Chapter 2113 - 42: Heart of Chongshan IX_2

Fang Hong then noticed that quite a few people had already gathered in the valley.

He even saw the likes of Amatoran and others who had arrived earlier, as well as Short Beard standing tall among the crowd.

On one side were two other groups of people, with one group having noticeably more members, but their attire didn't suggest they belonged to the same guild, appearing to be scattered Invokers—

As for the remaining group, they were evidently much more organized, over twenty of them, dressed in matching gray-purple war robes. They were the furthest away from everyone, merely observing the giant tree on the hill from a distance.

Seeing this group, the Big Cat patted Fang Hong on the shoulder and pointed in their direction with a paw.

Fang Hong nodded, indicating he understood; these people were probably the ones who did nothing to help during Time Reflection.

Since the Seven Seas Travel Group was the last to enter the valley, they were almost behind everyone now, and nobody seemed to notice this direction at the moment.

Fang Hong asked the underground Walnut to lift up the Time Reflection and inquired, "Do you recognize those people?"

"They are from the Twilight Guild." Time Reflection recognized them immediately.

"Twilight Guild, do you know about them?" Fang Hong asked again.

Time Reflection nodded, "They're the largest guild in this area and also our allies. However, they usually keep a low profile and are very mysterious. They operate within their own territory and rarely interact with the outside world, and generally, people don't provoke them."

He added somewhat doubtfully, "So they're here too, why didn't they inform us?"

"Allies? Can allies just stand by and watch?" Fang Hong shook his head, recounting what had happened to Time Reflection.

The latter was visibly surprised, clearly still digesting the situation.

After talking with Time Reflection, Fang Hong looked back at those people, labeling them as suspicious.

Moenyalit's voice continued to echo in the valley, and the gathered Invokers started discussing among themselves.

However, both Amatoran and the Twilight Guild people behaved much better, just quietly discussing among themselves.

The Free Summoners, on the other hand, displayed varying behavior. They were much more scattered, resembling a bustling marketplace. Some were even taking photos with their record crystals.

Seeing this scene, Fang Hong couldn't help but shake his head. The era of Free Summoners being replaced by the era of the Super Competitive League was not without reason.

Although there were talented individuals among the Free Summoners, most lacked the combat strength compared to the organized guild Invokers.

Yet, even though the past era had faded, it didn't mean that Free Summoners and Pioneers had lost their purpose, and it didn't justify the current actions of the Descendants of Flor.

These scattered Invokers seemed to be lost in this area or attacked by crystals, and with Moenyalit's help, they had managed to arrive here, probably not expecting to leave alive.

Assuming they would face a crystal attack next, it was uncertain whether these people could be relied upon.

Yet, judging by Time Reflection's experiences, the Twilight Guild people were likely completely unreliable.

The only ones left were the Amatoran people. Although they had cooperated once, they knew nothing about each other.

"Perhaps, in the end, we'll have to rely on our own people." Fang Hong thought to himself.

"Do you plan to stay in this place?" The Big Cat asked, looking at him.

Fang Hong nodded.

However, his concern was no longer about the Earth Origin Crystal, but the Heart of Chongshan.

Of course, he wasn't particularly interested in it, but who wouldn't be curious about such a thing? Besides, the task line buried deep within Mount Pieriad should offer considerable rewards, right?

He just didn't know what Moenyalit's plan was; if it involved confronting the crystals, it would be better to abandon it early.

But if it was just about holding on until reinforcements arrived, it was a matter of within two days, and the Seven Seas Traveler could wait for them at the Howling Wind Gorge for a day or two.

He then recounted to the others what Moenyalit had told him earlier.

"...So, Earth Origin Crystals are everywhere here, no need to worry about finding them, but I am more concerned about the Heart of Chongshan."

Reed nodded, expressing a slightly different perspective, "If it really concerns Nogness's safety, we naturally have an obligation."

Having listened to their conversation, Hilveld suddenly smiled, "Speaking of which, I'm a bit interested in this matter too."

Fang Hong looked at her, a bit surprised, "Hilveld, are you interested in such things too?"

Miss Ship's Officer nodded, seriously explaining:

"The seven Spires are conveniently built on the main veins of the Ether River of each continent. The one passing by Gula Port and Fenris Isle also happens to flow through here. Although the locations of Colin's two Spires are already known, there's no harm in studying it."

Most didn't seem to object, so Fang Hong looked to the others, "What about you all?"

"We'll stay here and help you find the Earth Origin Crystals," the underground Walnut, representing Titanium Pea and others, replied, "after all, our strength is not much use in the upcoming combat."

This was undoubtedly a wise decision, but finding Earth Origin Crystal veins was not an easy task; it required quite specialized skills.

"Maybe let Gita follow you, but you must protect her well."