The group flickered into view above an enormous river. It shone with dazzling light, cleaving through the darkness like a ribbon of radiance stretching through the void, its end nowhere in sight.
"It really is the River of Hope."
Ruan Qingxi surveyed their surroundings, relief appearing on her face.
Then she added, "But this place is unfamiliar. We're probably deep in the Darkness Zone, a very long way from the Wizard Council. Getting back will take quite some time."
"Still, whatever the case, we've finally escaped the Tattered Straw Shoe. We have you to thank, Fellow Daoist Chen. We all owe you an enormous favor."
Beitang Zhu was the first to offer her thanks.
The others cupped their hands in gratitude as well.
"Everyone."
After thanking him, Fu Tianxue cupped his fist. "Although we're out of danger, this still isn't a place to linger. I'll be going ahead. See you at the Ascension Trial."
With that, he transformed into a streak of escapist light and shot away.
"Then let's split up too. Follow the River of Hope east, and you'll naturally reach the Wizard Council. There's no need to worry about getting lost. I have some things to do, so I won't be traveling with you."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Chunjiu also left the group.
"Where do you plan to go, Fellow Daoist Chen?"
Ruan Qingxi looked at Chen Lin.
Chen Lin considered for a moment. "I'm going to Dream Illusion City, then I'll decide what to do next."
He actually intended to visit the Goose-Feather Well.
Since he had failed to obtain a secret order from the Exquisite Treasure Chest, he still needed to find the other Mandarin Duck Board. One more trump card meant one more chance of survival in the trial.
But with the Lake-Fishing Old