Jiang Chen sat on the ground. He sensed people conversing in the grove and listened attentively.

It was Patrick's voice.

At that moment, Patrick arrived with a group of people, entering the grove, and a Black-robed man approached from the opposite direction.

Patrick asked, "What's the plan?"

"They are retreating to the depths, heading towards the Evil God's territory to recuperate. We will dispatch a team tomorrow to intercept you all," the Black-robed man said.

"How many are retreating?"

"Over five hundred people."

"What about combat strength?"

"A total of fifteen, including myself. Two will accompany the main force to protect them, and the remaining thirteen will block your path."

Patrick nodded. "Good, you go back. After this is done, I will surely grant your wish to live under the glory of the Alliance of All-Gods."

The Black-robed man turned and left, disappearing from view.

Patrick returned with his men.

"Commander, should we really let him into our Alliance of All-Gods?"

"He is one of The Fallen. If we let him join, we will face criticism."

Patrick gave a sinister smile. "After the mission is accomplished, it won't be too late to kill him. However, the leader needs him alive; he has many more information points. He cannot die."

Jiang Chen was lost in thought.

It seems Patrick has colluded with The Fallen. Over five hundred people, yet only fifteen combatants; the rest are noncombatants. Patrick, that guy, is truly capable, actually managing to subvert one of The Fallen. The Fallen are not as united as one might think. How many military achievements could be gained from over five hundred people? The leader's voice sounded familiar, but unfortunately, I can't recall it.

Jiang Chen shook his head and decided not to think about it. He closed his eyes to sleep. The Fallen are unlikely to launch a surprise attack in the latter part of the night, so I can get a good night's rest.

「Early the next morning.」

The main force quickly gathered. Seventeen or eighteen had died yesterday, leaving more than eighty. These people were sufficient to face the upcoming tasks. Jiang Chen noticed about a dozen people turning away.

Jiang Chen pondered. These dozen or so are likely Patrick's elite forces, meant to intercept the escaping five hundred-plus people.

Patrick shouted loudly, "The Fallen are hiding deep inside! We shall advance into the mountains on a large scale. Keep a proper distance and stay alert at all times!"

"Team Ten, Clemence! Team Eight, Cecilia! You two teams scout ahead. We'll follow behind you."

Clemence said coldly, "Yes."

Clemence led five people towards the grove.

The remaining three turned pale. Being sent to scout essentially means a death sentence! If we encounter an ambush by The Fallen, we're surely doomed.

The three glanced at Clemence's stern eyes and dared not object.

Clemence turned and said, "Jiang Chen, you go ahead as a scout."

Jiang Chen was speechless. ....

The other three sighed in relief. At least we're not the ones sent to scout ahead!

Jiang Chen, having no choice, walked forward. In these times, lower Levels just have to take it, he thought, strolling ahead and shouting, "The Fallen, if you have the guts, come out! Your grandpa Jiang Chen is here!"

Everyone stared, dumbfounded.

"This guy's gone mad!"

"He's courting death. If The Fallen hear him, they'll kill him on the spot."

"Not necessarily. If The Fallen hear him, they might not dare to act. He's bluffing with borrowed authority," another speculated.

"This kid's really got the nerve to shout."

Meanwhile, the leader of The Fallen was stunned. That voice… so familiar. Could it be him? How did this guy get here?

"Damn it, the Hero is too despicable!" one of The Fallen cursed.

"I'll go kill him, the arrogant brat!" another snarled.

"Leader, they've started up the mountain! We can't delay any longer, or the five hundred won't be able to move. We need to hold them back as soon as possible!"

The leader shook his head. "No need. Hide immediately. Don't engage yet. Make some noise to slow them down."

***

Meanwhile, Jiang Chen continued to shout as he walked.

Jiang Chen looked back with a smile. "Captain, you see? Perfectly fine. I scared off The Fallen."

Clemence was also puzzled. Could this kid's voice really have scared them away? That shouldn't be possible! The Fallen may specialize in ambushes, but they're not cowards.

The others behind also gradually noticed that something was off.

"You know what, this kid does have something special. Maybe he really did scare them off."

"How could that be possible? They must all be hiding deep inside, waiting for us."

"The fact that this kid is still alive is a miracle."

"Maybe he's watched over by the All Gods, that's why he's so lucky. But I believe if The Fallen make their move, he'd be the first to die."

Just then, THUD, THUD, THUD. The sound of approaching footsteps reached them. Everyone immediately stopped, on guard, paying close attention to their surroundings. The Fallen are clearly making a move, they thought. In this dense white fog, it'll be easy to be ambushed.

At that moment, Jiang Chen shouted, "Don't run, The Fallen!"

With that, he charged out alone, disappearing into the dense white fog.

Clemence was dumbfounded. Has this kid gone mad, daring to rush out on his own?

The teammates beside Clemence were also stupefied. Rushing out like this isn't just courting death? Does he think he has too many lives?

After Jiang Chen charged out, he used Teleport and appeared two hundred meters away, entering The Fallen's territory. He continued to Teleport until he was within ten meters of The Fallen's leader.

"Who?"

The Fallen who had spoken turned to look at the newcomer.

At this moment, Jiang Chen looked at the leader and recognized him—it was none other than the tavern owner from Garna Rift.

The tavern owner also recognized Jiang Chen.

Neither of them seemed inclined to fight.

Jiang Chen spoke first. "I didn't expect it to be you."

"Nor did I."

"Weren't you a Swordsman brave? When did you become one of The Fallen?"

"I haven't been a Swordsman for many years now."

Why does this tone sound so familiar? Jiang Chen wondered.

The tavern owner said, "Your strength has Upgraded quickly. I didn't expect you to reach First-stage already."

"Not too bad!"

"It seems we have to fight now."

Jiang Chen fell silent for a while. "I remember you once gave me a Weapon. Although it wasn't much, it meant a favor to me."

The tavern owner laughed. "It was nothing, just a helping hand."

"No, I'm the type who hates owing anything to anyone, especially favors. There's a traitor among you. He made a deal with Patrick last night, and Patrick has already sent a dozen men to kill your five hundred-plus people."

The tavern owner's face changed drastically. If this news is true, then all five hundred of them are doomed! Patrick wouldn't spare even a three-year-old child; to him, each head is a military merit. It doesn't matter who it is, even babies...

The tavern owner sighed. "Thank you."

"Do you need my help?" Jiang Chen took the initiative to ask.

"If possible, I hope you can protect that group of children, the elderly, and the women. They're just ordinary people. Escort them to a safe place."

Jiang Chen fell silent. The elderly, children, women... he mused. This burden of responsibility… why does it feel so heavy?

Jiang Chen nodded. "Alright, I'll do my best!"

The tavern owner took out a jade amulet, wrote three characters on it, and passed it to Jiang Chen. "They will trust you. The best thing I have done in my life was to make a friend like you."

"I haven't seen the traitor's face, so..."

"It doesn't matter. This information is already very useful to me."

"Someone's coming. I have to go now!"

The tavern owner nodded. He knew Jiang Chen didn't want to reveal his identity, he thought. Watching Jiang Chen's retreating figure, the tavern owner felt completely reassured.

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