, struck in the chest. He flew backward, crashing into the rocks.

"Cough!" He spat out a mouthful of blood, his chest throbbing with pain. At least two ribs were broken.

A bad start.

Both were injured in the first exchange.

"Damn it!" Sun Wanting's expression turned grim. She shot three consecutive arrows, forcing the Crimson Flame Tiger to pause its assault.

Lin Fan seized the opportunity and moved forward again.

This time, he didn't attack directly. Instead, he employed the roaming sword style of the Gale Sword Technique, his sword light like the wind, weaving around the Crimson Flame Tiger to draw its attention.

"Chen Dahu, retreat and heal! Zhou Ming, can you still move?" Sun Wanting shouted as she fired her arrows.

"I won't die!" Zhou Ming gritted his teeth and stood up, but his movements were noticeably sluggish.

Bai Susu had already rushed to Chen Dahu's side, quickly treating his wounds. She sprinkled powder on his tiger mouths and inserted needles into acupoints on his arm for pain relief.

"Lin Fan, hold it off for ten breaths!" Sun Wanting yelled. "I need time to prepare my killing move!"

"Understood!"

Lin Fan circulated the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art with all his might, channeling Origin Energy into every part of his body. His Perfection-level Iron Body Skill made his skin glow with a faint golden luster. The high temperature and stray embers hitting him only left shallow white marks.

He held nothing back.

"Gale Sword Technique: Wind Sweeps Clouds!"

His sword light surged, transforming into three whirlwinds that coiled towards the Crimson Flame Tiger from different directions.

The Crimson Flame Tiger, enraged, abandoned its pursuit of Chen Dahu and lunged at Lin Fan. It attacked with both claws, flames wreathed around them, each strike carrying the power to shatter mountains and split rocks.

"Clang, clang, clang!"

The sounds of sword and claw clashing were dense as rain.

Lin Fan fought and retreated, luring the Crimson Flame Tiger away from his injured teammates.

His swordsmanship had reached the Proficient level, combined with his Minor Accomplishment-level Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art. In terms of sword skill refinement alone, he was already no less than a 3rd Grade Martial Master. However, the Crimson Flame Tiger's strength and speed were too great, and its fiery attacks were impossible to defend against.

[Gale Sword Technique Proficiency +5]
[Combat Intuition Proficiency +3]
[Movement Technique Proficiency +2]

System notifications popped up continuously, but Lin Fan had no time to read them carefully.

Ten breaths of time passed in the blink of an eye.

"Lin Fan, fall back!"

Sun Wanting's voice called out.

Lin Fan didn't hesitate and retreated.

Just as the Crimson Flame Tiger was about to pursue, it saw Sun Wanting's longbow drawn taut like a full moon. The arrow nocked on the string was no ordinary arrow, but a special one, entirely ice-blue and inscribed with runes.

"Ice Seal Arrow... go!"

"Whoosh—"

The arrow left the string, trailing an ice-blue trajectory.

Wherever it passed, the heat wave retreated, and fine ice crystals condensed in the air.

Sensing the threat, the Crimson Flame Tiger opened its maw and spat out an even larger fireball.

Ice and fire collided in mid-air.

"Ssss—"

There was no explosion, but mutual annihilation. The ice arrow pierced through the fireball, its speed slightly reduced, but it still struck the Crimson Flame Tiger's chest.

"Pfft!"

The arrowhead sank three inches into the flesh.

Immediately after, the ice-blue runes lit up, and a burst of cold air erupted.

"Crack, crack..."

The Crimson Flame Tiger's chest rapidly froze over, the ice spreading outwards.

"Roar!" The Crimson Flame Tiger roared in pain, struggling frantically. The ice layer shattered, but the cold had already infiltrated its body. Its movements were noticeably sluggish, and the flames on its body had also dimmed considerably.

"Now's our chance!" Sun Wanting shouted, "Full attack!"

The opportunity had arrived.

But the team didn't attack immediately.

The chaos earlier had exposed a serious problem—unfamiliarity with coordination, each fighting their own battle.

Chen Dahu was not lightly injured, and Zhou Ming's combat power was halved. Bai Susu was busy with healing and couldn't control the battlefield. Lin Fan, though capable, couldn't carry the burden alone.

"This won't do," Sun Wanting decided decisively. "Change tactics!"

She quickly analyzed, "The Crimson Flame Tiger has been hit by the Ice Seal Arrow, its speed and flame power reduced by thirty percent due to the cold entering its body. However, its vitality is tenacious, and it won't be incapacitated in a short time."

"Lin Fan, you'll be the main attacker, drawing its attention. Don't engage head-on; focus on hit-and-run tactics."

"Chen Dahu, how's your injury?"

