Chapter 94

The broad river surface shimmered with phosphorescence, and a raft made of a dozen or so logs floated on it. This was an important tool that Xu Dong had instructed Yangguang to create for escaping from pursuit.

For a Two-Star Awakened, making such a raft was a piece of cake.

In fact, as soon as he got the map, Xu Dong had already set his eyes on this Ghostly River and planned the subsequent route and strategy based on its location. Indeed, this move played a crucial role, allowing the three of them to successfully escape the encirclement.

The Poison Hand, who fought with Yangguang and Prayer, was a Constitution-type Awakened with few offensive means. Although his defense was extremely strong, capable of directly withstanding Prayer's skillful greatsword, he ultimately couldn't stop the three of them. Therefore, Yangguang and Prayer didn't suffer much damage.

In contrast, Xu Dong's Bull Anger Armor was slashed open. If not for the life circuit not being directly outlined, this slash might have directly rendered the armor useless. Under the Bull Anger Armor, the wound was severe, but thanks to the intense devouring over the past few days, his body had been greatly strengthened. The seemingly ghastly wound had already stopped bleeding due to the contraction of his muscles.

Yangguang was visibly shaken, "If the momentum of the blade had been a bit slower, this slash could have split you in two. Boss Xu Dong, you really have a big destiny."

Big destiny? Xu Dong didn't explain, but he felt a bit regretful inside, "What a pity for my triangular dagger."

Prayer didn't express his opinion but silently helped wrap the wound.

The three of them were now like stray dogs, being chased around. The encirclement by four Three-Star Awakened made them feel as if they were walking in a pitch-black tunnel, seeing no light at all.

The atmosphere was silent for a moment, only the sound of the flowing water and the raft moving downstream could be heard.

Clap, clap, clap!

Xu Dong clapped his hands three times and suddenly smiled, "What's wrong with you all, looking so dejected? Are you scared by Yang Shaoxing and the others?"

Yangguang, who was on the hit list, felt somewhat uneasy. He had to force a bitter smile, "Boss Dong, they are four Three-Star Awakened. The Blade Master is skilled in the Dawn Blade Technique, capable of breaking the dawn with a single slash, extremely powerful; the Poison Hand has a tough armor and is also highly offensive; Yang Bufan's Bull Charge is also famous, charging forward with invincible momentum; as for Yang Shaoxing..."

He paused for a moment.

Until Xu Dong and Prayer's gaze made him uncomfortable, he forced a bitter smile, "Yang Shaoxing's Toad Demon Body Armor, though ugly, is a well-known item on the ranking list, placed at 82nd. Its potential and combat power are very strong. In equal conditions, he can defeat three Awakened of the same level. So, Boss Dong, it's really very lucky that you managed to escape. If it were me, I would probably be dead already."

Xu Dong had heard of the Demon Body Armor ranking list but had never had a direct understanding of it. He asked his question, and Prayer answered.

The Demon Body Armor ranking list is based on the potential of the Demon Body Armor. For example, the top-ranked Demon Body Armor, if anyone had such an equipment, they would be a top-notch genius, worthy of substantial investment. However, being a genius only indicates outstanding talent, not necessarily guaranteeing great achievements.

But one thing is undeniable: the Demon Body Armors on the ranking list all have their unique capabilities, which is why Yangguang dared to assert that Yang Shaoxing had the ability to fight three opponents at once.

After explaining the significance of the ranking list, Prayer fell silent. It was hard to see such a defeated expression on this little girl's face, indicating the immense pressure exerted by Yang Shaoxing and the others.

Xu Dong smiled slightly, "Actually, if we look at it from another perspective, we might still have a chance."

Yangguang shrugged, "Your point is that if we all break through to the Three-Star Awakened level in a short time, we will have a chance to turn the tide? Don't be naive, Boss Dong, that's impossible."

"I'm talking about myself," Xu Dong said confidently, clenching his fist. "If I can break through to the Three-Star Awakened level in a short time, at the very least, we won't have to run before the battle. We will have the strength to blunt their edge. And once I break through to the Four-Star Awakened level..."

He smiled proudly, "Then it will be our time to turn the tide!"

Yangguang just rolled his eyes, his expression clearly saying: Four-Star Awakened in a short time? You must be dreaming.

Unexpectedly, Prayer was inspired by Xu Dong's words and nodded in agreement, "I have full confidence in him. Have you forgotten? He told us he would come back, but you chose not to believe him and backed out. Yangguang, your flaw is that you don't dare to trust others, and you don't dare to believe that hard work can lead to good results."

