With the mist cleared, the convergence of various factions became much easier, and casualties were significantly reduced.
One by one, factions, while felling stone figures, were rapidly assembling their forces and advancing towards the outer perimeter of the stone forest.
Meanwhile, the Rattlesnake Mercenary Group and the Ninja Unit, who had been coordinating sneak attacks from the shadows, could only reluctantly abandon their targets.
With visibility restored, their attempts to ambush would be much more difficult now, and they could only seek opportunities at a later time.
On the outskirts of the stone forest.
Ye Cangtian rested with the Dark Association, leaving markers along the way, awaiting Qing Dao's arrival for a rendezvous.
While waiting, everyone's gaze fell upon a large mountain before them.
The mountain was tall and majestic, with numerous winding paths crisscrossing it, resembling a vast net spread across its slopes.
These details were secondary; all their attention was fixed on the summit.
Looking from afar, the peak was somewhat blurry, appearing to be a manor, and the most peculiar aspect was a treasure sword planted within the manor.
The treasure sword shone brilliantly and was exceptionally large, its overall length seemingly accounting for a third of the mountain's height.
"This treasure sword is immense, and even from here, it radiates a powerful pressure. It seems to have condensed into a weapon spirit!"
Xuan San exclaimed with excitement.
Many ruins contained numerous weapons, but without weapon spirits, they remained within the realm of ordinary artifacts.
However, the treasure sword on the mountain, visible from such a distance with its radiating light, was undoubtedly extraordinary.
Zi Long's face broke into a smile; he agreed with Xuan San's assessment and felt a sense of fortune.
Many "hearts of ruins" were hidden, making them difficult to locate, but here it was exposed, saving considerable effort.
Next, they simply needed to outcompete other factions to obtain it.
"Don't celebrate too soon. The voluntary appearance of the heart of the ruin might not be a good sign."
Lan Yue, on the other hand, poured cold water on their enthusiasm.
Based on their deductions, this sword was undoubtedly a spiritual artifact with a weapon spirit possessing a degree of intelligence.
Its open display indicated immense confidence in the entire ruin, suggesting the path ahead would be arduous.
Moreover, as a spiritual artifact in the form of a long sword, its expertise lay in offense. The crucial factor would be whether they could withstand its attacks.
In addition to this, with a spiritual artifact openly revealing itself, all factions would undoubtedly strive to seize it with all their might, making the situation far more perilous than anticipated.
Listening to Lan Yue's words, Ye Cangtian couldn't help but look at her again.
This woman was no ordinary person!
Under the allure of the heart of the ruin, she remained calm and provided a clear, logical analysis—a truly rare trait.
"Hahaha, everyone is here!"
"Finally found you all."
Just then, a hearty voice called out. Turning, they saw Qing Dao arriving with his people.
He had followed the markers and found their location.
Qing Dao had brought back many individuals, including sixty to seventy members from the Caesar Mercenary Group. Coupled with the stragglers of mercenaries who had returned, a team of a hundred people had gathered.
Besides mercenaries, Xuan Jiu, Xuan Eleven, and Huang San, who served under Ye Cangtian, were all with Qing Dao.
It could be said that the losses for the Dark Association and the Caesar Mercenary Group were not high.
Ye Cangtian observed everything, but his heart was filled with apprehension. Such a formidable team would likely hold a decisive advantage in the competition for the heart of the ruin.
He did not wish for the Dark Association to gain the greatest benefit.
At the same time, a trace of worry also surfaced in Ye Cangtian's mind.
Having been in the ruins for so long, he had encountered members of the Death Squad, but he had yet to see anyone from the Dragon Group or the Pandora Mercenary Group, nor had there been any further news about the Hidden Group.
However, Ye Cangtian was not concerned about the Hidden Group; individuals capable of joining it must possess considerable strength.
"Hahaha, the gains this time are substantial. Let me show you!"
Just as Ye Cangtian was lost in worry, Qing Dao's laughter reached them. He turned to look.
The procession behind Qing Dao parted, with several mercenaries dragging two figures slowly towards them.
The two were in a wretched state, their clothes stained with blood. They walked with their heads bowed, allowing the mercenaries to drag them, unresponsive, as if severely injured.
"Who are they?"
Zi Long glanced at the two and looked at Qing Dao with confusion. The others did the same.
Qing Dao chuckled, signaling the mercenaries to lift the heads of the two captives, then stated, "Their identities are far from ordinary. They are indeed from China's Dragon Group."
It's them...
Upon seeing this, Ye Cangtian's body trembled, and his fists clenched tightly.
These two were none other than Shangguan Yun and Zhang Liang.
They were truly from the Dragon Group!
Although only Zhang Liang was officially part of the Dragon Group, Shangguan Yun was his friend.
With these two now in the hands of the Dark Association, the situation looked dire.
Ye Cangtian pondered how to rescue them while maintaining his composure, observing the intentions of Qing Dao and the others.
After all, if Qing Dao intended to silence them, he wouldn't have brought them here.
"Xuan Qi, do you know them?"
Just then, a voice inquired. Xuan Eleven, who always looked down on Ye Cangtian, noticed Ye Cangtian's peculiar state and asked curiously.
Ye Cangtian glanced at him, then saw Zi Long, Qing Dao, and the others looking their way. He nodded.
"During the mission to monitor Ye Cangtian, we investigated them. Zhang Liang is a squad leader in the Dragon Group, and Shangguan Yun is from a prominent Kyoto family. They also participated in the Saudi ruins last time..."
Ye Cangtian explained calmly, his gaze sweeping across the group.
He had intended to gauge everyone's reactions but noticed one figure slightly trembling. This person was none other than Xuan Wu, Shangguan Yun's paternal aunt, Shangguan Ruxue!
"That's right, it's them."
Qing Dao had no reason to doubt Ye Cangtian's explanation.
"Since their identities have been confirmed, let's just eliminate them."
Zi Long glanced at Qing Dao. The Dark Association had suffered considerable losses at the hands of the Dragon Group recently. Now that they had captured members of the Dragon Group, they should be dealt with.
"No, no, no. They have a greater purpose."
Qing Dao quickly waved his hands, a bright smile on his face.
Initially, he had indeed intended to kill them.
However, upon further thought, since they were Chinese nationals, and the Chinese Hidden Group was a formidable enemy in the competition for the heart of the ruin, he decided to keep them alive.
After all, the Hidden Group would not stand by idly while members of the Dragon Group were in peril.
Hearing Qing Dao's explanation, the murderous intent in Zi Long's eyes dissipated, and he dropped the matter.
Ye Cangtian breathed a sigh of relief and then stepped forward, "Lord Qing Dao, I believe we should simply bandage them. Otherwise, they may not last long. If they die, they will be useless..."
Although Ye Cangtian's explanation seemed flawless, Xuan Eleven suddenly frowned.
He gave Ye Cangtian a deep look, sensing something was amiss with the man.
However, Xuan Eleven glanced at the three Earth-rank enforcers and, seeing no suspicion in their eyes, suppressed his doubts.
Such matters required concrete evidence. Without it, no one would believe him, and he himself might face repercussions.
Hmph!
Qing Dao snorted lightly and glared at Xuan Eleven, as if to say, "Why couldn't you have warned me about such an important matter!"
It was useless to fret now!
He could see Xuan Eleven's prejudice against Xuan Qi, but he had to admit that Xuan Qi was more capable than Xuan Eleven.
With that thought, he ordered someone to provide simple bandaging for Zhang Liang and Shangguan Yun.
...