The two magic shooters were wreaking havoc, while others were just onlookers. It was not because they did not want to interfere, but because they did not have the ability to do so. The targeted Skeletal Warrior was obliterated by the two of them before the spell recitation could be completed. How could they step in? It was more likely for them to step out…

The scene was witnessed by the long-haired youngster, and it terrified him. The Hell Ghoul that forced him at the end of his rope was obliterated by them in seconds. It was as easy as eating and drinking for them to clear up the Skeletal Warriors. Were these monstrous fellas really mages participating in the trials?

This team could only be described as abnormal. A level-9 mage and a level-11 magic shooter were already terrifying. Unexpectedly, there was another fiend that looked like a level-7 mage, but he had displayed the strength that was stronger than the level-11 magic shooter's. The infernal flare released just now had blasted away more than ten Skeletal Warriors. The barrage of magic that followed was even more monstrous. It blasted all of the Skeletal Warriors in the swamp into smithereens. Was a level-7 mage really capable of such a feat?

The long-haired youngster got more scared as he looked on. By the time the two of them had blasted more than a hundred Skeletal Warriors into bits and pieces, both of his eyes were opened wide like a cow's eyes.

Who are these people…

The long-haired youngster swallowed hard. He looked at those three as though he was looking at three demons. Even as he spoke, he stuttered. "Thank… Thank you…"

"You're welcome." Lin Li smiled humbly. As long as he would not be in harm's way, he would be very brave and willing. Anyhow, the long-haired youngster had the Skeletal Warriors under control. He was willing to kill the Hell Ghoul as it was convenient. It was advantageous to him. Furthermore, he could get some good reputation. Who would not be willing to do that ?

Of course…

If the Hell Ghoul was something like a high-leveled Vampire or a Death Knight, Lin Li would not be so willing…

These level-17 or 18 undeads were not going to be killed with a single spell. It would be a joke if they got raped instead of killing these monsters!

Regardless, this instance of help had been very successful.

The few surviving mages in the trial had no idea how cunning Lin Li was. From their perspective, this young mage was a role model. He had thrown away his safety to save others, emitting a selfless noble quality. Instantaneously, the feeling of gratitude was overbearing. In the midst of these three's gratitude, Lin Li naturally gave himself a pat on the shoulder.

With the status of a benefactor, he had answers to whatever questions he asked.

Of course, Lin Li did not ask too much. He only wanted how the three of them met a Hell Ghoul.

"We were too unlucky…." The long-haired youngster looked unusually sad and angry.

Since they had been woken up, Lin Li's group was not in a hurry. They found a place to sit, and listened to the long-haired youngster's resentful account.

The long-haired youngster's name was Larry; he was from the Marianna's guild. He was a level-9 mage as well, but he was not as lucky as Mason. Mason's luck was really good, for he found two powerful teammates. This trial could be considered smooth sailing as they completed both missions splendidly. Even the nitpicking Macklin could not find an issue with it.

On the contrary, Larry had worse luck. Both his teammates were level-8 mages, and they were the weakest in this trial. With the exception of the "level-7" Lin Li, they were of the lowest level.

A team comprising two level-8 mages and a level-9 mage trying to complete a mission would end in a tragedy. In the past few days, they did not even complete one mission. If they were unable to attain good results in the Shadowglen, they would not have the right to participate in the finals.

Lin Li somewhat understood after listening to this point.

It was not surprising that they refused to use the teleportation scrolls even under those dangerous circumstances. This mission in the Shadowglen was their last chance.

After mentioning this matter, Larry could not help but feel resentful again.

Larry knew that his team was too weak, so he decided to hide from the start. Since this mission was rated based on time, they would be able to get more points by hiding for one more day. If they were at the peak of their luck, and able to hide for more than seven days, the points solely from this mission would allow them to participate in the finals.

Unfortunately, luck was not on their side. They almost did not pull through the first day.

After entering the Shadowglen, Larry immediately went to look for a hiding spot. In fact, he was skilled in this aspect. From the outskirts of the Shadowglen, he carefully dodged the undead. He actually entered the central region of the Shadowglen without encountering danger. After that, he chose the same route as Lin Li.

Both of them used Warlock's Eyes to advance, and both chose the cave beneath the cliff.

But their meeting was of a very different setting.

Three of them carefully advanced before painstakingly arriving near the cave. Yet, they unknowingly encountered a Hell Ghoul straight away. At this point, Larry thought he was going to die. Other than blaming himself for being unlucky, he was speechless. While searching with the Warlock's Eyes, there were no signs of the undead. However, they bumped into a Hell Ghoul they moment they advanced.

"Where did you bump into it?" Lin Li was slightly curious.

"It was near the cave." Larry pointed with his finger. The location he was referring to was about ten metres away from the cave. At this point, Larry started to feel uncertain again. "It looked like it was searching for something…"

Lin Li was surprised when he heard it. "Searching?"

"Yes, it had summoned twenty Skeletal Warriors, and they were all quite spread out. It was as if they were searching…" Larry, with a doubtful look, continued, "When we discovered it, it was too late to escape. Those twenty Skeletal Warriors surrounded us quickly, and then… we could only shout for help."

"So that's what happened…" Lin Li nodded, and did not question further; he only felt very curious. What exactly was that Hell Ghoul looking for?

The undead were not like magical beasts. They were unable to chase enemies through smell; they were only attracted to the Scent of Life. When he was hiding in the cave, he had already placed a Ward of Secrecy for Life. A master-level Ward of Secrecy for Life could even conceal the scent of life from a high-level Vampire, what more a Hell Ghoul. How could a single Hell Ghoul do it?

Maybe… It was related to the crystal?

Lin Li was terrified at this idea.

Thinking back to that crystal, Lin Li remembered that there was black fog released from the Hell Ghoul when it was blasted…

Within the black fog, there was a thick Scent of Death. When it seeped into the crystal, Lin Li could faintly feel that the scent emitted from the crystal was identical to a Hell Ghoul's. The deep red glow became even more profound and darker after the black fog seeped in…

That piece of crystal was too mysterious…

Lin Li felt that he should find some time and investigate it. Otherwise, it might bring forth trouble if he carried it out around cluelessly.

"If you guys do not have a place to rest tonight…" After making up his mind, Lin Li saw that it was getting late, and hesitated again. "Head to the cave first. We will talk tomorrow if there are any other matters."

"That's great!" Larry had been worrying for the whole day; he was blocked by a Hell Ghoul at midnight, and surrounded by hundreds of Skeletal Warriors. He was thoroughly exhausted. Right now, was there any reason for him to reject Lin Li's invitation? Furthermore… this team's strength, as they had witnessed, was fiendish. It was especially so for that "level-7" mage that spoke to him—he was a monster among monsters. Larry estimated that he was not inferior to that legendary top genius of Felan, Gryffindor.

With such a powerful person protecting him, he could not ask for more. How could Larry be so foolish to reject it?

This battle took up too much time. By the time they had returned the cave, the camp fire had already died out, and the cave was pitch-black. There were only two mageweaths at the entrance of the cave, radiating a dim light in the dark.