It's so painful! So hard! So difficult!

Why would I fight her to the death? Given her physical condition, I have other options... Could it be that I'm wavering?

Xifa had barely taken two steps when he felt something warm oozing from the corner of his mouth. He touched it with his hand, only to find it was completely dark, completely invisible. Suddenly, he felt the last taut string in his head snap. He collapsed to the ground, looking up at the dark sky, and suddenly laughed.

"Why think so much? There's no way she can be resurrected. This assassination..."

Xifa paused, then raised his hand, which was surrounded by shadows, and after looking around in fascination, he said,

“It’s flawless too.”

At the same time, Bai Lin sat up from the mud with a headache. Although death by heart piercing was a somewhat lengthy way to die, Bai Lin was generally able to tolerate the pain.

But the phantom pain she felt now was more due to the damage caused by the dragon flames and the previous attack from Xifa. Therefore, she curled up, took deep breaths for several minutes, and then slowly stood up, holding onto the tree. She donned her original armor and walked towards the path of the daylight.

I didn't expect to lose again. My previous strategy was so good, how come I suddenly fell into a disadvantage? Even using my backup plan, I couldn't win?

Bai Lin curled her lips, remembering the dragon's annoying voice. She punched the tree hard, breaking it, venting her anger, and then adjusted her mindset and continued on.

There's no time to dwell on this. We need to reunite with our friends as soon as possible. We need to leave this forest as soon as possible to avoid any further trouble.

Chapter 260 Waiting, Order

Somewhere in the forest, another assassin stood with his blade in hand, panting and holding himself up. Like Xifa, he was also shrouded in shadows, but the area was not large, and his figure was not as clearly visible as Xifa's.

Although he was breathing heavily, he didn't look too badly injured. Faye, holding her two blades in reverse, also stood across from him, slightly hunched. Unlike the man, her body was covered in small wounds. These weren't just simple cuts and scrapes, but also poison and burn wounds. It was clear that this assassin had used quite a few methods.

Tsk, this kind of shadow is still difficult to deal with. At the beginning, it was a complete suppression of force, but unknowingly, it has fallen to this point. Moreover, this guy is also very experienced, so I can't cast large spells.

Fei'er thought this, studying her opponent. Although he too had injuries, they seemed to have been repaired by the shadow. Fei'er was confident she could continue to fight him. As a mage with more mana, she had a stronger ability to sustain combat, so if she kept going like this, she would definitely win.

But just as it started, the guy in front of her began to change. As his wounds increased, the shadows around him seemed to grow thicker. Fei'er analyzed it with a headache, and this was also the reason why she began to lose the upper hand. It was precisely because of the change in the shadows that her wounds began to increase.

Fei'er believed that his stealth ability was definitely not inferior to the assassin in front of him, but he had also known his position from before.

This won't work. We'll probably lose. Fei'er crossed her blades and was about to use her unique skills to cast a spell in the blind spot where the opponent's dynamic vision couldn't keep up with her speed. The assassin, who had been panting, spoke first.

"Hey, how long do you plan to keep playing like that? If you don't use that thing again, I'm going to kill you for real, okay?"

The assassin's muscles rippled as if breathing, his eyes warlike, his tone steady. But the shadow behind him was a different beast, baring its fangs and claws in protest, threatening Faile as if he would actually do it.

Fei'er seemed to be motionless, her head lowered gloomily. The assassin thought she was hesitating and was about to stand up and force her, but suddenly felt a cold hand passing through his body.

The assassin's heart was strangled, and his blood froze like frost, flowing up through his Adam's apple. Even the saliva he swallowed seemed slow and cold. In just a moment, a chill centered in his torso permeated his entire body, finally dissipating from his extremities before he reacted.

The chill froze his ability to think, but not his feelings. Humanly speaking, this feeling was called "fear." As a wielder of shadows, he almost thought he was surrounded by a higher, more threatening shadow.

It was a kind of suppression from a superior, like an antelope's natural fear of lions and tigers. The chances of resistance were slim, so the assassin might as well just give up.

Fortunately, the assassin's mind was still full of reason, and light gradually flooded into his sight. But this time, the light dealt another heavy blow to the human who had just escaped from fear, like pouring a large glass of carbonated cold drink down the throat of a stomach ulcer patient, piercing and causing secondary damage.

Fei'er's deep blue, strange eyes met his gaze. While the team members rarely interacted with Fei'er, even Bai Lin, who was closest to her, was reluctant to hold her gaze for extended periods. To put it bluntly, it felt like she was "sucking your soul in."

Even though Bai Lin would normally just avoid Fei'er's gaze due to some simple discomfort, under these circumstances, it was enough to make an assassin scream.

