The intelligence gathered by everyone concerned the Demon Bugs, specifically within the Spring Dew Empire. Rumor had it that the "Black Luo" had appeared!

Regarding the "Black Luo" demon bug, it had been previously explained that it was an exceedingly formidable and massive creature. Logically, a common "Access Point" should not be able to accommodate the Black Luo's colossal size.

However, the fact that rumors confirmed the Black Luo's presence meant that the "Access Points" were already expanding! (One could also say they were mutating!)

Calculating based on the current timeline, less than four months remained until Zhong Shenxiu’s predicted "Convergence of the Five Baleful Stars." For the "Black Luo" demon bug to appear already indicated that it wouldn't be long before demon bugs even more powerful than the "Black Luo" began appearing in this world in quick succession!

"Young Master, what should we do now?" Elena asked, her expression grave.

The others held their breath, looking towards Zhong Shenxiu. At this critical juncture, his decision would determine the fate of this world. Unlike the citizens kept in the dark, they knew the true catastrophe had yet to fully arrive, and they desperately wished to do something before it did!

Zhong Shenxiu surveyed them, paused for a moment in thought, and then declared, "Since that is the case, let's go and investigate. It just so happens I wish to conduct further research on the 'Access Points'!"

Ordinary "Access Points" held limited research value. Zhong Shenxiu needed those mutated "Access Points" now; they might provide him with some inspiration, perhaps leading him to discover the most perfect solution!

As fate would have it, just as Zhong Shenxiu and his party finished packing and prepared to embark on their new journey, they ran right into Bennett, who was visiting the "Dark Merchant Guild" for supplies. "Miss Diya, what a coincidence," Bennett said with a smile, though his gaze flickered constantly between Zhong Shenxiu and the others.

"Mr. Bennett, thank you for the magical beasts you gifted me. We are leaving this place now, and I don't know if we will ever return. I hope you will take good care of yourself," Diya replied politely.

"Leaving?" Bennett’s expression clearly faltered. He had intended to properly get to know the "Ethereal Mercenary Group," so why were they departing so suddenly?

"May this old man be presumptuous enough to ask where you are all headed? It is not safe outside right now. Why not linger in 'Golden Harvest City' for a few more days! This old man has yet to fulfill his duties as a host," Bennett smiled again, carefully observing the subtle changes in their expressions.

"Thank you for your kind intentions, Mr. Bennett. We have stayed here long enough!" Keni interjected from the side.

"Everyone, if you leave, what will happen if demon bugs appear in 'Golden Harvest City' again? We can’t manage without you!" Bennett said, half seriously, half jesting.

To be honest, from the bottom of his heart, he did not want the "Ethereal Mercenary Group" to leave, because their strength could help them navigate crises and turn misfortune into safety! The world was currently suffused with a growing atmosphere of tension and suppression, like the calm before a storm. Although the "Tilarri Family" had prepared for all sorts of contingencies, Bennett remained uncertain about how effective their preparations would truly be!

"Relying on others is not as good as relying on oneself! I advise you all to prepare for the worst," Zhong Shenxiu stated calmly, yet his words instantly made the atmosphere oppressive.

Seeing that he couldn't dissuade Zhong Shenxiu and the others from leaving, Bennett quickly changed tactics. "Everyone, if there is anything at all that I can assist with, please do not hesitate to ask!"

"Thank you," Keni said without further comment, as Zhong Shenxiu had already started walking toward the exit.

"Sister Keni!" Just then, Linobiri rushed out of the workshop, clearly hurried. She had only just heard the news that Keni and the others were preparing to depart.

"Linobiri, we are leaving. Remember to take care of yourself," Keni turned back and smiled at Linobiri, then added, "Don't forget what I told you: try not to go outside much in the coming days. If anything happens, just stay within the Guild, and you will be fine."

"Sister Keni, why are you leaving in such a hurry?" Linobiri looked reluctant to see them go.

"Heh heh, we’re rushing off to maintain world peace," Keni winked slyly, though what she said was far from a joke.

Linobiri knew further pleading was useless, so she began escorting Keni and the group toward the outside. Bennett observed all of this. He recognized Linobiri, having conducted business with her; he knew she was the manager of this small "Dark Merchant Guild." He was somewhat surprised that Linobiri herself had come out to see them off. Did this mean the "Ethereal Mercenary Group" held an unusually high status?

"Manager Linobiri, it is quite rare to see you personally escorting guests!" Bennett’s smile was friendly, but his words were clearly probing.

Linobiri turned toward Bennett, about to speak, when Zhong Shenxiu cut in first.

