Chapter 2165 - 58: Realm of Life and Death (Part 3)

Though she spoke casually, Fang Hong could still detect the longing for freedom from Miss Nightingale.

He pondered for a moment and said: "Your sister... she's actually quite worried about you."

"Why are you lecturing me on her behalf?" Alice laughed. "If you're trying to move me with that method, it's a bit too clichéd, isn't it? You might as well ask my sister; she has plenty of advice on how to win a girl's heart."

Fang Hong stumbled at this, almost falling headlong. The Big Catfolk laughed heartily and said, "I think it works. With women, you should tame them like you would a lioness."

"Then Mr. Big Cat, where are your lionesses?" Fang Hong grumbled, quickly freeing his foot from entangled vines.

This time, it was the Lion Paladin's turn to cough heavily. He replied solemnly, "Little fellow, you must understand, I've long sworn off the life on the Rotao Wilderness, having become half Sanxiak for quite some time."

"Why don't you say that to Miss Atira instead."

"What's Lady Saintess got to do with it? She doesn't care about this either."

"Speaking of which, is Miss Atira really a Unicorn Girl?"

"That's a long story..."

Over the next two days, Fang Hong informed the Seven Seas Traveler about the situation here, as previously planned. It was heard that they had completed their task smoothly, even surpassing their goals—though the Earth Origin Crystal was only needed by Fang Hong, Elf Miss still warmly congratulated him.

With such a caring figure like a sister watching over him, Fang Hong felt a warmth in his heart, often thinking of the Seven Seas Traveler as a family where everyone is indispensable.

He found it hard to imagine a future where the team would scatter, but he resolved that as long as he remained in Eteliria, the Seven Seas Travel Group would never disband easily.

Elisa also spoke with her sister. Though they always had each other's communication IDs, the feeling of being worlds apart was nothing compared to the closeness they felt now. The Seven Seas Traveler was not far from here, perhaps for the first time in half a year, they were this near.

The emotional connection, even if only in feeling closer, was enough to move one's heart. Outsiders would have difficulty understanding the sentiment. However, Fang Hong saw Alice wiping her tears for the first time. Though she didn't cry, her eyes were swollen after talking with her sister.

Elisa was likely the same.

Even so, the twin sister thanked him. Despite the previous significant help he provided in Fenris, she had never sincerely thanked him, but this time was different. Alice was serious.

Tianlan chirped into the Communication Crystal, recounting occurrences of the past days to her new friend, Ai Xiaoxiao, who listened in amazement, deeply regretting missing such an adventure, saying she'd definitely not miss such opportunities next time.

Yet Tianlan delightedly saw through it; Fang Hong knew full well that the little girl just wanted to boast about her experiences. Ai Xiaoxiao's response greatly satisfied her tiny sense of vanity.

Our Miss Poet patted her chest and guaranteed she'd take Ai Xiaoxiao on adventures next time, though it's uncertain where this confidence came from.

Tang Xin was much less polite, directly checking if Ai Xiaoxiao had reviewed her studies and completed the assignments given—yes, Ai Xiaoxiao's holiday homework, after much struggle, was finally finished, but that didn't mean she was freed.

Her responsible friend, entrusted fully by her parents, ensured she wouldn't escape.

Ai Xiaoxiao grumbled: "Tangtang, you're getting more like my mom!"

"Then stay in this world forever, like my silly cousin."

"Hmph, I'd love that, my big cousin is super kind."

The result was Fang Hong inexplicably receiving several fierce glares.

Not long after, Tang Xin found him worriedly, asking seriously: "Brother, am I aging?"

Fang Hong glanced at her, puzzled by this out-of-the-blue question, thinking if she was aging, then he was halfway to the grave. However, he pondered how to respond sincerely to establish his authority as her brother:

"You might be mentally aged, ouch—"

Soon, people noticed Lord Captain holding his foot, with cold sweat running down his face.

Even Bakins on the ship rarely inquired about their lady's situation. Hilveld apologized to the Bosun, as she and Xiesta had secretly snuck away. Bakins, as her father's deputy and half guardian, held responsibility despite their master-servant relationship.

Our Lady Noble was always sensible —

Yet Fang Hong seldom saw her seriously apologize.

Finally, Luo Hao and Luo Yu reported on the Seven Seas Traveler's sailing status over the days. Overall, it was smooth, though the unpredictable weather near the side of Mount Pieriad close to the Great Rainforest troubled the voyage—especially with a skeleton crew onboard.

Yet for every loss, there's gain; the complex climate meant the pursuing fleet couldn't delve deeply into Mount Pieriad to search for them. Their past glorious victories there left the pursuers wary.

It's conceivable that the most likely scenario for the pursuers is to lay ambush at the crucial pass on the path from Mount Pieriad to the Old World's Ladder—where Kailan Ao resides.

They might not expect the Seven Seas Traveler to be anchored in Mount Pieriad, halting their journey. Fang Hong's request for them to stay put a few more days for rendezvous posed no trouble to Luo Hao.

Perhaps, after hiding here a couple of days, the pursuers might lose patience, thinking they had not taken this route, and move elsewhere. Fang Hong deemed this unlikely, but at least it wasn't a bad choice to wait.

He kept up communication with the Seven Seas Traveler, and as anticipated, the Grand Guild's support started arriving here in Grey Forest.

This signifies that it's about time they leave this place.

...