Yuan Xiao, who had failed to escape, naturally witnessed the tragic state of the Fan Sect, but there wasn’t a hint of sorrow on his face. In contrast, Yuan Xiao was more concerned about his own situation—his warhorse was lost, the path ahead was blocked, and there were so many angry ability users in front of him.

If it were just dealing with these ability users he had tricked before, Yuan Xiao wouldn’t find it too tricky. The strength difference between each level of ability users was very obvious; even if it was just one person, he was confident he could retreat unscathed. 

But the problem was, there was another high-level ability user present, standing in opposition to him. 

“Lan…”

Yuan Xiao angrily shook off the reins tangled around his arm, his gaze coldly fixed on Lan Luohai. 

“I pointed out the only safe passage for you, and this is how you treat me?” 

Lan Luohai fell silent for a moment. 

The surrounding ability users were already furious at Yuan Xiao’s shamelessness, but they still focused their attention on Lan Luohai. At this moment, the only one who could confront Yuan Xiao head-on was Lan Luohai. 

If Lan Luohai really… 

Even if there was a one in ten thousand chance of failure, they couldn’t bear it. 

Yuan Xiao continued, “I never intended to harm you; I could even hand this victory over to you.” 

He softened his voice. 

“Your Highness, the Fan Sect is dead, and now I’m the only one who knows how to communicate with the Liè Chǐ Guǒ, you…” 

“Swish!” 

A sharp sound of slicing air rang out from behind Yuan Xiao. He couldn’t even finish his tempting words before he had to hurriedly dodge. 

A water blade narrowly grazed his back and flew in front of Lan Luohai, pausing for a moment before fiercely flying back toward Yuan Xiao. 

Lan Luohai didn’t say a word and directly went on the offensive. 

The ability users quickly retreated, giving the two high-level ability users enough space, while the core military forces on the periphery began to deal with the chaotic branches of the Liè Chǐ Guǒ. 

But this place was not a safe and spacious fighting arena, and with the previous experience of battling Lan Luohai, Yuan Xiao, aided by the Liè Chǐ Guǒ causing chaos, was not at a clear disadvantage this time. 

He was even disinterested in fighting, taking advantage of the Liè Chǐ Guǒ being drawn away to block Lan Luohai’s line of sight. Yuan Xiao flicked his hand, unleashing a wind chain to push Lan Luohai back a step, and then directly fled into the depths of the forest where the Liè Chǐ Guǒ gathered. 

Although he didn’t control the Liè Chǐ Guǒ like the Fan Sect did, Yuan Xiao was also not attacked by it, indicating that he must have hidden something that could restrain the Liè Chǐ Guǒ. 

The stacked Liè Chǐ Guǒ was too terrifying, and the ability users could no longer chase after him in time. They had to give up on capturing him and work together to push back the Liè Chǐ Guǒ’s branches. 

Everyone fought while retreating, and after a hard-fought effort, they finally found a suitable safe area. While resting, almost everyone was denouncing Yuan Xiao. 

They truly didn’t expect that the one who claimed to be the only one to defeat high-level plants would turn out to be like this. 

Meanwhile, standing outside the crowd and discussing with Lan Luohai, Shi Jingxian had already heard the second prompt of the day amidst the scolding. 

【Ding——Task repair progress, 45%】 

Although Yuan Xiao had escaped, his true colors had been exposed to everyone. His so-called successful experience was merely a bloody transaction with high-level plants. The Liè Chǐ Guǒ pretended to retreat, while Yuan Xiao attracted the ability users to send them to the Liè Chǐ Guǒ for energy absorption. 

However, no matter how much they scolded Yuan Xiao, everyone had to accept one reality—they had already delved deep into the Liè Chǐ Guǒ’s territory, and to get out, they had to push it back. 

The combat power of the Liè Chǐ Guǒ was evident, and it had an overwhelming number of branches, while their team was limited in numbers. Blindly fighting would only waste their strength. 

After discussion, the team ultimately decided to make Lan Luohai the new leader, with several small teams sent to search for the plant’s main body, while the others were responsible for weakening the Liè Chǐ Guǒ’s power with caution. 

Movement in the Liè Chǐ Guǒ thicket was difficult, so the small teams were not numerous. Only Shi Jingxian set off with Lan Luohai, and as they left the main group, Shi Jingxian led the way, stepping carefully into the woods. 

These thick ancient trees were toys for the Liè Chǐ Guǒ, their branches covered in traces of entwined vines, making one feel a sense of dread just by looking at them. 

However, Shi Jingxian was very focused; the direction he pointed was very certain, making it seem like he was following a map rather than searching around. 

Lan Luohai followed half a step behind, ready to deal with any potential dangers. He showed no reaction to Shi Jingxian’s unusual behavior, waiting until the other confirmed the final direction and walked straight ahead before asking a seemingly unrelated question. 