"It’s nothing strange for her to come out to see off her boss!" Zhong Shenxiu’s astonishing remark froze Bennett where he stood.

After nearly a full day of flight aboard the "Azure Baleful," Zhong Shenxiu...

The preceding volumes had noted that the "Spring Dew Empire" was the birthplace of Necromancy. Super-tier existences like the "Sacred Necromancer" and the "Divine-Demonic Necromancer" could only be found within this very empire. Furthermore, it served as the headquarters for the "Necromancer Association!"

Besides Necromancers, there was another profession little known in the "Spring Dew Empire"—the Summoner!

Zhong Shenxiu and his party had now slowed their pace, as they were currently flying over the "Lurking Gloom Valley," the very place where the "Black Luo" was rumored to have appeared.

Although named a "Valley," its area was by no means inferior to vast forests. In the "Spring Dew Empire," the primary terrain consisted of mountain ranges, naturally leading to numerous deep gorges, and this "Lurking Gloom Valley" was merely one of them.

It was said that the "Lurking Gloom Valley" held some minor fame within the "Spring Dew Empire." Many mercenary groups enjoyed adventuring here, and it was also an excellent place for Necromancers to cultivate.

Viewed from high altitude, the "Lurking Gloom Valley" was shrouded in a thick, green vapor, making it difficult to discern the features within the ravine. A stranger would certainly mistake this green haze for poisonous gas, but that was incorrect. It was merely the volatile secretion from the unique flora here, which, apart from an odd odor, had no adverse effects on humans.

"Young Master, this should be the rumored 'Lurking Gloom Valley'!" Sharlot remarked while consulting the map in her hand.

Zhong Shenxiu smiled noncommittally but turned to Pagie beside him and asked, "Pagie, did you sense anything?"

Pagie had grown silent ever since they reached the airspace above the "Lurking Gloom Valley." Hearing Zhong Shenxiu's question, she retracted her downward gaze and said seriously, "The Yin energy here is very heavy!"

"Young Master, the dark elements here seem incredibly dense!" Gandalf chimed in. "Strange, weren't we told there were many demon bugs here? Why haven't we encountered a single one yet?" Laurent muttered curiously to himself.

"Where the Black Luo is, there will be very few other demon bugs!" Rachel offered an answer, though it wasn't entirely accurate.

Zhong Shenxiu supplemented her statement: "The demon bugs here are very peculiar; you will know soon enough! Alright, let's descend first!"

At one location within the "Lurking Gloom Valley," over a dozen mercenaries were engaged in guerilla warfare against several demon bugs.

Their battered appearance clearly showed the misery the bugs had inflicted upon them!

"Hold on everyone! There’s a cavern just a few hundred meters ahead; we’ll be safe once we reach it," one man shouted hoarsely.

"Everyone watch out, don't fall behind!"

"Bondi, you're too far ahead! You're our only surviving mage, you must protect yourself!"

"Good, those Skeleton Beasts have drawn the demon bugs' attention! Let's withdraw quickly now!"

These mercenaries seemed intimately familiar with the terrain. Even in the dim light, they could discern their bearings.

They moved quickly, covering the distance to a cavern entrance in just a few bounds before disappearing inside.

Only then did they dare to draw deep, ragged breaths of relief.

"Scott, if things continue like this, will we really make it out of here? It’s been months, and we’re still circling this area."

"Don't lose heart. As long as we’re alive, there’s a chance!" The man named Scott encouraged verbally, yet his face was etched with sorrow.

These people belonged to the "Bear Bone Mercenary Group." They had entered the "Lurking Gloom Valley" for training several months ago; there should have been over forty members, but now only these few remained alive.

They had truly been unlucky. When they entered the "Lurking Gloom Valley," everything was normal. But just as they decided to exit, the change occurred: "Access Points" erupted nearby one after another, followed by their encirclement by hordes of demon bugs. After several brutal clashes, their comrades gradually perished. If it weren't for the numerous caverns in the area, which the bugs couldn't penetrate, they might have been annihilated long ago!

Exhausted both physically and mentally from their flight, the group found a brief silence in the cavern.

However, this tranquility did not last long. A strange sound immediately put them all on high alert.

"Listen! What is that sound?" one man warned.

"Could it be those few demon bugs?" another asked in a hushed voice.

"It doesn't sound like it. How can this sound be like some kind of birdsong?" Scott murmured after listening intently.

"Birdsong? How could there be birds here?"

As they debated, the eerie sound vanished as abruptly as it had appeared. But the very next moment, a crisp voice rang out:

"Young Master, didn't you say there were people here?"