The campfire crackled as Yun Qing and the others took a brief rest.
His brows furrowed slightly as he circulated his cultivation technique, temporarily suppressing the immortal power surging through his body like a dormant volcano. During his earlier fight with Feng Tianmu, he had already sensed signs of an impending breakthrough. But with the trial still underway and powerful enemies lurking on every side, this was hardly the right time.
Yun Qing was just about to discuss the route to the Heavenly Origin Platform with Feng Ling'er when his double pupils abruptly focused, and he snapped his gaze toward the darkness ahead!
"Brother Hu! Brother Hu-! Something terrible has happened!"
The terrified, hoarse cries tore through the fleeting silence like a night owl crying blood. Everyone beside the campfire sprang to their feet, faint spiritual light rising from their magic treasures.
"Who goes there?!" Zhao Polu, who was on watch, drew his long saber and shouted sharply.
A figure covered in blood came stumbling and scrambling out of the shadows between the trees, collapsing at the edge of the firelight. It was Li Ergou, whom Wang Hu and the others had thought dead!
His clothes were in tatters, and his face mingled terror with the wild joy of seeing familiar faces. Tears and snot streamed down his cheeks.
"Ergou?! You're alive!" Shocked and delighted, Wang Hu instinctively started forward, only for Zhao Polu to seize his arm.
"Brother Hu, watch out for a trap!" Zhao Polu warned under his breath, eyeing the newcomer warily.
Li Ergou had no time to explain. He spoke rapidly, his voice trembling. "Mu Cheng... it's Mu Cheng and his people! I overheard them. They're joining forces to get revenge on you! There's also someone called Fu...!"
But the instant the word "Fu" left his