He asked, “Is Yuan Xiao’s horse a single saddle?” 

Shi Jingxian was momentarily taken aback by this sudden question, then replied, “Yes, why?” 

Horses were driven by abilities, and pharmacists couldn’t control them alone. When they needed to ride, they would either ride with someone they were close to or hire an ability user. 

Lan Luohai asked, “Has he ridden with you before?” 

Shi Jingxian thought for a moment. 

Horses were not afraid of plants and had strong combat power. Compared to the easily crushed man-made vehicles, horses had broader applications in battle. Besides, they also appeared at large celebrations. 

According to Ji Xuanran’s memory, aside from a few times right after their marriage, he had been busy making potions and rarely had the opportunity to show off in formal occasions, so naturally, he hadn’t ridden with Yuan Xiao again. 

Shi Jingxian said, “It’s been a long time.” 

He was curious, “Why did you suddenly think to ask this?” 

Lan Luohai replied, “It’s nothing.” 

He pointed to a towering giant tree not far ahead, successfully redirecting Shi Jingxian’s attention back. 

“Are we there?” 

Shi Jingxian asked seriously, lowering his voice. 

“Mm.” 

After awakening his healing ability, Shi Jingxian found his senses becoming increasingly sharp. This change was not just clearer vision; it allowed him to probe deeper into the Liè Chǐ Guǒ. 

—When everyone had escaped the encirclement of the Liè Chǐ Guǒ earlier, Shi Jingxian had avoided all of its attacks just by observation and prediction. 

Now, while searching for the Liè Chǐ Guǒ’s main body, he followed the strongest energy fluctuations of the Liè Chǐ Guǒ, making his way over. 

“I feel… something’s off.” Shi Jingxian frowned. The closer they got, the clearer the Liè Chǐ Guǒ’s energy became. 

“Here, there’s not just one energy from the Liè Chǐ Guǒ…” 

Lan Luohai asked, “What else is there?” 

Just as Shi Jingxian was about to step forward, he was pulled back. 

“I’ll go.” Lan Luohai said succinctly, his tone leaving no room for discussion. 

“…Okay, then be careful.” 

Under Shi Jingxian’s guidance, Lan Luohai used his ability to peel away the bark of the ancient tree in front of them. Large patches of dry bark easily fell away, revealing a tangled mass of vines inside. 

This giant tree had been hollowed out by the Liè Chǐ Guǒ, serving as its tree hole. 

Shi Jingxian lightly tugged at Lan Luohai’s sleeve. 

He pointed up, “Look.” 

Among the exposed mass of vines, a striking purple color stood out prominently. 

It was a mass resembling a tree tumor, clinging to the Liè Chǐ Guǒ’s vines, greedily sucking the juice inside. 

Lan Luohai frowned, “What is this?” 

“Zhangsi tumor,” Shi Jingxian said, “a rare parasitic plant… no wonder I sensed two types of energy.” 

“It can absorb the Liè Chǐ Guǒ’s energy?” Lan Luohai asked, “Make them perish together?” 

Shi Jingxian was taken aback by Lan Luohai’s calm and straightforward question. 

He paused before saying, “…Not very feasible; both the Zhangsi tumor and the Liè Chǐ Guǒ have strong vitality.” 

Lan Luohai remained noncommittal. 

“Then should we continue searching for the main body?” 

“Mm… it shouldn’t be far from here.” 

The two of them circled around the ancient tree and continued searching nearby. 

Shi Jingxian discreetly glanced at Lan Luohai, who was walking with his back to him. 

He had felt something was off for a while but couldn’t pinpoint the issue. 

It wasn’t until just now when Lan Luohai casually mentioned wanting to take down two high-level intelligent plants that Shi Jingxian realized. 

The other’s strength was unexpectedly… surprising. 

Not long ago in the cave, Lan Luohai had mentioned “dealing with the Liè Chǐ Guǒ and Yuan Xiao,” and Shi Jingxian had thought he was just displeased, but now that he thought about it, there was no hint of boasting in Lan Luohai’s tone. 

It wasn’t that he had done anything too outrageous—if Lan Luohai had really dealt with the Liè Chǐ Guǒ alone, Shi Jingxian’s task would have been deemed a failure due to unreasonable completion. 

But Lan Luohai’s calm and certain tone, along with his seemingly whimsical perspective, made Shi Jingxian feel something was off. 

Why would an eighth-level ability user, a prince familiar with combat situations, have the thought of “I can take down high-level plants/same-level ability users with one strike”? 

To be honest, after spending these days together, Shi Jingxian didn’t doubt Lan Luohai’s strength. 

But the problem was, did Lan Luohai really… possess such an extraordinarily powerful strength?