My Misfortune Crushed Instances-Chapter 60: Merely Myself

The primary sphere of influence of the Profound Spirit Association is in the southern part of Dragon Country, in several coastal provinces.

In a branch of a certain city, screams came from the awakening room of the support group.

"Something’s wrong! Something’s very wrong!!!"

"Xiaozhao failed the mission, the imprint changed, but he hasn’t woken up!"

The young man from the support group came out to alert everyone.

This scream shattered the quiet in the office, and everyone who was busy with their tasks looked up.

The leader of the support group personally stepped forward and asked, "Wasn’t Xiaozhao in the Silent Forest?"

"Yes, Leader, the name of the Secret Realm on his hand disappeared, but he hasn’t woken up."

"Go check again."

The leader took off his rubber gloves and placed them on the tray, then followed the young man into the awakening room, and found that it was indeed the case.

He frowned, "This shouldn’t happen. There are protective measures in the Silent Forest, generally, the Spirit doesn’t dissipate. Stay here and keep observing. Maybe he is just temporarily injured and will wake up in a while. I’ll go report this."

After speaking, he left the room and contacted the leader of the action group where the agent belonged.

The other party was of course a bit anxious, since it was his subordinate, but there was nothing he could do. He could only wait, and according to procedure, report the situation to the assistant vice-chairman of the city responsible for this area.

Not much time had passed yet, and it’s too early to confirm a death, it may be a Spirit injury delaying awakening.

This incident did not draw much attention, after all, exploring the Secret Realm is inherently risky.

However, what they didn’t expect was that similar situations were happening all over the country. Agents who entered this batch of Silent Forest mostly have failed missions and have not woken up. It was just that the news was still scattered in various organizations and hadn’t been connected yet.

...

"Too late."

Standing beside Little Moon Lake, Li Shi looked grim, "Someone got here before us."

Zhang Shan looked at the headless carcass of the foolish deer by the lakeside, crouched down to check: "The blood hasn’t dried. They’re not far, let’s hurry and chase. We might still make it."

Huo Yun didn’t say much. He wouldn’t reprimand teammates when things just started going badly; that was not only useless but would also upset them.

"Martial Monk, pave the way. We follow, heading directly towards the military camp. Even if we don’t encounter them, we can guard the entrance."

Zhang Shan rushed forward with heavy steps.

In no time, the three saw a field of corpses spread out before them.

"What is this!" Zhang Shan exclaimed.

With a bit of combat experience, one could tell from the lingering traces and positions of the bodies that the competitors hardly put up a fight before they all perished in a short time.

Huo Yun squinted and crouched down, examining the wounds on the necks of the bodies: "There are signs of decay, what kind of skill is this?"

"A corpse driver? No, no, a corpse driver relies on numbers, it doesn’t look like that here."

"Stay alert, be cautious, there is something dangerous in this forest."

Huo Yun couldn’t help but think about what the elders mentioned, that deep within the forest lurks hidden danger.

But it can’t be that unlucky, right? I entered and that danger released?

...

"Stop! Do not go back any further!"

Li Rui sternly stopped Wusun, preventing him from moving forward.

He Chengli had never seen him so serious, not even when facing the final advanced hidden boss in Gu Xuan Town.

Wusun stopped confusedly, "What’s wrong? We should quickly go back, it’s clear this Secret Realm has changed, handing in the mission and leaving quickly is the safest."

He didn’t understand why to stop when they were about to break out of the forest’s perimeter and could soon reach the military camp.

Considering they’ve seen nothing but dead Secret Realm agents on their way, survival was paramount.

However, Li Rui spoke up because he sensed a tremendous danger and a looming threat that’s been growing stronger with every step towards the military camp, to the point of almost becoming painful at the forest’s edge.

"Going back is dangerous," he could only say.

Wusun hesitated, then He Chengli immediately asked, "What do we do? Maybe we can find others in the forest."

So far, they’ve counted fifteen dead they’ve passed, indicating two or three teams might still survive.

"Regrouping with Huo Yun and the others could be safer."

Li Rui furrowed his brows.

The real challenge was not knowing what was happening, who killed the Secret Realm agents deep in the woods, and what the danger at the military camp was.

"Carp, hide immediately, at least twenty meters from us. Brother Wu, from now, we stick together and don’t separate for even a moment, directly use ’Renewal’ at the first sign of anything unusual."

Li Rui instructed.

Without hesitation, He Chengli leaped onto the treetops and triggered his stealth talent.

Wusun hesitated, eventually nodding, understanding the young leader’s prowess. In uncertain times, it was best to avoid internal disputes.

Their direction shifted, moving along the forest to search for fellow agents.

.....

Kang Hongliang felt increasingly relieved as he neared the military camp.

He believed he made the right decision telling Li Rui’s team about the mission goal clues.

Initially, he had reservations, jealous that others still had mission chances, as their likelihood of success seemed high from their abilities.

Yet, before he left, he felt his silence was too vile, lying about a vital task to those who saved his life was inhumane.

Thankfully, he chose correctly and now felt no guilt.

Following the path Li Rui pointed out, he sprinted quickly, discovering a field of demon beast corpses, admiring that person’s strength.

Curious about their profession, he sprinted while thoughts raced until the military camp emerged ahead.

This Secret Realm had a maximum duration limit of three days, but giving up on the mission after losing two teammates was an option, simply informing the general sufficed.

Kang Hongliang intended to do just this.

Reaching the military camp, he spotted a peculiar figure at the entrance, wearing a long robe, jade pendant at his waist, and folding fan in hand. Though elegant and youthful, he carried a bamboo basket on his back, appearing quite odd.

As Kang passed the scholar-like figure, he received a polite smile, but paid little mind and stepped inside before overhearing their exchange.

"Who exactly are you, and why do you seek the general?"

The scholar respectfully responded, "This humble one is surnamed Zuo. I seek an audience with the general to inquire how many soldiers, cooks, and laborers are stationed here, simply to know the numbers."

The officer shouted angrily, "Insolent! These are military secrets, not for outsiders. What are you plotting?"

The scholar replied with a grin, "No need for anger. I merely plan to kill everyone here and borrow your dead souls briefly. It will be over very quickly."