If Fei'er's eyes were compared to the ocean, it would appear beautiful from the outside, but mysterious and dangerous from the depths. And now, that terrifying giant of the deep sea, extending its tentacles in all directions, descended from the night.

The assassin's eyes were no longer just Faye's. Instead, a kaleidoscope of shadows reflected in his own. Endless darkness was inviting him in, inviting him to sink into it, with no hope of escape.

His brain began to tremble, his shoulders still loose, his face began to contort, and the assassin screamed and stumbled as he ran. He even dropped his weapon and ran in a low monkey-like posture, his hands stretched out to the ground in front of him, his feet very unstable but he ran quickly.

Behind him, it felt as if a monster was constantly chasing him. The assassin didn't dare look back, only running to escape the fear. Soon, he disappeared into the silent night.

Fei'er sighed, put her two swords back to the position beside her legs, picked up the assassin's long sword on the ground and looked at it, muttering something in her mouth.

“…Is this the follower of darkness?”

At this moment, a voice sounded from behind Fei'er. She turned around and saw that it was Nowen who emerged from the jungle. The latter immediately asked with some excitement and concern,

"Fei'er, luckily you're okay, but you have so many injuries on your body, so let me treat you first, okay?"

Because Fei'er seemed to be very unsociable, Nowen asked a few questions politely. Fei'er shook her head slightly and then asked,

"How's the captain?"

As soon as Bai Lin was mentioned, Nuo Wen's expression changed a little, and his tone began to become hesitant. Fei'er frowned with a bad feeling. She was about to get out and go check it out herself when Nuo Wen grabbed her hand.

"What are you doing?" Fei'er asked in a very cold voice, turning slightly to look back at Nuo Wen. If possible, Fei'er didn't want to fight with these friends that Bai Lin acknowledged, so she still asked a few questions.

Nowen gritted his teeth, as if it was difficult for him to say this. "The captain has been sent to who knows where by the enemy's spell, and we can't help her now. Just now, the last message the two cat ladies received from the captain was:"

"Wait until she comes back!"

Obviously, waiting for orders was the most annoying thing. A complex emotion flashed in Fei'er's eyes. Then, she forcefully let go of Nowen's hand and walked towards the camp where her companions were.

Chapter 261 The Torment of the Postwar Period

"Wait, Fei'er!" Nowen was clearly confused, but after a brief hesitation, Fei'er had already vanished into the dark jungle. When she quickly arrived at the camp, covered in blood and black, she startled the rest of her teammates.

Fei'er glanced at them. Qinoli was clutching her arm, which was still bandaged. The lower half of her arm hung limply on the ground, as if it had lost its life. She seemed to be sitting on the ground very weakly, and Qinuofu was beside her, as if taking care of her.

Grayer was standing around, probably on guard. And Andel was pacing anxiously, waiting for something. Seeing Fei'er appear, she immediately came over.

"Great... You're back, so the team is all together now. Ah, how did you get so many injuries? Didn't Norvin run into you? He went looking for you."

Andel's tone sounded very reassuring, and her concern was very sincere, but it made Fei'er feel a wave of discomfort. Her words sounded as if Bai Lin had returned. Fei'er maintained her usual attitude and did not answer Andel's question, but confirmed softly but firmly,

"Is Bai Lin back?"

When Andel heard Fei'er ask this, her expression changed slightly, but not as much as Nowen's. She quickly calmed down and replied,

"I know the secret technique Bai Lin used to escape. What is certain is that she is not close to us, but her life is definitely not in danger."

Fei'er listened to Andel's statement, nodded slightly, and then said very calmly but seriously,

"Then let's go find her."

When Fei'er said this, everyone present was stunned. As the only man at the scene, Greer took the lead and persuaded Fei'er,

"Fei'er, I understand how you feel. But even if we were in top form, it wouldn't be advisable to cross this mountain range in the dark, let alone now..."

The expression hidden under the mask changed slightly. Andel clearly saw the boredom and impatience in Fei'er's eyes from behind the brim of the hat, so she quickly struck while the iron was hot and continued,

"Grell is right. I can guarantee that Bai Lin is safe, and she definitely knows how to survive in the wild. So let's recover and look for her during the day, okay?"

To be honest, when Andel said these words, she didn't really believe them. Although she was the only one in the team who knew that Bai Lin would be resurrected, she didn't know how Bai Lin would be resurrected or how he could be resurrected, so she was not so sure.

But at this time, what she said must be backed up. As a qualified adventurer, when Bai Lin is not in the team, she must take on the responsibility of being the pillar.

