Chapter 717, I’d Do It Even If It Cost Me My Life

Translator: Silavin

 

For the remainder of the journey, Hou Zhiwu’s spirits became increasingly animated, his speed in identifying Inert Falling Star Dust grew ever faster.

 

Finally, in less than two hours, as his expression grew solemn while placing his hand upon the final piece of Inert Falling Star Dust. This Inert Falling Star Dust burst like a bubble. After bursting, it revealed the vast, empty expanse that lay beyond.

 

“We’re finally out!” Hou Zhiwu’s bearded face broke into a smile.

 

The others could not help but cheer, their excitement palpable as all their previous fatigue was swept away.

 

Although none of them had done much, being surrounded by so many mine-like Falling Star Dust, where the slightest carelessness could result in an explosion, the psychological pressure on them was no joke. Furthermore, the group had to endure this for several days.

 

It would be unbearable for anyone.

 

Now, after so many days of effort, they had finally achieved results. Everyone had at last emerged from the Falling Star Ice Lake. Who wouldn’t be thrilled?

 

Hou Zhiwu led the group through the airspace and continued forward. It was still the Falling Star Ice Lake, though from here they could see the lake’s end, just a few kilometres ahead.

 

Beyond that stretched endless snow-capped mountains and ice plains.

 

At the same time, this was already the edge of the Falling Star Ice Lake, and there was no Falling Star Dust ahead.

 

Clearly, from this point onward, the group had escaped the entanglement of Falling Star Dust and only needed to guard against the harsh weather and Monsters that might appear at any moment.

 

“Right, from here, we’ve essentially left the Falling Star Ice Lake.” Hou Zhiwu removed his ice-crystal-covered glasses, wiped them clean, and put them back on before turning to Lu Fan.

 

“The Frost Dragon Ruins you’re heading to is still very far from here. What you’ll encounter along this stretch of road is something we don’t know, since the Griffin Legion’s exploration ends here. Further ahead, there might be areas similar to the Falling Star Ice Lake, for all we know. But this is all I can help you with.”

 

Lu Fan nodded and said earnestly to Hou Zhiwu. “This is already more than enough. Thank you, Master Hou. Without you, I probably would not have been able to reach this place.”

 

Hou Zhiwu smiled and waved his hand dismissively. “It’s nothing. I know you’ve made considerable contributions to our Dragon Country recently. I also know that in this Far North, a terrible existence slumbers. One that could awaken at any time and threaten Dragon Country. Helping you is also protecting Dragon Country. This is the sort of thing that I’d do even if it cost me my life.”

 

Hou Zhiwu’s mindset left Lu Fan rather touched.

 

At the same time, what Lu Fan admired most was Hou Zhiwu’s ability.

 

Over all these days, under such high-intensity work, Hou Zhiwu had not misidentified a single Falling Star Dust, allowing everyone to pass through the Falling Star Ice Lake unharmed.

 

This was something no one could easily accomplish, even if they had the same Skills as Hou Zhiwu

 

Moreover, Hou Zhiwu was extremely dedicated to his work. If his Attributes had not been unable to support him, he would not have rested at all.

 

If all Players in Dragon Country were all like him, the nation would truly evolve by leaps and bounds.

 

At this moment, Lu Changkong also stepped forward.

 

He knew that the path ahead had nothing to do with them.

 

Their next task was to escort Hou Zhiwu back to the Griffin Legion’s base camp, then return him to Dragon Capital.

 

He and Lu Fan would have to part ways here.

 

After Lu Changkong approached Lu Fan, he solemnly said, “Lu Fan, our Mission is now complete. We must part ways with you here and escort Hou Zhiwu back. There’s still a very long stretch of road ahead, so you must be careful. I’ve heard from my comrades who came here to explore before that the Monsters ahead are at least Level 90 and above. Although I know that with your strength, dealing with Level 90 Monsters isn’t too difficult, further ahead, Level 100 or even Level 110 Monsters might appear. In any case, with our current strength, we can no longer explore further. Though you’re strong enough, you should still be cautious. I… I really don’t want to see any more casualties among my comrades.”

 

Perhaps thinking of Shen Cai and Li Luo, Lu Changkong’s emotions clearly fluctuated as he spoke these words.

 

Lu Fan understood Lu Changkong’s goodwill and smiled as he patted Lu Changkong’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. I definitely won’t face any problems.”

 

“Well then, let’s part ways here. You guys should protect Master Hou and leave. Be careful along the way. As for me, you needn’t worry. I’m a Territory Master. If I encounter danger or find what I’m looking for, I can simply open a Territory Transportation Array and leave. Nothing bad will happen to me.”

 

“Haha, that’s good to hear.” Lu Changkong smiled, shook hands with Lu Fan, then called to everyone to quickly retreat back into the Falling Star Ice Lake via the path they had just opened, before new Falling Star Dust could fill the gap.

 

This way, they could somewhat reduce Hou Zhiwu’s workload.

 

Due to the Falling Star Ice Lake’s unique Map Mechanics, there was not much time for lengthy farewells.

 

Soon, Lu Changkong joined Hou Zhiwu and the others in retreating back into the Falling Star Ice Lake, beginning their return journey along the same route.

 

Without Lu Fan’s Territory Transportation Array, if they wanted to return, they would have to walk the entire path again.

 

In other words, after escorting Lu Fan here, they still had to spend around the same amount of time and energy to return. This was truly an absolute test of their mental and physical strength.

 

However, Lu Fan did not have much mental capacity to worry about them, because the road ahead for him was not easy either.

 

Watching Lu Changkong and the others retreat back into the Falling Star Ice Lake, their figures gradually disappearing amongst the Falling Star Dust, Lu Fan also pulled out the Frost Dragon Ruins Explorer’s Journal and began checking exactly how far the Frost Dragon Ruins was from his current position.

 

Because the chosen position for crossing the Falling Star Ice Lake had matched, although the path through the Falling Star Ice Lake had been somewhat winding due to the influence of Falling Star Dust, it basically stuck true to the planned path without too much deviation.

 

Currently, he should only be two to three thousand kilometres from the Frost Dragon Ruins.

 

However, the road ahead was completely unfamiliar territory. Lu Fan did not dare be careless. During his advance this time, he would be far more careful and cautious.

 

He did not hesitate to directly summon Xiao Cui and Ye Sha, mounting Ye Sha while having Xiao Cui attach to his body in her Soul Light Form.

 

Subsequently, the one man and two Dragons entered Concealment and advanced towards the Frost Dragon Ruins.