The Giant Whale Gang disciples and Hui Chun Valley disciples merged into one group. Without time for further words, they turned and charged back toward the villa. Valley Master Nie was also being cautious, ordering the disciples to bring up the rear and guard against any unforeseen mishaps.
Seeing Hui Chun Villa shrouded in white mist, the Giant Whale Gang disciples were greatly astonished. When they caught sight of the faint passage through the mist, their surprise became impossible to describe. The short elder leading them kept blinking his narrowed triangular eyes, plainly revealing the envy in his heart.
Once the two groups entered the white mist, it rolled over and returned to its original state.
After everyone had vanished into the mist, Dragon Manor Lord, his face weary yet expressionless, watched from the distant forest. He waved a hand and commanded, "Proceed according to plan!"
"Yes!" A disciple beside him clasped his hands and withdrew.
Only then did a trace of a smile appear at the corner of Dragon Manor Lord's mouth. He leaped away and disappeared into the woods.
After Old Master Qiang of the Giant Whale Gang entered the white mist, all he could see was a vast expanse of whiteness, with nothing clear before his eyes. He could only make out the back of the Hui Chun Valley disciple leading the way. After following for a long while and seemingly turning several corners, the scene before him suddenly brightened, revealing Hui Chun Villa as it had once been.
"Old Master Qiang..." A loud cry came from behind him.
"Valley Master Nie, my dear in-law, Qiang arrived too late with his rescue. I am truly ashamed!"
"Hehe, there is no need to say more. It is enough that you came. Please, let us speak in Herb Hall!"