“Master Lu, you’ve returned!”
The guards at the east gate quickly called out upon seeing Lu Qianqiu nearing.
A muscular middle-aged man in a white vest leading them approached delightedly: “Old Lu, you actually made it back from Great Flame Country!”
“Old Xu, why would you say that?”
Lu Qianqiu was puzzled, thinking, could the other party foresee and know the mishap that occurred at Qiuyun Mountain?
Xu Shan faltered, glanced at Su Yuan and Situ Qingyin behind Lu Qianqiu, and asked: “Didn’t you encounter members of the Red Wolf Gang?”
“Red Wolf Gang? No.”
Su Yuan and Situ Qingyin understood that the two weren’t on the same wavelength.
After exchanging words with Xu Shan, Lu Qianqiu understood the situation.
As it turned out, recently the Red Wolf Gang was driven out of Black Wind Domain because of their malicious acts and past wrongdoings by various gangs led by Dragon Sect.
The Red Wolf Gang retaliated against Dragon Sect, causing multiple incidents in recent days.
According to Dragon Sect’s information, several Gold Level Hall Masters of the Red Wolf Gang had attempted to ambush Lu Qianqiu at Qiuyun Mountain.
By the time they tried to notify Lu Qianqiu, he was already en route.
“So that’s what happened… Qiuyun Mountain, huh.”
After pondering, Lu Qianqiu had an inkling.
If that were the case, then the Red Wolf Gang members lying in wait at Qiuyun Mountain were likely killed by the black-haired girl controlling the White Mist.
Xu Shan asked in confusion: “Old Lu, if you didn’t encounter the Red Wolf Gang, what happened to your subordinates?”
With a heavy sigh, Lu Qianqiu replied.
“Though we didn’t encounter the Red Wolf Gang, still, unexpected incidents occurred. But it’s not something easily explained… I’ll report to the branch first.”
“Oh, alright…” Old Xu then turned his gaze to Su Yuan and Situ Qingyin, “Old Lu, who are these youngsters?”
Lu Qianqiu introduced: “This is Brother Su Yuan and Miss Situ. Don’t underestimate them. It was thanks to these two that I returned alive this time.
Brother Su, this is Master Xu Shan, who handles gate security for Dragon Sect.”
Su Yuan and Situ Qingyin greeted: “Master Xu.”
“Oh?” Old Xu was greatly surprised, examining them as he laughed, “Heroes indeed rise young. Hello!”
Xu Shan knew Lu Qianqiu’s strength, and hearing him say he was saved by these two young people was astonishing.
Though one’s stage was unclear, the other undoubtedly was at the Silver Stage.
Su Yuan replied with a smile: “Master Xu, you’re too kind.”
Lu Qianqiu said: “Brother Su needs to go to the Snow Burial Plain. I intend to give them a detailed map of the place.”
“Snow Burial Plain?” Old Xu’s expression shifted slightly, “Regarding Snow Burial Plain, there have been some changes recently. It’s best to avoid it…”
Lu Qianqiu frowned: “Old Xu, what do you mean?”
Old Xu spoke slowly: “Not long ago, frigid air burst forth from Snow Burial Plain, causing a great snowstorm. Following the storm, some unexplored new areas appeared in Snow Burial Plain!
Recently, various groups entered these new regions, only to face death, injuries, and disappearances. The losses were severe.
The weather and terrain became harsher, and many powerful Star Beasts emerged within!”
“Just two months away from Dragon Gate City, and such events happened?” Lu Qianqiu was startled. Turning to Su Yuan and Situ Qingyin, he asked, “Brother Su, Miss Situ, what now?…”
“Has the Secret Realm become more dangerous…” Situ Qingyin furrowed her brow.
Though Snow Crystal Stones were crucial, unpredictably increased danger in Snow Burial Plain was a significant concern.
Without much thought, Su Yuan stated: “Having traveled so far, we can’t return empty-handed.”
“Alright!” Lu Qianqiu nodded, then said to Xu Shan, “We’ll share drinks another time. I need to report to the branch first.”
“Go ahead. Drinking tonight, we won’t quit until we’re wasted!”
…
In a side hall of the East City Branch in Dragon Gate City.
A woman in her early thirties, with a sharp demeanor and straight posture, sat in the main seat. She was Lin Yue, Lu Qianqiu’s direct superior and one of the vice leaders of the East City Branch.
In terms of age, Lin Yue was younger than Lu Qianqiu. But in strength, she was a bona fide Shining Star Level expert!
Starting from the Shining Star Level, there were no subdivisions like “Beginner”, “Intermediate”, or “High Stage”.
Yet, in Black Wind Domain, Lin Yue was among the most renowned and powerful Shining Star Level experts!
Lin Yue looked at the people below and asked: “Master Lu, so these guests from Great Flame Country want a map of Snow Burial Plain?”
Lu Qianqiu stood up and said: “Yes, Vice Leader Lin. I am willing to exchange my two third-class merits for a map of Snow Burial Plain for Brother Su.”
Secret Realm maps were inherently precious, and more so if detailed.
Lin Yue’s face remained calm: “No need. Here at Dragon Sect, we always repay kindness. Since these two saved our master, what’s a mere map?”
Hearing this, Lu Qianqiu gratefully cupped his fists: “Thank you, Vice Leader Lin!”
Su Yuan and Situ Qingyin also stood and bowed: “Thank you, Vice Leader Lin!”
“But, I must warn you that after the snowstorm, many previous markings might no longer be accurate.”
Su Yuan smiled: “Thank you, Vice Leader Lin. It’s still better to have a reference than none.”
Lin Yue nodded and, after considering for a moment, said: “Tomorrow, a group will depart for Snow Burial Plain. If you can wait, you may join them.”
Snow Burial Plain had various entrances. Going with someone familiar was definitely advantageous.
Su Yuan and Situ Qingyin responded immediately: “Thank you, Vice Leader Lin!”