About ten years had passed since Dongguan first entered the Blood Domain Mountains.
Dongguan once again arrived at the market on the outskirts of the Blood Domain Mountains.
The residence he had temporarily rented was still being maintained, even though it stood empty.
Not long after his arrival, the occupants of the other two large residences nearby learned that he was back.
Inside the residence, there was a raised terrace overlooking the endless wilderness.
Dongguan set out a small table with fruit, food, and even wine to entertain his guests. These were actually included in the services provided by the residence itself, so they were hardly anything precious.
"Captain Zehui!"
As the three sat chatting about all sorts of things, Jiamoke was the first to lose patience and prepare to bring up "business."
The moment he spoke, Dongguan and Yanming stopped their conversation and looked at Jiamoke.
"Have you made any progress with the mission over these years?"
Jiamoke looked at Dongguan, and after he asked his question, Yanming shifted his gaze as well.
"The mission? Progress?" Dongguan swirled the wine in his cup. "Some, I suppose!"
Jiamoke and Yanming exchanged glances, each seeing a trace of bitterness in the other's eyes.
There was hardly any difference between Dongguan's answer and no answer at all.
Entering the Blood Domain Mountains and then completing the mission would count as progress.
Merely gathering some information would also count as progress.
After ten years, he ought to have done something, at least.
Probing for information like this was utterly useless.
"By the way," Dongguan said, looking at the two of them, "it's already been ten years. Weren't you planning to buy materials
"and complete the mission that way? Why are you still here?"
Dongguan genuinely found this strange.
In fact, given their wealth,