"I can still fight!" Chen Dahu bandaged his hands and re-gripped his saber. "Superficial wounds, nothing serious!"

"Good, you'll support Lin Fan. When the Crimson Flame Tiger attacks Lin Fan, you'll engage from the flank. Remember, strike and retreat, don't get greedy."

"What about Zhou Ming?" Bai Susu asked worriedly.

Zhou Ming's face was pale, but his eyes were determined. "Two ribs are broken, but I can still move. Give me fifteen minutes, and I can recover fifty percent of my combat power."

"Fifteen minutes is too long," Sun Wanting shook her head. "Bai Susu, is there any way to temporarily relieve his pain without affecting his actions?"

Bai Susu bit her lip. "There's 'Pain Relief Powder,' but its side effect is a twenty percent decrease in reaction speed, and the pain doubles after the effect wears off."

"Use it," Zhou Ming said without hesitation. "As long as I can fight."

Bai Susu took out a packet of powder, which Zhou Ming took and swallowed. A moment later, his complexion eased slightly, but his eyes were a bit unfocused—this was a side effect of the Pain Relief Powder.

"Zhou Ming, you don't need to engage in close combat," Sun Wanting said. "You'll be responsible for harassment. Use hidden weapons, smoke bombs, or poison powder to disrupt the Crimson Flame Tiger's senses. Create opportunities for Lin Fan."

"Understood," Zhou Ming nodded.

"Bai Susu, you'll be in charge of coordination. Keep an eye on everyone's condition and provide timely healing. Also, prepare 'Paralysis Powder'; sprinkle it on the Crimson Flame Tiger's wound if you get the chance."

"Okay."

"I'll continue to provide long-range support, but I only have one Ice Seal Arrow. Ordinary arrows pose limited threat to it, so it's mainly up to you all."

Sun Wanting looked at Lin Fan. "Lin Fan, you're the key. How long can you hold on?"

Lin Fan felt the Origin Energy within him. "At least fifteen minutes."

"That's enough," a fierce glint flashed in Sun Wanting's eyes. "Within fifteen minutes, we'll finish it!"

Tactics adjusted.

The crowd looked at the Crimson Flame Tiger again.

It had broken free of most of the ice. The arrow wound on its chest was still bleeding, but its aura remained ferocious. Its vertical golden-red pupils scanned the group, filled with killing intent.

"Attack!"

Sun Wanting gave the order.

Lin Fan charged out first.

This time, he didn't use flashy sword techniques but the most basic thrusts, slashes, and chops. Each sword strike precisely targeted the Crimson Flame Tiger's eyes, nose, and ear canals—its vulnerable spots.

The Crimson Flame Tiger swiped its claws to block, but its movements were a fraction slower than before.

The cold was taking effect.

"Roar!" It opened its mouth to spew a fireball.

But just then, Chen Dahu attacked from the side, chopping at the tiger's leg with his saber.

The Crimson Flame Tiger was forced to interrupt its attack, raising a claw to swat at Chen Dahu.

Chen Dahu didn't meet the blow head-on. He retreated after one strike, creating distance.

Meanwhile, Zhou Ming's harassment arrived.

Several caltrops shot towards the Crimson Flame Tiger's face, forcing it to close its eyes. Simultaneously, a cloud of gray smoke exploded, obscuring its vision.

The Crimson Flame Tiger shook its head irritably.

Lin Fan seized the opportunity and thrust his sword towards the arrow wound on its chest.

"Squelch!"

The sword tip sank in and churned.

In extreme pain, the Crimson Flame Tiger spun wildly, its tail sweeping towards Lin Fan.

Lin Fan had anticipated this and retreated in advance, narrowly dodging the attack.

"They're coordinating now." Sun Wanting felt a little relieved. She nocked an arrow and fired repeatedly, targeting the tiger's eyes.

Bai Susu saw her chance and sprinkled a packet of Paralysis Powder onto the Crimson Flame Tiger's wound.

The powder dissolved upon contact with blood, quickly seeping in.

The Crimson Flame Tiger's movements slowed down by another fraction.

"It's working!" Bai Susu exclaimed in surprise.

However, the Crimson Flame Tiger was, after all, a high-tier Rank 2 Demonic Beast. Its ferocity was fully ignited. Disregarding its injuries, flames surged around its body, turning it into a fiery whirlwind that charged towards the nearest target, Lin Fan.

It was too fast!

Lin Fan's pupils constricted. He dodged with all his might using his movement technique, but he was still grazed by the flames.

The sleeve of his left arm was instantly incinerated, leaving his skin charred black.

[Received flame damage, Iron Body Skill proficiency +10]

[High-temperature resistance proficiency +5]

Pain shot through him, but Lin Fan gritted his teeth and endured.

