"Boom, boom, boom!"
Eight days later, above the red wasteland, a fiery cloud covered half of the sky. Giant beasts roared as they galloped. Groups of fire ants crawled on the ground. The entire wasteland was a paradise for monsters.
A group of young men and women were surrounded by the beasts but they didn't panic. Instead, they formed a circle and cooperated with each other.
Outside the group was a beast that was standing upright. It had black wings and was as fast as a ghost. It had sharp claws. Every time it waved its claws, a Fire Beast would be torn apart.
There was also a ghostly figure that blew past like a chilly wind. Wherever it blew past, groups of fire ants would stop moving as their souls were devoured.
Lu Li realized that the ghostly shadow could become stronger by devouring the souls of beasts. The growth was slow but it had been gradual.
Lu Li was excited by this. Every time there were Fire Ants, he would let the ghostly shadow out at once and let it devour them to its heart's content.
Even though there were many beasts, under the organized efforts of the team, there were only dead bodies left.
The team had grown through the battles. Of course, this had something to do with Lu Li, the leader.
Yuan Lingyun had to admire him for this. In the past, she was the leader but under her leadership, there would be deaths every time. What was more, the team couldn't even exert 60 or 70 percent of their abilities.
Lu Li didn't give many orders. He stood in the field by himself, controlling his flying sword. He seemed to be the most relaxed one.
But every order he gave would make the team more cooperative. Every time he made a move, he could save someone from danger.
They didn't have to think too much or worry about anything. They just had to follow Lu Li's orders and attack.
After so many battles, everyone felt their abilities had been improved. Before, they could only exert 60 or 70 percent of their abilities. Now, they could exert 120 percent, which was beyond their normal level.
Tan Long, Ning Ao and Hu Qianjun didn't catch up. There was no news of Patriarch Shi either. Everyone thought they were dead.
The three top young masters were dead. Yuan Lingyun was impressed by Lu Li. Naturally, the others didn't want to compete with Lu Li. They all tacitly accepted him as the Chosen One.
The young ladies were resistant and disgusted from the beginning.
Gradually, they began to accept Lu Li. During this time, they looked at Lu Li differently.
Lu Li was the same as before. He was cold and didn't talk much.
Previously, everyone thought that Lu Li was a loner and pretentious person. Now, however, they felt that he was mysterious, cool, and unfathomable. Lu Li had changed from a country bumpkin to an aloof and peerless master.
Little Chili Pepper had changed the most. She was the kind of person who did not show her emotions on her face and was straightforward.
Love was love, and hate was hate. There was no need for too much scheming.
At first, Yuan Lingyun had changed her attitude towards Lu Li. She was a bit angry and confused. During this time, Yuan Lingyun changed her attitude and smiled at Lu Li every day.
Even though Lu Li didn't pay much attention to her, she still followed behind Lu Li. She looked like a pug that made Yuan Lingyun's balls hurt – if she had balls.
"Why are you following me?"
After the battle, Lu Li flew up to clear the remaining monsters nearby. He saw Chili Pepper following him.
He coldly glanced over and said, "Aren't you going to help your sister treat her injuries?"
"I won't die, I won't die!"
Little Chili Pepper waved her hand dismissively and smiled sweetly, "I'm following you because I'm afraid that you're alone and weak, so I'm here to help …"
"That's good!"
Lu Li stopped, crossed his arms and said, "Then I won't do anything. You can have the rest of the Burning Fire Beasts."
"Ha, ha!"
Little Chili Pepper stuck out her tongue and mischievously said, "Divine Son, you are a man who will accomplish great things. How can you argue with a little girl like me?
Go, go. I will watch and learn from you. "
Lu Li sighed helplessly. He flew around and killed the rest of the Fire Beasts after he circled around the area.
Little Chili Pepper followed him like a shadow. When they got back to the camp, she lowered her head shyly when she saw Yuan Lingyun's faint smile.
"Phew, phew ~"
After Lu Li came back, many people were relieved and began to treat their injuries with peace of mind.
They were not far away from the Milky Way City. They would be able to go back in two or three days.
For them, this trip was more like a trip to hell. They had participated in many trials before, but none of them were as dangerous as this one.
The most important thing was that Patriarch Shi's death had deprived them of their greatest support.
After some rest, they moved on. This time, everyone was in high spirits. They sped up as well. They were about to arrive at the Milky Way City. Their trip to hell had come to an end.
The closer they were to the city, the fewer the beasts. They had been on the road for more than a day and only ran into some sporadic beasts.
They were all smiling, talking and laughing, like a group of kids coming home from a spring outing.
"Oh no!"
After traveling for another four hours, a white cloud floated over from the distant Heavenly River. Yuan Lingyun, who had the strongest soul, was the first to react. Her pretty face turned pale as she exclaimed, "Ghost Fire Kings, two of them!"
"Ah?"
Little Chili Pepper and Liu Qianqian screamed. The others' expressions changed. One King of Ghost Fire was enough to kill Patriarch Shi. Now there were two. How could they survive?
Liu Qianqian dashed to Lu Li's back and grabbed his arm. She was trembling in fear.
The others looked at Lu Li with expectation. They all hoped that he would give an order — for them to retreat first and that he would deal with the King of Ghost Fire alone.
Lu Li was the only one who could fight against the King of Ghost Fire. If Lu Li didn't cover up the rear, none of them would be able to escape.
It was selfish but everyone had the same thought in the face of life and death.
Lu Li didn't move. He didn't give any orders, which made everyone's faces turn gloomy.
Was Lu Li going to drag them to hell with him?
At this moment, even Yuan Lingyun couldn't help but overthink.
"Ha, ha!"
Lu Li chuckled. He waved his hand and said, "Why are you so scared?
It is just two King of Ghost Fire.
Let's wait and see … "
"See?"
Everyone was shocked. Yuan Lingyun looked at Lu Li. He was looking to the northwest. She seemed to be thinking about something.
Turning his gaze over, Zhang Xuan saw two figures dashing over like frenzied dragons.
One of them was powerful. It was a patriarch of the Palace of Rakshasa.
"It is Grandpa Feng and Grandpa Mu!"
Little Chili Pepper's cheeks turned rosy again. She shouted in joy. The others were overjoyed as well. Patriarch Feng was very powerful and he was the Vice Patriarch of the Hall of Warfare.
Now that he was here, they would be safe.
Yuan Lingyun looked into the distance. She was sure that Patriarch Feng and Patriarch Mu could deal with the King of Ghost Fire. She looked away and asked Lu Li in surprise, "How do you know that Patriarch Feng is nearby?"
"I guessed it!"
Lu Li smiled lightly and said, "If Patriarch Shi died, the Hall of Patriarchs will know and they will send powerful patriarchs to rescue him.
If Patriarch Shi is still alive, then he must be hiding nearby to protect us.
Two patriarchs are here. I think … Patriarch Shi is in grave danger. "
Yuan Lingyun nodded, agreeing with Lu Li's speculation. She didn't know that Lu Li had the Trace of Dao and his senses were very sensitive.