If it were before, Yangguang would have laughed it off and not taken it to heart. However, after spending some time with the two, his mindset and understanding had gradually changed in ways he himself hadn't noticed. This time, he chose to remain silent.

The raft continued to drift downstream from morning until afternoon, covering an unknown distance. In front of the three, the Ghostly River suddenly split into two, forming a Y-shape, one branch heading east and the other west. Xu Dong, who had memorized the map, immediately picked up a flattened wooden stick to use as a paddle and hurriedly steered the raft to the shore.

Feeling the gazes of the two, Xu Dong was not in a good mood, "Yangguang, you got the map, didn't you know? In the upcoming river section, there live many aquatic creatures with the strength of One- or Two-Star Awakened. Try swimming across, and I guarantee you'll become fish or amphibian excrement in no time."

As if to confirm Xu Dong's words, after the last bag was pulled ashore, the water suddenly churned violently. A large mouth full of sharp teeth emerged from the bottom of the river, biting the tail of the raft. The tough wood was instantly shredded, making everyone's scalp tingle.

Yangguang jumped back in fright, "Phew, lucky we got ashore, or we would have died without knowing how."

Unexpectedly, Xu Dong had another sentence, making Yangguang's face turn ashen, "Don't think that getting ashore means complete safety. I have to regretfully tell you that we have entered the territory of the Red-Eyed Wind Wolves. It could be the next second or the next hour, but a group of Red-Eyed Wind Wolves, at least five and at most ten, will appear."

One-Star Awakened level Red-Eyed Wind Wolves?!

Not just Yangguang, even Prayer couldn't help but show a stern expression.

Red-Eyed Wind Wolves are not particularly powerful rare beasts, with only one ability: spitting wind blades. Apart from spitting wind blades, they are not much different from ordinary gray wolves. However, what made the two change color was that these Red-Eyed Wind Wolves were skilled in coordinated attacks. Although each could spit a limited number of wind blades, they often managed to kill enemies much stronger than themselves.

They had often heard that Three-Star Awakened, when surrounded by Red-Eyed Wind Wolves, were cut to pieces by wind blades.

If Three-Star Awakened were like that, what about them, Two-Star Awakened?

With this understanding, Prayer and Yangguang walked very cautiously, afraid that any noise would attract the attention of the wolf pack.

On the way, it seemed that Fatai, sensing the presence of his kind, ran around wildly, like a male dog in heat, occasionally making the three of them laugh, easing the tension.

In the afternoon, the group stopped by a water source for a short rest. Fatai, who had run off somewhere, returned with something in his mouth.

Xu Dong scolded with a smile, "You little thing, when have I ever neglected you when I eat meat? Why do you have to go hunting?"

He casually took the object from Fatai's mouth, intending to throw it away, but then his expression changed as he examined it closely, "This is... leather?"

It was a fragment of an outer equipment, with dried blood on it.

Prayer and Yangguang came closer and exclaimed, "These tooth marks look like wolf bites. Ha, good boy, you must have encountered Red-Eyed Wind Wolves! They probably ate him already."

Unexpectedly, Xu Dong's face showed a smile, and he turned to Fatai, urging, "Where did you find this? Quick, take me there!"

Fatai, understanding Xu Dong's meaning, turned and ran off in a flash. Xu Dong quickly followed. Behind, Prayer and Yangguang, not knowing what was happening, blindly trusted and followed.

Yangguang, seeing himself left alone, stomped his foot in frustration, "What are you guys doing? You can't even hide, yet you're rushing into danger. You're both crazy!"

In the end, he gritted his teeth and had to chase after them.

In fact, Yangguang and Prayer didn't know Xu Dong's secret. His plan to enter the territory of the Red-Eyed Wind Wolves after getting ashore was premeditated.

What level of rare beast are Red-Eyed Wind Wolves?

One-Star Awakened level rare beasts!

Moreover, they usually come in groups of four to five, or up to ten. Given the size of these Red-Eyed Wind Wolves, which are not much different from ordinary gray wolves, he could devour them all in one go with his Devouring Skill, even ten of them, during the skill's duration.

Where else in the outer Ghostly Forest could you find such an ideal place for leveling up by killing monsters?

To counterattack, he needed greater strength. Now, the opportunity was right in front of him. Even though the Red-Eyed Wind Wolves were dangerous, he pursued them without hesitation.

One must be crazy to live!

One must be mad to reach the peak!