As they ventured deeper, dangers became frequent, and the fierce beasts grew more formidable.
Fortunately, Ye Cangtian and Dugu Ling proved capable, and they navigated through perilous situations without significant incident.
However, some individuals sustained severe injuries during these encounters. These wounded members had to withdraw from the mission temporarily, taking a portion of the spoils and heading to the nearest city for treatment.
After an indeterminate period, the group finally reached the mountain summit, the central area of the entire forest.
The summit was not large, containing nothing but a lake.
The lake itself was peculiar. Its waters appeared clear, yet the entire expanse was a deep blood-red, as if filled with fresh blood.
Such a bizarre lake should have instilled fear and caution in the ordinary team members, prompting them to avoid it.
However, they did not. Instead, they were eager to approach.
The reason lay in the lake's seemingly shallow depth, with a faint glint of treasure light emanating from its center.
This was also why everyone's eyes lit up.
This was unexplored territory, and everything within was unclaimed. Whoever claimed it first would possess the treasure.
Plop! Plop…
In the next moment, figures one after another leaped into the lake, desperately swimming towards the center!
"Get back here, all of you! Be careful of the danger!"
Seeing this, Dugu Ling shouted loudly.
But at this moment, all that occupied their minds was the treasure, and they could not be bothered to listen.
Treasures left behind from ancient times were exceedingly rare, each one capable of defying creation and possessing immense power.
Acquiring even one could potentially change a person's destiny, setting them on the path to the pinnacle. This was far more rewarding than relying on certain families, wasn't it?
In an instant, nearly thirty people plunged into the lake, chasing each other and exerting all their strength.
The remaining two-thirds of the group remained on the shore. These individuals were somewhat more sensible.
It wasn't that they didn't desire the treasure, but they understood that their lives were more important.
They decided to let others test the waters first.
"Quickly think of a way to get them back!" At this moment, Dugu Ling approached Ye Cangtian, speaking anxiously.
This lake was clearly extremely peculiar, and rushing in blindly like those individuals would likely lead to grave consequences.
As the captain, Dugu Ling couldn't bear to witness such a scene.
"It's no use. They're already driven mad."
Ye Cangtian slowly shook his head.
It wasn't that he didn't want to intervene, but the people in the lake were consumed by greed.
They would likely risk their lives even if they knew of the danger. Therefore, any attempt to stop them would be futile.
His words left Dugu Ling speechless. Her gaze swept over those in the lake once more, and her eyes widened in shock.
In a short period, before those people could even reach the center of the lake, they began flailing on the water's surface.
It was as if an invisible hand had grasped their legs, pulling them down.
Strangely, no matter how pained their expressions were, or how wide they opened their mouths, the onlookers on the shore heard not a single sound.
"This…"
Everyone was stunned.
The lake water was clear to the bottom. Even from a hundred meters away, they could see nothing but red mud and sand at the lakebed.
Yet, this red mud seemed to possess a life of its own, entangling the legs of those in the lake and dragging them deeper.
What was happening?
"Ropes!"
Ye Cangtian quickly prompted them, and everyone understood. They retrieved ropes from their Qiankun bags and hurled them with all their might towards those in the lake.
But a strange phenomenon occurred again.
About fifty meters from the shore, all the thrown ropes were repelled and fell into the lake. It was as if an invisible wall stood there, blocking everything.
"What… what can we do…"
Those on the shore, though willing to help their teammates, were now powerless. They also did not wish to lose their own lives.
Gurgle, gurgle…
As fewer and fewer bubbles emerged from the lake's central area, everything returned to calm.
The lake remained clear to the bottom, as if nothing had happened.
"Everyone, this place is highly unusual. It is likely an ancient perilous site. I suggest we abandon exploring the lake, mark this area as special, and report it to the Hidden Group…"
Facing such a bizarre occurrence, Dugu Ling dared not risk further. After deep consideration, she made her final decision.
No one spoke. Honestly, leaving like this was truly difficult to accept, especially since treasure light had been seen emanating from the lake's center, indicating the presence of valuable items.
However, the problem was that they could not fly, and swimming across was also not feasible.
After all, the more than thirty people who had entered earlier displayed various swimming techniques, yet all met their end in the mud.
With such a bloody lesson, they had no choice but to relinquish their greed.
Ye Cangtian did not interfere with this decision. If it were just him, he would have found a way to investigate regardless.
But with Dugu Ling present, he decided against it.
However, just as the group turned to leave, more than twenty people suddenly surged from within the ranks, blocking everyone's path.
Ye Cangtian's gaze swept over them, his brow furrowing slightly.
He recalled these individuals from previous battles.
It couldn't be said that these people hadn't contributed at all, but their contributions were minimal.
Or rather, when fighting was easy, they would rush in together, but when there was a slight risk, they would lurk at the back, never taking chances.
Ye Cangtian hadn't paid them much mind before. Their abilities were weak, and it was normal for them to be afraid of death.
But now, they were blocking everyone's path, which made Ye Cangtian somewhat puzzled.
"What are you doing?"
At this moment, Dugu Ling's expression turned grim.
She too was wondering why these people were blocking their way. Even if they wanted to obtain the treasures in the lake, they could have simply stayed behind, and no one would have said anything.
Why block their exit?
"Heroine Ling, please take the lead and explore the lake for treasure!"
The next moment, a man stepped forward, seemingly the leader of these twenty-odd people, and spoke to Dugu Ling.
"Guan Liao, can't you see the peculiarity of the lake?"
"And you still ask me to lead everyone into danger? Are you out of your mind?"
Dugu Ling immediately recognized the man. She kept a mental tally of those who shirked their duties and avoided exertion in battles.
She had planned to settle accounts when the mission was completed and spoils were distributed.
But she hadn't expected them to reveal themselves now, and she was furious.
It was clear they were still after the treasures in the lake.
What angered her was that they seemed to have a gross underestimation of their own capabilities.
With only twenty-odd people, all of whom were at the Yellow level of strength, how could they dare to block the path and order her around!
"Dugu Ling, you'd better think carefully. If you don't take the lead, everyone, including you, will die!"
"In that case, it will be you who caused everyone's death!"
"So I suggest you lead your people in willingly. Perhaps there might still be a chance of survival!"
Guan Liao's gaze swept over Dugu Ling, a hint of mockery on his face, showing no regard for her.
"Hmph! Where does your confidence come from!"
Dugu Ling's expression turned icy cold, and she sneered, "With just your twenty-odd people, are you a match for us? I think you're just courting death!"
Dugu Ling's face showed considerable displeasure.
Her side held a clear advantage in both numbers and skilled fighters, yet the other party appeared so confident of victory, which truly infuriated her.
The remaining people around also wore cold expressions and reached for their weapons.
Guan Liao's words clearly conveyed murderous intent towards them, and they could not simply stand by and await their doom.
"Dugu Ling, it seems you won't shed tears until you see the coffin!"
"Very well, then I shall send you on your way!"
Guan Liao looked coldly at the crowd and said.
As his words fell, he waved his hand, and the people behind him instantly moved.
Following that, wisps of blood mist materialized from their bodies and spread outwards.
Black Wind Sect!
Ye Cangtian's expression turned exceptionally grim. This was the Blood Mist Array of the Black Wind Sect; he certainly wouldn't forget it.
He truly hadn't expected the Black Wind Sect to be lurking within the team, especially since this mission was accepted in Dragon City.
If there were people from the Black Wind Sect, it would imply that the Black Wind Sect had quietly infiltrated Dragon City.
This was truly hard to believe!