Valley of Demonic Fog, outer region.
Because it was perpetually shrouded in crimson mist, the entire valley was rich with moisture, and vegetation flourished throughout. Unlike the plants outside, the trees of the Valley of Demonic Fog were alive — as if they were living creatures.
It could be said that they moved every single moment, turning the already vast valley into something resembling a labyrinth.
"Damn it! Those people ran so fast, and now we're still stuck chasing them. If they'd just stood still and accepted their deaths, we wouldn't have to work this hard," a level 143 fourth-tier female Swordsman grumbled unhappily.
"This is actually a good thing for us," a level 143 Berserker beside her chuckled. "If not for these native faction fourth-tier experts, we probably wouldn't have the chance to earn alliance contribution points."
"True. Once we accumulate a few more contribution points, we'll be able to move to the Prosperous District, where only major factions are allowed to live." The level 143 fourth-tier female Swordsman nodded, a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes. "I heard that in the Prosperous District, they even sell potions that can extend lifespan. Now you can exchange for them with alliance contribution points too."
"I've heard of those as well. Usually they're only for those upper-class young masters and ladies — people like us never get a chance to use them." A level 145 fourth-tier middle-aged Elementalist nodded as well. "But now things are different. Every major faction, in order to seize this native world, has no choice but to come begging professionals like us. It's just a pity these local natives are too weak. Whether it's their use of magic power or their use of magical skills, it's all too clumsy. So far there isn't even a single expert worth fighting — it's hard enough just trying to steal a kill..."
As these fourth-tier Class holders chatted and laughed, a team standing not far away cast disdainful glances at them.
"Those mercenaries are really dreaming, thinking those life-extending potions can be exchanged so easily?" A beautiful fourth-tier short-haired woman carrying a massive axe glanced at those fourth-tier experts scouting the area, her eyes full of contempt. "Even a force like our Hundred Ghosts Lone Walk would find it extremely difficult to get hold of a few vials, let alone these mercenaries trying to exchange for them?"
"Fei Ye, you can't put it like that. If we don't offer some incentives, how could they risk their lives for us?" A young Swordsman named Qiyuan beside her smiled and said. "Besides, this operation is a good thing for us too. Those precious potions — especially the ones that preserve youth and extend lifespan — are now all available for exchange without any restrictions. That's a rare grand gesture from the higher-ups."
Potions that could extend lifespan were extraordinarily precious even in the world they lived in. Even disciples from major families like theirs could hardly obtain a single vial. But now they could all be exchanged with alliance contribution points, which undoubtedly gave them many more opportunities. After all, who wouldn't want to live longer?
Before Qiyuan could say much more, a level 144 fourth-tier Ranger hurried over urgently.
"Captain, we've found a batch of footprints. Based on our investigation, they should be traces left by the native locals," the fourth-tier Ranger reported in a hushed voice. "Three of them are the same ones we were chasing before."
"Good! Rally everyone at once. We're heading there right now." Qiyuan grinned. "Once we take them out, let's see how Hu Yao leads his guild members back here to grind levels and power up!"
Currently, the only reason the super-factions could still limp along was because they relied on fourth-tier Class holders to lead teams deep into the Forbidden Life Zone. Intercepting and taking out the fourth-tier experts of those super-factions just once would deal them a significant blow — after all, they had various methods to amplify death penalties.
And the loss of experience points was secondary. What mattered most was the equipment dropped upon death — losing two or three pieces of weapons or armor in a single death was enough to make the native factions' hearts ache. Restoring their combat strength would be far from easy, since while levels could be ground back up, suitable equipment was not so easily obtained.
"Understood!"
The fourth-tier Ranger immediately began contacting the other search parties, directing them to converge at the designated coordinates.
Meanwhile, in a forested area on the outskirts of the Valley of Demonic Fog.
"If we keep running in this direction for another four or five hours, we should be able to leave the Valley of Demonic Fog," Yanyun Sixteen Dreams said, pointing excitedly at a towering mountain range faintly visible in the distance.
The environment inside the Valley of Demonic Fog changed constantly, but there was one thing that couldn't change — the mountains. And it was through that distant mountain range that they had originally entered the Valley of Demonic Fog.
The fact that they could now see the mountains meant their journey was nearly complete.
Once they left the Valley of Demonic Fog, they could use Return Scrolls to teleport directly back to their guild headquarters. Those outsiders wouldn't be able to chase them even if they wanted to.
Chi You and the other person following behind were equally excited.