Chapter 1077 - 513

In the border region of the Ancestral Province, adjacent to the Cold Jade Province, lay an area known as Lushi Land.

A small unit of highly mobile cavalry advanced rapidly across the gravel-strewn plains, leaving a trail of kicked-up dust in their wake. If one were to look further into the distance, a massive horde of stone monsters could be seen marching in full force. As these creatures moved, they devoured what little sparse brush remained along the path, consuming even the humus-rich soil beneath it.

"Their movements should be clear by now. We need to speed up and relay the exact trajectory of these monsters descending from the Giant Tooth Highlands to the towns along our route so they can make adequate preparations in advance."

This was an early warning unit. Their duty was to monitor the monsters’ migration patterns and deliver the intelligence to surrounding human settlements. Usually, the areas they notified were towns and villages within the Ancestral Province. This time, however, they had to cross the border between the two provinces and spread the news throughout the Cold Jade Province.

Though it seemed like a mere surveillance mission, the danger was exceptionally high. They had to keep themselves well hidden, but because they needed to gather real-time data on the monsters’ movements, they couldn’t maintain too much distance. This drastically increased the risk of being exposed and subsequently besieged by the horde.

It had been five days since they started tracking the monsters trailing behind them. Everyone was disheveled, their eyes heavily bloodshot. The immense psychological pressure and erratic sleep schedules were too much to bear, even for Professionals like them.

After riding for another dozen miles, the group dismounted and found a shaded spot to rest. They also allowed their horses to take a breather, letting them drink fresh water to cool down.

"I wonder how things are going back in Wild Wolf City? They’re up against the Third Clan of the highlands," a woman with a single ponytail said, her voice laced with deep concern.

Many in this cavalry unit hailed from Wild Wolf City; their families and friends were all still there. But right now, they were burdened with the duties and missions of the Adventurer’s Guild. Even knowing their hometown might be plunging into war and crisis, they had no choice but to continue fulfilling their mission.

"Don’t worry, Vera. Wild Wolf City is perfectly safe. Nothing will happen." Beside her, a companion took a heavy-hearted bite of flatbread. It was hard to tell if he was trying to comfort her or reassure himself.

Despite the worries constantly popping into their minds, rationality told them that continuing their mission was the best thing they could do for their families. The Adventurer’s Guild would go to the greatest lengths to ensure their families’ safety. Even if Wild Wolf City descended into turmoil, their loved ones would be among the first on the evacuation list. This special protection for dependents was the very source of loyalty for the countless direct members who worked tirelessly for the Guild.

After a brief rest, the group suppressed their anxieties, crossed the provincial border, and hurried toward the Cold Jade Province.

Along the way, they did everything they could to conceal themselves. However, with so many monsters roaming the wasteland, staying hidden was often impossible. They could only rely on their mobility to shake off the pursuing monsters, avoiding combat whenever possible. When a fight was truly unavoidable, they would carve a path through the weakest point of the encirclement and break out as quickly as possible.

During times of turmoil, the very act of leaving a human town was incredibly dangerous. This was precisely why the residents of many towns would never hastily evacuate, even when they foresaw an impending war.

The early warning squad traveled at a rapid pace, from day to night, and night to day. The scenery around them gradually transitioned from dry, gravel-strewn terrain to a much greener, more vibrant wilderness. Yet, they had no intention of breathing a sigh of relief. On the contrary, upon entering the Cold Jade Province, they increasingly felt as though they were walking into an invisible net.

"CAW! CAW!"

Up in the clouds, noisy avian beasts continuously gave away their position. Even in the dead of night, when they tried to sleep, they were afforded no peace. Had it not been for the vigilance of the guards on shift, they would have long been surrounded by throngs of monsters.

THUD THUD!

The horses’ hooves struck the desolate path, echoing with a dull, heavy sound. Those on horseback who hadn’t fully awakened from their slumber had fine beads of sweat forming on their foreheads, the rapid pounding of their hearts clearly audible in their chests.

Due to their hasty retreat, they hadn’t had time to pack up many of the supplies from their temporary camp. But they had no time to worry about that now. Out in the pitch-black wilderness, pairs of eerie green lights were flickering rapidly, tracking their movements closely. It was a wolf pack. Once drawn into a prolonged fight, even more monsters would swarm in to ensure they never left.

"Don’t fall behind!"

"Stay close to me!"

The leader’s voice at the front of the formation scattered in the wind. Everyone kept their bodies low, maintaining their maximum escape speed. Thanks to the galloping horses, the wolf pack behind them was gradually left further and further behind until they completely disappeared.

"We shook them!"

The leader relaxed his reins, signaling the squad to gradually reduce their speed. The fine steeds they rode were one in a hundred, practically qualifying as demons with a Challenge Level, but even they couldn’t sustain such explosive sprints for long. A horse’s true advantage lay in its endurance.

Just as everyone unconsciously let out a sigh of relief, the leading Knight suddenly twitched his nose. Through the visor of his helmet, he faintly caught a foul odor carried by the chilly wind.

But before he could open his mouth to warn the team—

BOOM!

The hard earth beneath him abruptly exploded, and a massive ground worm burst forth from the depths.