After the great formation was broken, all factions, after a brief moment of confusion, quickly reacted.
The previously united factions immediately splintered, each searching for their companions.
After all, their alliance was a desperate measure. Now that the crisis had passed, their greatest threat would be these so-called 'allies'.
One by one, factions gathered and regrouped within the Sword Manor.
Ye Cangtian also observed the situation with the Dragon Group. Seeing that the Dragon Group members and the Death Squad members were safe, he returned to the Dark Association's side with peace of mind.
"Xuan Qi, did you find anything?"
Upon his return, Zi Long approached Xuan Qi and inquired.
His expression was not good. Based on the recent gathering, it seemed that the remaining mercenaries of the Caesar Mercenary Group had all perished while trapped in the formation.
Not only them, but members of other factions had also suffered significant losses.
With so many dead and the Heart of the Ruins still not found, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anger.
Ye Cangtian glanced at Zi Long and slowly shook his head, saying, "I found nothing."
Ye Cangtian did not mention what happened with Humphrey.
Firstly, he was concerned that Zi Long, upon learning of the matter, might act recklessly against other factions.
Secondly, if he revealed this, it would imply that he had witnessed Humphrey's death. Consequently, the crystals on Humphrey would have fallen into his possession. These crystals, he had no intention of handing over.
"Alas, if nothing was found, then so be it."
"Rest for a bit, and then we'll split up to search for the Heart of the Ruins."
Zi Long sighed and spoke slowly.
As soon as he finished speaking, a voice reached them from afar.
"Look! What is that... Someone come!"
Since the Heart of the Ruins had not been found, the other factions were naturally unwilling to give up and were already eagerly searching.
At this moment, a mercenary, for reasons unknown, had climbed onto the wall of the Sword Manor and was pointing into the distance, shouting loudly.
His cry attracted the attention of many powerful individuals, including Zi Long and Ye Cangtian, who immediately rushed over.
The wall faced the back of the mountain, which was a steep cliff.
Below the cliff was the surging sea. Looking into the distance, one could see a city within the sea, and faint treasure light was flashing in the center of the city.
The true Heart of the Ruins must be there!
Everyone firmly believed this. However, as they looked at the distance between the mountain and the city, their excitement gradually faded.
It was at least tens of nautical miles away!
How could they swim such a distance?
That was impossible!
Considering the dangers that permeated the ruins, who knew what perils lurked in the sea?
"Everyone, you all understand the saying: fortune favors the bold, right..."
In the ensuing silence, Zi Long was the first to speak, breaking the stillness.
The road ahead would undoubtedly be difficult. Even the Dark Association, which had not suffered significant losses, had no confidence in acquiring the Heart of the Ruins and leaving safely.
Therefore, at this moment, he hoped that all factions would put aside their grievances and continue to cooperate to overcome the upcoming challenges.
"Zi Long, your words sound nice!"
"You know, it's easy to share hardship, but difficult to share prosperity!"
"If we overcome this difficulty, will you be willing to yield even half an inch when facing the final Heart of the Ruins? Wouldn't we essentially be doing the work for you to reap the rewards?"
The speaker was Hasal, a Cardinal of the Church of Light.
Now that he was the only Cardinal left in the Church of Light, he had essentially lost the opportunity to contend with the Dark Association.
How could he agree to cooperate again, to be a pawn for others?
If that were the case, it would be better to stay put and wait for other factions to obtain the Heart of the Ruins and leave this place.
Moreover, if the Dark Association failed, they would still have blazed a bloody path. The Church of Light could then continue their push, and it would be a win-win situation in their eyes.
Incited by the Church of Light, the remaining factions nodded in agreement, also feeling that there was no need to get involved.
"Archbishop Hasal, then we shall just wait here!"
"It's impossible for you to expect the Dark Association to charge forward as cannon fodder and clear a bloody path for you!"
"You must understand that without finding the Heart of the Ruins, no one can leave this place!"
The speaker was not Zi Long, but Ye Cangtian beside him. Zi Long was on the verge of exploding with anger and almost resorted to violence.
If they resorted to violence, it would benefit no one.
Before entering the Sword Manor, there were over two hundred people from all factions combined. Now, there were only about a hundred left.
Although these individuals were all elites, if they remained scattered like a pile of sand, it was unlikely that anyone would survive.
Upon hearing this, Zi Long cast a look of appreciation at Xuan Qi. The surrounding factions were visibly wavering.
Food and water in the ruins were scarce, and their supplies were dwindling. If they continued to wait, no one would last long.
If they exhausted their strength, even if they decided to cooperate again, there would be little hope of survival.
"We'll cooperate, but each faction's crystals must not be plundered from one another..."
Finally, after a series of conditions were met, all factions temporarily united.
Although this was just empty talk, it was better than not having discussed it at all.
With all factions expressing their willingness, Hasal could only nod to avoid incurring the wrath of the masses.
Following this, all factions began to descend the mountain in an orderly fashion, heading towards the seaside at the back of the mountain.
The waves were tumultuous, and everyone thought they would have to swim. To their surprise, many small boats were moored at the seaside, naturally those propelled by human oars.
In addition, amidst the dense fog on the sea, there was a point of treasure light, like a lighthouse, guiding all factions.
This was unexpected by everyone.
There were no sea beast attacks on the sea, only some whirlpools. Relying on centrifugal force, they escaped the whirlpools without any danger.
It was somewhat unbelievable, but everyone was too focused to ponder it further. Their only goal was to reach the city as quickly as possible.
Finally, after persistent efforts, the city appeared before them.
The city walls, tens of meters high, bore the marks of time, covered in skeletal remains clad in armor, which looked rather eerie.
Below the city walls, directly in front, was a majestic gate. The gate sat directly on the sea, and two large characters were inscribed on it:
Haicheng!
As the small boats approached, the gate made a rumbling sound and swung open wide.
The city was eerily silent, like a dead city!
Seeing the scene within the city, many people breathed a sigh of relief, thinking they had been overly cautious.
The streets within the city were empty. Apart from various buildings, only scattered skeletons were visible.
Although these skeletons were clad in armor and held weapons, they appeared to have been dead for countless years, posing no threat.
Because of this, most people began to ponder how to contend for the Heart of the Ruins.
"Sister Qiangwei, do you think those skeletons might suddenly jump up and attack us?"
Yao Bao'er, sitting on the boat and sucking on a lollipop, suddenly asked playfully.
Qiangwei frowned. Theoretically, such a thing should not happen, but the ruins were full of strange occurrences.
Even the stone figures possessed formidable offensive capabilities, so a few more skeletons would not be unusual.
In her opinion, the Heart of the Ruins would not be easily obtained, and one had to be cautious in all matters.
Thinking this, Qiangwei handed a bag of snacks to Yao Bao'er and said, "Don't worry, we're here! You just focus on eating and handle the logistics..."