"Brother, we're back!"
Cheng Xiaoyu had been chatting with the Flame Witch when Ye Xinxia and the others returned, followed by a squad in Military Mage uniforms.
"Xinxia, who are they?"
"We ran into them while we were coming back. A Demon Beast had them surrounded, so Yumian Jie stepped in and saved them. We brought them back with us."
Seeing the Flame Witch grow wary, Ding Yumian cast a calming spell on her, then explained that the newcomers meant no harm and posed no threat to Flame Belle.
After talking things through, she'd grown somewhat fond of Cheng Xiaoyu and the others. They were the only people she'd spoken to in the past ten years.
"Don't worry. We're not interested in the Fire Tribulation Fruit. We just want to rest here for a while."
The female officer named Nanyu hurriedly reassured them. She had a rather androgynous beauty and an air of heroism. Her long, slender legs, with just the right amount of softness, were especially eye-catching—legs one couldn't help wanting to admire up close.
As the Military Mages set up camp nearby, Cheng Xiaoyu told the three women about the Flame Witch. Women were more sentimental, and the story left them feeling a little sad.
"To survive for the sake of her beloved husband, she ended up like this. It's so touching!"
"Yeah. At least she survived, one way or another..."
Ding Yumian and Ye Xinxia were both saddened, while Leng Lingling remained calm and didn't empathize as deeply.
"All right, we've been traveling all day, and everyone's tired. Get some rest."
The three girls shared one tent, while Cheng Xiaoyu took another. He recalled the Shadow Soldiers he'd scattered around Zhuoyuan North Point. There were already many people around after just half a day. It seemed things