In the dark passageway, figures clad in black cloaks patterned with red clouds steadily drew closer. Their loose robes concealed all but their outlines, yet that was enough for everyone to identify them.
One of them carried a rectangular object on his back—at a glance, it was clearly Kong Chen. The other had enormous aloe-like leaves growing from his head; among [Akatsuki], only Black Tortoise had such an appearance. Behind them floated Southern Dipper's dark-red Nine-Mystic Construction Coffin!
"Could it really be such a coincidence?" Kong Chen murmured softly when he saw the figures standing at the end of the passage. Clearly, he had also discovered the Underground Labyrinth's secret.
"Did you get it?" Bu Lianshi asked.
"It's already in Southern Dipper's coffin!" Black Zetsu replied in a hoarse voice.
The item they spoke of was Soul Blood Ganoderma—the purpose of [Akatsuki]'s journey to Jinglan Ancient Lake!
Hearing this, everyone let out a sigh of relief. Now that their objective had been achieved, there was no longer such urgency to what came next. At the very least, if they chose to retreat, they would have no regrets.
Luo Yuxi glanced at Southern Dipper's coffin and quietly drew a breath. Her goal in coming to the Underground Labyrinth had also been the Soul Blood Ganoderma, but she had never sought it for herself. Now that it was in Southern Dipper's hands, her own purpose could be considered fulfilled as well.
As they spoke, two more figures gradually approached from the other side. The man leading them had the same blue hair as Luo Yuxi. He was Luo Shaobo, who had vanished shortly after entering this place. Beside him was Liu Yong, fifth among the Seven Sons of Luo River!
The Seven Sons of Luo River and [Akatsuki]... they're all here! Lin