Their team couldn't afford any more casualties. They had to launch a rescue operation under reasonable circumstances and absolutely no risks were allowed. While most of their teammates had their own opinions, most of them were definitely willing to believe Bai Lin's own story and accept the fact that she wasn't dead yet. That's why they were able to suppress their urge to search for their captain.

Maybe not everyone wants to go directly to Bai Lin at this time, but Andel still believes that Fei'er will have this idea, so she also greeted her teammates in advance. If it really doesn't work, they can only trap her here. Andel believes that she still has some means at hand.

"Step aside."

These two short words were resounding. Fei'er's voice was very clear and her meaning was very clear. Andel's face darkened. He stood up slowly and firmly and said,

"You must stay here. This is an order from Bai Lin himself."

Fei'er didn't say anything, but her body shook. In the blink of an eye, one of her hands was on Andel's front, and the other hand was on the back of her neck. The cold touch threatened Andel, making her heart rise to her throat.

Is this guy a monster?

Aundair's gaze drifted for a moment, then she lowered her head slightly to meet Faile's, who was clinging to her body. Her body was like a corpse, icy cold, and even the touch had become stiff. She showed no expression, otherwise Aundair wouldn't have been so restrained without even realizing the murderous intent.

"Give me permission or not?" Seeing that Andel hadn't responded for a while, Fei'er spoke slowly, as if whispering in Andel's ear. Andel felt her body tremble, and she swallowed, pondering how to respond to this little girl.

This magician who never speaks and dresses in mysterious clothes is somewhat similar to the one in her original team, but she doesn't seem to be like the previous one who doesn't like to communicate. Instead, she doesn't have any human emotions at all.

She wasn't normal. She might actually attack herself. In this situation, Andel, though remorseful for being unable to help, did little more than retrieve Qinoli's arm and offer some support. Andel believed she could fight with all her might against the enemy, dying for her own survival and for her teammates.

However, she didn't intend to be stabbed by her teammates just for saying a few words. That would be a stupid way to die.

Cold sweat flowed from Andel's forehead. Just as she was hesitating about her next move, Qinoli said in a weak voice,

"Um... your name is Fei'er, right? A magician who uses dual swords."

Fei'er's eyes didn't move, but she didn't make any moves. Qinoli coughed twice and continued,

"Before she drove us away, she promised us she would return, but she also told us to come support you. Although you returned before we had recovered enough strength, the order was genuine."

After hearing Qinoli's very calm statement, Fei'er's eyes moved slightly and looked at the cat girl sitting next to her. Qinoli met her eyes without fear and continued without hesitation.

"No matter what, you hold a very important place in her heart. So, please don't be impulsive now, just wait here."

"Are you serious?" Fei'er asked with a slightly louder voice.

"Yes, I guarantee your life." Qinoli answered very sincerely.

Hearing the cat girl's affirmation, Fei'er let go of the knife in her hand. Andel also breathed a sigh of relief and almost collapsed to the ground.

Chapter 262 Waiting

Aundair's gaze followed Faile's seemingly elusive form as she quickly climbed onto a tall, thick tree and settled on its branch, motionless like an owl, her eyes fixed on the distance. Aundair sighed, casually waved a hand, and told Nowen, who had just returned, to rest. Then, she herself sat at the entrance of the empty tent, chin in her hand, gazing up at Faile.

Fei'er...you're such an enigma. Theoretically, Bai Lin's reserved personality shouldn't spark any sparks with Fei'er's autism. Although Bai Lin seemed to have changed a lot since their last meeting, Andel still couldn't understand.

Was it simply because of her immense strength? Andel watched the moonlight filtering through the now less dense trees, shimmering down on Fei'er. Her short, pale blue hair peeked through her slightly torn robe, adding a touch of color to Fei'er's figure.

The exposed white skin was covered in scars. It was unclear how the assassin had struck her. Her thighs were covered in fresh wounds. Although some of the wounds were deep, the bleeding seemed to have stopped, with no signs of bleeding. Even so, the sight of these things on a young girl, even if she had just held it against the back of her neck, was still quite pitiful.

Aundair couldn't help but yell, "Hey, come down if you need treatment."

Perhaps she hadn't heard clearly or didn't want to pay attention to Andel, but Fei'er didn't respond. She was like a wounded but still proud rose, blown by the wind, but always standing firm in one spot, unwilling to fall.

Aundair felt as if Faile's body was getting farther and farther from the ground, and the shadows were constantly moving towards her. She rubbed her eyes quickly. Everything was the same as before, not much had changed. Aundair thought she might be a little tired, so she got up and laid some traps to prevent her detection from causing any trouble.

This girl is so hard to figure out.

