The Return of the God Level Assassin

Luo Yan wanted to say that he didn't have time for small talk and wished the other would just call Lhoris over. However, he kept his composure and patiently said, "We don't have much time. Could we speak to Lhoris now?"

"Oh, right. Just come inside and I'll call Lhoris over."

Luo Yan and Shen Ji Yun stepped into the cabin as Alen walked toward the back, disappearing briefly before calling out to Lhoris from somewhere inside.

"Lhoris, that young moon elf has come to ask you something! He's in the middle of Arcadia Cup right now!"

After he spoke, they heard some scrambling, and soon after, Lhoris emerged from he had been, following Alen to meet them.

Luo Yan was slightly surprised seeing the moon elf once again. Previously, the other's white hair had looked as if it hadn't been brushed in years, but now it was noticeably tidier. Even his fringe had been trimmed, revealing his diamond-like eyes.

"You're competing in the Arcadia Cup?" Lhoris asked, skipping any formalities. "If you need my help, just say the word. After everything you've done for me, it's the least I can do for you."

Luo Yan guessed that Lhoris was referring to how they had reassured him that the black dragon he feared wouldn't suddenly show up and kill him. Though, in truth, they couldn't take full credit for that. Still, if they could use it to ensure Lhoris's help without any questions, Luo Yan was more than willing to do so.

"We're searching for the darkest area in this forest," he explained. "It should be a clearing surrounded by trees much taller than the others. In the center of that clearing, there should be an oak tree with twisted, gnarled roots and branches."

Lhoris fell silent for a moment, as if trying to pinpoint the location they were describing. Then, after a brief pause, his eyes lit up as he finally remembered where it was.

With a confident nod, Lhoris said, "I believe I know the place. It would be quicker if I guided you there myself rather than just giving you directions."

Luo Yan agreed with that assessment. So, he quickly told Eclipse via telepathy;

[Eclipse, tell your Uncle Dusk to weak a mask and lower his presence as much as possible! Also, tell him not to unfurl his wings later.]

If Lhoris accompanied them, it was crucial that he didn't recognize Dusk. What if he changed his mind the moment he saw the dragon? And even if he didn't, his pace might slow down out of fear. To reach their destination quickly, they needed to take precautions like this.

[Okay?]

Despite the confusion in Eclipse's tone, Luo Yan was confident that he would still do as instructed. So, he wasn't concerned that when they left the cabin, Dusk would not be wearing a mask.

Once it was decided that Lhoris would guide them, the three of them exited the cabin one after the other, with Alen bidding them good luck from behind.

When Luo Yan glanced over to where Eclipse and the others were, he nearly stumbled at the sight of the mask Dusk was wearing. It was a cute rabbit mask that looked entirely out of place on him. Judging by the gloomy aura surrounding Dusk, he probably wasn't too thrilled about wearing it either.

Now, he couldn't help but wonder where he got it.

At that thought, he couldn't resist glancing at Shen Ji Yun. Surely, that mask wasn't his doing, right? I mean, when would he have had the time to give it to Dusk? Then again, considering their 'master and pet' relationship, Dusk could have easily asked Shen Ji Yun for one. So it wouldn't be surprising if Shen Ji Yun had sent him that rabbit mask.

Luo Yan shook his head, dismissing the thought. That's hardly important right now. He needed to focus on the task at hand; there would be plenty of time to ask Shen Ji Yun about it later.

Luo Yan glanced at Lhoris and sighed in relief when he noticed that the other showed little reaction upon seeing Dusk. Standing before the group, Luo Yan then explained that Lhoris would be guiding them to where the clue for the next checkpoint might be found.

With that, Lhoris set off, and they immediately followed, all moving at a brisk pace.

----------

Meanwhile, Bai Ze, Luo Jin, and Rowan had finally reached the desert region of Arcadia.

Bai Ze gazed out at the vast expanse of sand stretching endlessly before them, and he couldn't help but wonder if they would ever be able to find team Mozu in this place.

"Brother Ze, don't think that we won't be able to find them when we're not even starting yet."

Bai Ze turned to his cousin after he heard that. "I didn't say anything?"

"It's written all over your face," Luo Jin responded, giving him a knowing look.

Bai Ze only laughed awkwardly.

[Hey, lion, if you're feeling lazy, I'll just burn everything here.]

Hearing Rowan's voice in his head, he was almost tempted to agree. Thankfully, he managed to stay clear-headed, understanding that it would only waste their time—not to mention deplete Rowan's Mana unnecessarily.

As he was contemplating their next move, he suddenly heard Luo Jin say, "I see movement over there. At your 2 o'clock."

He turned to his cousin and noticed that Luo Jin was wearing some kind of peculiar glasses, likely designed to help him see over long distances. He took out a telescope from his Items Tab and pointed it in the direction his cousin pointed out.

There was an oasis over there and just like Luo Jin had said, there were indeed some movements over there. Although the distance made it difficult to see clearly, he could make out faint shadows.