Originally, it was assumed that the beasts' strange behavior was centered around Li Chonglou's presence.
Now that Li Chonglou, the person in question, had left, this situation should naturally change. However, that was not the case.
Even after Li Chonglou vacated that spot, the beasts, driven by the overpowering stench of blood, were still charging like maniacs towards a pile of minced meat, with those pushing from behind tearing apart the beasts in front!
Only the beasts that had moved further away began to show signs of hesitation.
However, Elder Tie and Old Wang had already ventured deep inside and were completely unaware of what was happening at the periphery.
Nevertheless, they both simultaneously noticed a sudden movement ahead.
Old Wang's face lit up with joy: "Have we reached our destination?"
Elder Tie, however, was relatively calm. Not only did he not quicken his pace, but he deliberately slowed down.
Old Wang understood his intention and dared not urge him, only following obediently and responsible for fending off the beasts lunging from behind.
"Get lost, you bastard!"
Old Wang punched a beast away, only for three more to pounce simultaneously. Without retracting his fist, he could only use his elbows, kicks, and other techniques to kill them one by one.
It was a lie to say he wasn't tired, especially outside the safe zone. Here, even a slight misstep with spiritual energy could cause one to explode. The level of danger was comparable to the Black Spirits.
Therefore, every move Old Wang made was purely offensive, with no absorption of energy. If things went smoothly, it wouldn't be a major issue, as his fifth-level strength was not for show.
Moreover, he had a master leading the way, and his responsibility was merely to deal with the stragglers.
However, if any unforeseen circumstances arose, it would be a different story. Elder Tie's sudden slowing down also made Old Wang's heart race.
Soon, both of them discovered that the commotion was also approaching them.
After another wave of beasts was dealt with, the two parties finally saw each other.
"Little Li!"
Elder Tie exclaimed instinctively, and Old Wang, recognizing Li Chonglou at this moment, looked surprised.
"It's you."
As for Li Chonglou, who already knew everything, he naturally had to feign surprise.
However, he didn't say much, instead returning to Elder Tie's side before asking, "Why are you here too?"
Elder Tie cursed, "It's all because of you, brat! Damn it, a bunch of people were worried sick about you, and you're here hiding and grinding blood crystals?"
Li Chonglou immediately rolled his eyes: "Do you think I wanted to? I was too slow and they caught up."
"You're too slow? Isn't speed your specialty?"
This time, it was Li Chonglou's turn to be stunned.
"How do you know so much about me? Wait, and also! You just said a bunch of people were worried about my life and death. A bunch of people? Weren't only you, me, and a few others aware of this mission?"
Elder Tie suddenly fell silent. Fortunately, Old Wang from behind chimed in, "You brat are actually fine. How did you get outside the safe zone? Did you run out by yourself?"
Li Chonglou looked at Old Wang. Before he could speak, the latter muttered to himself, "Impossible. For newcomers without an elder to guide them, they can't even find the exit of the safe zone. Even if you stumbled upon it by chance, how dare you come out alone?"
Old Wang was filled with confusion, and Li Chonglou, hearing the barrage of questions, gave up on explaining. He turned his gaze back to Elder Tie.
While the three conversed, their hands didn't stop. Elder Tie and Old Wang continued to punch and kick away the attacking beasts. In comparison, Li Chonglou appeared much more at ease.
Although the remaining two round orbs were still tied to his waist, he had already picked up the black long sword. Each swing of the sword killed twice the number of beasts they did.
This made Old Wang envious, realizing for the first time that having a weapon was quite a good thing.
Elder Tie then said, "Before the arrival of the Death Storm, you didn't return to the camp. The sword master from Camp No. 3 sent the news back. I don't know how you managed to survive, brat."
"But before this, no one below the seventh level had ever survived the Death Storm period!"
Li Chonglou noticed that Elder Tie specifically mentioned the Death Storm period, not the subsequent Black Spirit period. But upon reflection, it seemed to be true.
If not for the "Pulse Submergence," even with Xiong Da and Mei Niang, or even two more people, they definitely wouldn't have survived the Death Storm!
The expenditure involved was no joke. Unless one carried a large supply of divine-grade items, they might have a chance to survive the Death Storm.
But how could such people find themselves in such a predicament? Let alone a large supply, even a single one might be accompanied by a master to protect them!
However, that was not the main point. Li Chonglou quickly understood Elder Tie's meaning.
"Uh, could it be that you all thought I was dead? Including my company?"
Elder Tie snorted and didn't answer.
But in Li Chonglou's eyes, this was an admission. He suddenly felt a headache coming on.
No, I have to go back to Hong Kong and explain this! Otherwise, everyone will think I'm dead, and it will cause chaos!
Thinking of the various masters within his company, all of whom existed because of him, Li Chonglou's mood became anxious.
He wasn't worried about those masters attacking Zhou Tong and the others, but rather about Chen Pao and the others leaving directly.
And the new recruits he had just hired, Du Tian and the others – these talents were painstakingly nurtured by him. If they all left, all his previous arrangements would have been in vain!
The more Li Chonglou thought about it, the more anxious he became, and he couldn't help but blurt out, "No, Elder Tie, you must know the way back, quickly! Take me back!"
In the underground world, mobile phones simply didn't work. Li Chonglou didn't know what means they used to send messages back, and it wasn't important. At this moment, he just wanted to rush back personally.
"Let's get through here first. There seems to be something unusual ahead."
Elder Tie said, looking towards the front. Li Chonglou blinked, then immediately reacted.
"Ahem, I've already gone in to check. I just don't know why the beasts are fighting each other. It's a complete mess inside, very dangerous."
Elder Tie looked at Li Chonglou with a hint of uncertainty: "Is that all?"
Li Chonglou shrugged: "Do I need to lie to you? If you don't believe me, you can go see for yourself. But tell me the direction to leave first, and I won't accompany you."
This nonchalant attitude dispelled Elder Tie's doubts. In fact, compared to Li Chonglou, he was more eager to bring this news back quickly.
Otherwise, he truly feared that the Dragon Team would somehow relay the information back to Li Chonglou's company...
He knew the worries in Li Chonglou's heart!