Chapter 2303 - 99: Crow's Prophecy II_4

"Is there no way for the wounds to heal?" Fang Hong was a bit surprised, "Are the wounds cursed?"

Shaya paused, her voice somewhat haunting, "Little Kong's wounds were not caused by the people of Crow's Claw Sanctuary, he was hurt by the Shadow People, and we don't know how to deal with the flames beneath those wounds... the purple fire is gradually spreading, as if devouring his life force... I don't know how to describe it, you'll understand when you see him."

"I'm not expecting Little Kong to survive, and he understands this too. He heard you were here and wanted to see you before he leaves. You are Dolifen's hero, he has heard those stories, and was once an admirer of yours. I hope to at least fulfill this only wish of his during the last moments he stays here."

"If we've disturbed you, I can apologize on his behalf."

Fang Hong shook his head, indicating that it wasn't a bother. However, Shadow People possessing such power, the wounds they leave can erode Starlight, causing one's life force to drain away, this was quite unexpected to him.

This power seems to originate from the same source as the Dark Force System, the Dark Giant Dragon also wielded such power, but it's unclear whether it's the same type. He originally had some suspicion about the origins of the Shadow People, but now it seems they might indeed be brought by Nikopolas?

"Is there really no way?" he asked.

"We've tried every possible method," Shaya glanced at him, seemingly surprised by the tone of his concern for Little Kong, "and there's a saying among the 'Redeemers' that those hurt by the Shadow People will soon turn into one of them."

"What are 'Redeemers'?" Fang Hong asked. It was the second time he heard this term from the other person.

Shaya once again fell silent.

Footsteps eased in the darkness, as if this long corridor was finally reaching its end. Fang Hong heard the sound of Rangers coming to a stop on the other side, they seemed to be pushing a stone gate, emitting a deep sound from the other end.

After a while, the other party broke the silence, "We are not associated with them, but both origins are quite similar. They claim to be 'Redeemers', they are also opponents of the Crow's Claw Sanctuary, but their power is far greater than ours, they are followers of Nikopolas—"

"Followers of Nikopolas?" Fang Hong was shocked, "Dragon Worshippers?"

"No," Shaya shook her head, "they are not Dragon Worshippers, at least that's what they claim. They only follow Nikopolas, asserting that the Dragon Witch and Dragon Worshippers have long since severed ties, it is not an enemy of humanity, while Eteliria faces an even graver threat..."

Fang Hong felt that today's most bizarre story was this. Eteliria indeed faces a more severe disaster, that being the descent of the Star of Calamity, but the Dark Giant Dragon also came from it, the two are actually not much different.

However, he instinctively recalled the encounter on the wilderness above Charter City not long ago, and couldn't help but press the Ring of Golden Flame hanging on his chest—what if Nikopolas really is restraining the Dragon Beast army?

Mazak's old butler told him the era of the Giant Dragon has ended, those words seemed to have a deeper meaning.

And was that Lady Misu, or the Dragon Witch Nikopolas?

After saying these words, Shaya did not continue discussing the topic deeply—perhaps because she was not quite familiar with 'Redeemers', but also possibly not wanting to establish any connection with these people.

After all, openly declaring oneself a follower of the Dark Giant Dragon is certainly not seen as virtuous by ordinary people.

Fang Hong didn't ask further, the matters of the Northern Territory seemed to be mostly clarified, the only mystery being the forces behind Crow's Claw Sanctuary, and the origins of the Shadow People remaining unsolved. However, he didn't intend to immediately unravel the details, if there are opportunities later, he could investigate this matter from other sources.

He wanted to uncover the origins of the Shadow People mainly to clarify their relation to the Third Calamity Star, whether the emergence of Shadow People is related to the impending calamity.

As for Little Kong's injuries, if he had the capability, he would try to help. But if simply leaving a wound makes one powerless, that is indeed chilling, the threat from Shadow People probably needs reassessment.

But Shaya seemed to understand his intentions through his silence, "Little Kong just wants to see you, he's actually prepared for his situation."

"There is always a way," Fang Hong replied.

He wasn't blindly confident, it's just that the concept of easily giving up is rarely in his dictionary.

Shaya glanced at him, without answering.

As suspected, they walked through the underground corridor for nearly half an hour, finally reaching the end. The Rangers pushed open the rock outside, the exit led to a snow-covered forest, under two jagged sharp rocks using natural concealment.

However, when they left, the Rangers did not conceal the entrance, since it was bound to be discovered by the Crow's Claw Knights pursuing from behind, they had already planned to abandon this secret passage. Those left behind only cleared away traces of their departure and quickly caught up.

Passing through the Forest, Fang Hong looked at the sparse canopy direction and roughly judged that they were heading northeast, not long after the wind and snow stopped, moonlight revealed itself from behind heavy clouds, a few vague stars appearing in the sky.

He couldn't name the constellations, but the locals cherish the stars appearing in this season, hunters can even find direction based on constellations appearing in the night sky at different times.

The guide was a native, leading them through the dense woods with unrecognizable paths, snowflakes felling gently, the only sound in the Forest. But after moonlight appeared, the surrounding scene became transparent to Fang Hong, at this moment he realized that the power of the Dragon King's Heart was indeed reviving within him.

Not long after, faint firelight appeared in the woods in the distance, this place was quite far from Grey Owl Town, it seemed there was a camp in the Forest ahead. Fang Hong looked at the Forest, this place should not be far west of the Monastery.

He turned back to look at Xiangzi, Xiangzi had already transmitted their information to Luo Hao, preventing those waiting in the inn from being too worried about them.

The group soon approached the camp, but before they got close to the campfire's light, a somewhat immature voice suddenly emerged from the dark thicket ahead, "Sister Shaya, you're back?"

A Little One stumbled from behind, looking at them with bright eyes in the darkness, Xiangzi couldn't help but be slightly stunned upon seeing the small figure—actually the little girl was also stunned when she saw him.

She seemed a bit surprised, instinctively stepping back.

...