Today, Andel wasn't particularly exhausted, as Qinofu had helped her share a large portion of the scouting work. But she was also tormented on the inside. On the surface, Andel's words had convinced many of her teammates, but in reality, some were undoubtedly tossing and turning in bed because of Bai Lin's absence.

Aundair closed her eyes slightly, sighed, and glanced back at the tree. It was as if Fei'er had never been hurt, and even in this humid and hot place, she could actually endure the itching and pain of her wounds.

Should I say she's strong? No, Aundair personally believes that if someone has ample resources for treatment but chooses to suffer, they're probably mentally ill. In fact, most people probably think so.

Or maybe she was just too exhausted. If she wasn't injured, she might be too sleepy to wait for Bai Lin, right? Andel thought about it and decided that this was a possibility.

Speaking of which, she is really weird. If you think about it carefully, Fei'er had only waited once in the morning. Who knows... Never mind, Bai Lin is so natural in flirting with other girls. It is obviously not a rare thing.

Andel hugged herself tightly. Sitting alone outside the tent, she felt so helpless and lonely for the first time. She silently prayed for Bai Lin.

"You have to be happy to enjoy the flowers and grass you touch, Bai Lin."

An unknown amount of time passed, and as the sky began to dimly lighten, Aundair began to feel extremely sleepy. However, as a night watchman, she certainly wouldn't fall asleep. At this moment, something happened that instantly made her completely sleepy.

Where's the Fier? Where's the person sitting in the tree? He was right there just moments ago. What happened? Aundair frantically stood up from the ground and began searching the trees and the cluttered ground with her assassin's skills, searching for any trace of him.

This broken branch... found it! Aundair immediately pulled out a dagger from behind her and quickly began to follow the trail. She judged that Fei'er had probably gone out on her own.

Although Andel certainly couldn't catch up with Fei'er in terms of speed over long distances, she must do her duty to keep up.

At this moment, Andel's heart was in a tangle. She was truly distraught. She had neglected Fei'er because of her momentary negligence. She couldn't let this team go wrong again at this time.

“Please spare me…”

Once they were within a short distance of the camp, Aundair turned and glanced back. Although no one else was awake yet, and she was the only one on night watch, she shouldn't have left under these circumstances. However, it wouldn't be a problem if she had a little more time to search, so she planted another explosive charge and left first.

After running for a distance, the traces left by Fei'er faded. Andel looked around a bend and caught a glimpse of a figure that didn't blend in with the forest. The figure in the linen robe was standing there. It was obviously Fei'er.

However, Aundair did not call her. Instead, she threw away all her remaining sleepiness and shouted in a trembling voice with joy,

"Bai Lin!"

"Hey, An..." Bai Lin just raised his hand to say hello to Andel, but when Fei'er's eyes suddenly became murderous, he withdrew his hand in disappointment, lowered his head a little, and looked into her eyes.

"Take off your helmet." Fei'er's words were as brief and riddle-like as ever. Of course, Bai Lin wasn't the type to ask why at a time like this, so she did as Fei'er said. Our hero had an expression of frankly admitting his mistake.

"What did I say this morning?"

After seeing Bai Lin's actions, Fei'er continued to ask, Bai Lin nodded, indicating that he understood, and said,

"I remember it very clearly, but this time I really am at my wit's end... Look, I'm back safe and sound, right?"

Bai Lin ran all the way here. Although her armor has been almost repaired now, she was lucky enough not to encounter too many monsters, but she still had some bruises on her body, so she still felt a little guilty when she said this.

After hearing her answer, Fei'er remained silent and did nothing, but continued to stare at Bai Lin. Bai Lin's original best psychological defense could not withstand her thin skin after all. She shrugged her shoulders weakly like a deflated balloon and said,

"I'm sorry for making you worry again."

"Hmm..." Fei'er seemed to have gotten the answer she wanted, but she lowered her head, as if she was unwilling to look at Bai Lin, who had such a sincere expression.

Chapter 263 Arrived Home

To be honest, Fei'er was filled with anxiety. She had been feeling a certain amount of pressure building up inside her during the latter part of the night. But after Bai Lin returned and smiled brightly, it seemed as if all the pressure had been released. It was as if all that pressure had turned into liquid, rushing into her eyes.

Fei'er slowly raised her head, but still didn't look directly at Bai Lin. Noticing that her eyes were a little wet, Bai Lin hurriedly began to comfort her,

"This... there really won't be a next time. I will definitely try my best not to act alone during missions again. I promise you!"

Fei'er shook her head and wiped away some of her tears casually. It seemed that her emotions were not as deep as she had imagined. The little girl in the linen robe turned around, staggered a few steps, and said weakly,