"I can't retreat!"

He swung his sword back, thrusting it towards the center of the fiery whirlwind.

His sword was infused with Profound Origin Qi. The moment it pierced the flames, the Origin Energy and the flames clashed violently.

"Sss—"

The flames receded slightly, revealing the Crimson Flame Tiger's true form.

Lin Fan saw that near the arrow wound on its chest, the flesh and skin were beginning to turn black—the Paralysis Powder was taking effect!

"Now!"

He roared, channeling all his Origin Energy into his sword.

"Gale Sword Technique: Thunderclap Thrust!"

This was the most powerful move in the Gale Sword Technique, requiring charge-up and rarely used. But now, with the Crimson Flame Tiger moving sluggishly, it was the perfect opportunity.

The sword tip glowed with a dazzling light, accompanied by faint sounds of wind and thunder.

"Go!"

He thrust his sword out, aiming straight for the Crimson Flame Tiger's brow.

Sensing a mortal threat, the Crimson Flame Tiger desperately turned its head.

"Pfft!"

The sword tip grazed its brow and missed, instead burying itself deeply in its neck.

"Rooooar—!!!"

A piercing roar echoed through the valley.

The Crimson Flame Tiger thrashed wildly, flames spewing everywhere.

Chen Dahu, disregarding the danger, charged forward and slashed at the tiger's leg with his blade, the edge biting deep into bone.

Zhou Ming unleashed all his hidden weapons.

Sun Wanting emptied her quiver.

Bai Susu sprinkled another bag of Paralysis Powder.

Meanwhile, Lin Fan's sword-wielding hand bulged with veins as he pressed down with all his might.

The blade severed muscle and sinew, reaching the cervical spine.

"Crack!"

The sound of a breaking neck bone.

The Crimson Flame Tiger's struggles ceased abruptly, its flames extinguished, and its massive body crashed to the ground.

Its golden-red vertical pupils gradually dimmed.

It was dead.

The Flame Valley fell silent again, with only the "glug glug" sound of flowing lava.

The five of them collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air.

Each of them bore injuries.

Lin Fan's left arm was burned, his Origin Energy depleted. Chen Dahu's hands were cracked at the tiger's mouth, and he had numerous abrasions all over his body. Zhou Ming's face was deathly pale; the effects of the Pain Relief Powder were wearing off, and his ribs were throbbing with pain. Sun Wanting's arms were sore from overextending her bow. Bai Susu, though not directly involved in the fight, had been under extreme mental tension and was equally exhausted.

But no one complained.

Because they had won.

With the strength of second and third-grade Martial Artists, they had successfully hunted a second-tier high-grade Demonic Beast.

This achievement was something to be proud of.

"We... we did it," Chen Dahu grinned, wincing as he stretched a wound.

"Our coordination was still too poor," Sun Wanting shook her head. "Two of us were injured right at the start. If Lin Fan hadn't been strong enough, if the Ice Seal Arrow hadn't worked, the outcome would have been uncertain."

Her words were stern, but there was a smile in her eyes.

After all, it was their first team battle; winning was good enough.

Lin Fan meditated briefly, recovering some Origin Energy, and stood up, walking to the Crimson Flame Tiger's corpse.

The tiger's body was still warm. He drew his long sword and began processing the materials.

The Demonic Core was the most important. The Crimson Flame Tiger's Demonic Core was crimson red, about the size of an egg. Holding it, one could feel the surging fire-attribute energy. It was worth at least eight thousand Chinese Yuan.

Much of the tiger hide was burned, but if stripped off intact, it could still sell for around three thousand. The tiger bones, teeth, and claws were all high-quality materials. The most valuable item was the tiger penis—a potent aphrodisiac, which could fetch an exorbitant price on the black market.

Everything was stored in his Storage Space, almost filling it completely.

[Team Mission 'Hunt Crimson Flame Tiger' Complete] [Mission Requirements: All team members survive] [Mission Rewards Issued: Team Skill 'Cooperative Combat (Novice)', Skill Points x2 (per person)] [Cooperative Combat (Novice): When team members fight side-by-side, their tacit understanding slightly increases, and the rate of coordination errors decreases by 10%] [Skill Points have been issued to personal Panels]

The system notifications popped up.

Lin Fan's heart leaped with joy.

Two Skill Points equaled 200 proficiency. And although the team skill's effect was not significant now, it would surely grow stronger with more cooperation.

"The mission is complete," Sun Wanting also received a notification from the Martial Artist Association. "When we return and turn in the mission, each person gets 100 Academic Credits and ten thousand Chinese Yuan. The materials are separate."

"We're rich!" Chen Dahu exclaimed excitedly.

