The thirty squads of the Vermilion Bird Guard from Azure Billow Royal City spent a full month purging Fuli Marsh before finally bringing this operation to a perfect close.
During that time, the Azure-Eyed Lone Wolves across most of Fuli Marsh had been wiped out.
Yi Fire Third Squad's gains were considerable.
With Chen Changming's help, the squad members' combat strength had multiplied, and they had slain quite a few level-thirteen Azure-Eyed Lone Wolves!
"Captain, we've got first place in the bag this time."
On the return journey, Shi Li stood aboard the Vermilion Bird Vessel. Looking at Qiu Yu, the captain of Yi Fire Fourth Squad not far away, he licked his thick lips and grinned with utmost confidence.
His voice was not quiet, so many people heard him.
The crowd immediately cast disdainful looks their way.
One Vermilion Bird Guard burst out laughing. "Shi Li, your squad isn't even at full strength. You only have six people—how could you possibly take first place?"
"What's wrong with six people?"
Shi Li gave a scornful laugh. "Once we return to the royal city and tally up the Azure-Eyed Lone Wolves, you'll know."
"Fine, we'll wait and see."
The Vermilion Bird Guard took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping across the members of Yi Fire Third Squad.
After losing their original captain, Yi Fire Third Squad's strength had dropped considerably. Even after they brought in a fifth-level Spirit Transformation cultivator from the Human Realm, their overall strength had not improved in any fundamental way.
Fourth-level Spirit Transformation cultivation was still near the bottom of the ranks throughout the Vermilion Bird Guard camp.
"Shi Li, say less."
Seeing how fond Shi Li was of showing off, Wen Xiaoyu could not help shooting him a glare.
"Alright, alright. I won't say another word."