Zhou Ming, however, frowned. "Don't celebrate too soon. We're in bad shape. If we encounter other Demonic Beasts on the way back, it will be very dangerous."

"Let's treat our wounds first," Bai Susu took out some medicine. "Lin Fan's burns need attention, Chen Dahu's wounds need re-bandaging, and Zhou Ming's ribs must be stabilized."

She busied herself quickly.

Lin Fan allowed Bai Susu to tend to the burns on his left arm, but his gaze remained fixed on the Crimson Flame Tiger's corpse.

Something felt off.

He squatted down and carefully examined the tiger's eyes.

The golden-red vertical pupils were already glazed over, but deep within the pupils, he seemed to see a faint trace of... gray?

It looked like mist, or perhaps some kind of mark.

It was very blurry, vanishing in an instant.

"What's wrong?" Sun Wanting noticed his unusual behavior.

"Nothing," Lin Fan shook his head. "I must have seen things."

He had doubts in his heart, however.

The Crimson Flame Tiger's final frenzy didn't seem to be entirely from pain and anger. It was more like... a loss of control?

"Alright, bandaging is done," Bai Susu said, standing up. "Zhou Ming's ribs are stabilized, but he needs rest and can't fight anymore. Chen Dahu can't use his hand forcefully for three days. Lin Fan's burns aren't serious; after applying the Cooling Paste, they should scab over in two days."

"Then we withdraw immediately," Sun Wanting said. "This place isn't safe for long."

Everyone got up, preparing to leave.

But the moment they turned, Lin Fan's peripheral vision caught a glint on a distant rock face.

It was very faint, flashing by in an instant.

Like... a lens?

He abruptly turned his head, looking in that direction.

High up on the rock face, there was nothing.

"Lin Fan?" Sun Wanting asked.

"It seemed like..." Lin Fan hesitated. "Nothing, let's go."

He suppressed the doubts in his heart.

The team was in too poor a condition right now. Even if someone was indeed watching them, they wouldn't have the ability to pursue.

They would head back to the city first.

The five of them retraced their steps, moving much slower than when they had arrived.

Flame Valley returned to silence.

Until their figures disappeared, three figures slowly emerged from behind a large rock on the distant cliff face.

They were all wearing gray combat attire and masks.

"Record: Thunder Team successfully hunted the Crimson Flame Tiger. Combat time: fifteen minutes and two seconds. All members sustained minor injuries, no casualties. Tactical adjustment ability: average. Individual combat power: outstanding, especially target Lin Fan," the person in the middle whispered, holding a compass-like instrument.

"Target Lin Fan's combat power assessment revised: suspected 3rd Grade Martial Master level. Actual threat level increased," the person on the left added.

"Continue observation?" the person on the right asked.

"Phase one observation complete," the person in the middle said, putting away the instrument. "We'll return to report. The Guild Leader is very interested in the 'seeds'."

The three of them quietly retreated, as if they had never appeared.

On the rock face, only a few shallow footprints remained, quickly dried by the heatwaves.

On the way back, the team's atmosphere became much more relaxed.

After all, the harvest was plentiful, and although their first team operation had its twists and turns, they had ultimately won.

"After we get back, we'll split the money first, then rest for three days," Sun Wanting planned. "We'll take on a new mission three days later. Zhou Ming, you need to recover well from your injuries. Lin Fan, you also need time to heal from your burns."

"Mhm," Lin Fan nodded, but his mind was still on that glint and the grayness in the Crimson Flame Tiger's eyes.

Was it an illusion?

Or was... something truly watching them from the shadows?

He remembered the feeling of being watched in Gray Rock Valley.

This was the second time.

"Lin Fan," Chen Dahu leaned over, grinning foolishly. "That last sword strike of yours today was so cool! What was it called again? Wind-Thunder Stab? Can you teach me?"

"That's the killing move of the Gale Sword Technique, and it requires substantial Origin Energy to support," Lin Fan snapped back to reality. "Once you break through to Grade 3, I can teach you the basics."

"Heh heh, it's a deal then!"

Although Zhou Ming was in pain, he also smiled. "This haul is enough for me to buy that Shadow Concealment Technique. Next time, I definitely won't get hit by a tail again."

Bai Susu smiled gently. "It's good that everyone is safe."

Sun Wanting looked at her teammates, a hint of softness appearing on her cold, beautiful face.

Thunder Team's first mission was complete.

Though not perfect, they had taken the first step.

She looked ahead.

The silhouette of Jiangnan City had already appeared on the horizon.

The setting sun cast a golden hue on the city walls.

However, in Lin Fan's heart, a shadow had fallen.

That faint sense of being watched, the strangeness in the Crimson Flame Tiger's eyes... all of it seemed to point to a hidden vortex.

And they were, unknowingly, being drawn into it.