The cave was spacious, clean, and safe, although somewhat damp and cold.
Wang Hong'en looked around and was quite pleased with the environment.
In the primordial forest, the most troublesome things are the various fierce beasts, poisonous insects, and unpredictable dangers.
Living in a cave, at least it's safe enough.
The expedition team set up their tents and split into two groups to go about their tasks.
The girls were all led by Xu Yin to investigate the surrounding environment.
Wang Hong'en took the guide and a group of boys to explore the Fire Mountain District.
A safe path must be found for the expedition team to venture deeper into the Fire Mountain District.
Once the expedition team left, the lively cave suddenly quieted down.
"Are those the ones you were waiting for?" Yun Qingshang asked.
Trained as an assassin from a young age, Yun Qingshang struggled with communication but had a sharp eye for observing people.
She saw clearly that only Wang Hong'en and Xu Yin from the expedition team were Level 5 experts. The other students were just at Levels 1 or 2, not worth mentioning.
Not to mention Gao Xuan's bizarre longsword—she herself could take down the entire expedition team.
In the wilderness, whatever they did wouldn't be discovered by others.
Yun Qingshang was a bit puzzled about what Gao Xuan was waiting for.
"Calm down, don't worry."
Gao Xuan said softly, "To enter society with a legitimate identity, we can't act recklessly. This expedition team is of great use to us, especially Xu Yin."
He paused and then reminded her, "Wang Hong'en is very dangerous; don't underestimate him."
"Do you have a specific plan?"
Yun Qingshang felt she needed to know more to help Gao Xuan.
Gao Xuan smiled, "Deep within the Fire Mountain District, there's an ancient ruin with treasures inside. We'll try our luck; maybe we'll gain great benefits."
Within the depths of the volcano lies the Celestial Dragon Eye. Wang Hong'en acquired the Celestial Dragon Eye during this expedition, eventually becoming a legendary figure renowned across the Star River.
However, Wang Hong'en was extremely insidious and treacherous. Seeing the plight of the Human Race, he actually betrayed them, delivering a fatal blow.
The fate of the entire Human Race was thus altered.
Before reincarnating, Gao Xuan had dealt with Wang Hong'en several times and had grown extremely disgusted with him.
Due to their past intersections, Gao Xuan was aware of some of Wang Hong'en's past events.
Wang Hong'en obtained the Celestial Dragon Eye while investigating the White Dragon Mountains, changing his destiny.
Such matters were extremely secretive, and Gao Xuan only knew a rough idea.
After being reborn, the timing was just right, so he arrived at the White Dragon Mountains with Yun Qingshang ahead of time.
Gao Xuan had also searched inside but couldn't find the ancient ruins. He could only patiently wait for Wang Hong'en.
As long as he kept an eye on Wang Hong'en, he would eventually acquire the Celestial Dragon Eye.
As for Xu Yin and the others, they were just ordinary people unaware of this matter, unrelated to it.
This information came from reincarnation, and Gao Xuan couldn't find a way to explain it clearly to Yun Qingshang, so he simply didn't say anything.
"So we just keep an eye on Wang Hong'en?" Yun Qingshang asked.
"I'll watch him,"
Gao Xuan said, "You only need to protect me."
Yun Qingshang didn't respond; of course, she had to protect Gao Xuan, who was more important than her own life. But she didn't want to express this to Gao Xuan, nor was there a need to show it.
The sky darkened, and Wang Hong'en returned to the cave with his group.
Xu Yin had already brought the girls to eat, together with Gao Xuan and Yun Qingshang. The food was simple, but everyone was in high spirits.
Right now, a group was chatting around Gao Xuan.
When Xu Yin saw the exhausted Wang Hong'en, she felt a little embarrassed, "Professor Wang, you should eat quickly. We've saved some for you."
Wang Hong'en didn't have much of an appetite, but the group of boys was famished, their eyes practically turning green at the mention of food.
"You all eat first,"
Wang Hong'en, though insidious and treacherous, maintained a facade of righteousness, his public acts impeccable, holding a very good reputation at the school as well.
After the group went to eat, Xu Yin asked with concern, "Professor Wang, was it not smooth?"
Wang Hong'en shook his head, "The volcanic terrain is very complicated, with many places harboring unextinguished embers. Just a strong wind could reignite them. The area around the volcano is even more complex. We must be careful and cautious."
"We have plenty of time. We can wait a few days. As long as one or two heavy rains come, these won't be issues," Xu Yin reassured him, thinking there was no need to take risks.
Wang Hong'en was eager to find the ancient ruins, but he couldn't disclose this to others.
He stifled his anxiety, nodded calmly, "Yes, we'll wait a few days; safety is important."
Xu Yin didn't think much beyond that; their team was more like a spring outing than an expedition.
She came to the White Dragon Mountains mainly to learn about the customs and culture of the primitive tribes, not caring much about the volcano exploration.
After eating, Wang Hong'en stood alone on the hilltop, gazing at the starry sky.
The White Dragon Mountains, with an average altitude of over a thousand meters, offered clear air and a spectacular view of the stars shining across a deep blue sky like satin, very beautiful.
"Professor Wang seems preoccupied,"
Gao Xuan walked slowly to Wang Hong'en's side, speaking with a smile, "If it's about venturing deeper into the Fire Mountain District, I can help."
Wang Hong'en looked at Gao Xuan with some suspicion, unsure of what he meant.
"We mountain folks speak plainly, so I'll be direct,"
Gao Xuan said, "My eyes have issues, but I was born with mental sensing. So I can observe the world without using my eyes, observing very subtly and deeply. I can find safe paths in and out."
Gao Xuan spoke leisurely, "When the volcano erupted, I used this superpower to escape with Qingshang."
"And your other tribespeople?" Wang Hong'en had already noticed the absence of ten or more people in the cave, but he didn't want to pry until now.
"Yes, the rest of the tribe perished."
"My condolences."
"It was a natural disaster, a fate decreed by heaven. They went on ahead; it doesn't matter," Gao Xuan appeared contentedly calm.
Wang Hong'en knew the tribes here held primitive beliefs and regarded death as a return home, so they spoke of it without sorrow or pain.
After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Are you sure you can do it?"
Gao Xuan smiled, "I won't gamble with my life."
"Then what do you want in return?"
Wang Hong'en believed in transactions of interest, not in offering help without compensation.
"It's simple. Qingshang and I are weary of primitive life, and the others in the tribe have all passed on. We want to attend university in Mingjing."
Gao Xuan said, "This shouldn't be a problem for Professor Wang."
Wang Hong'en pretended to ponder, "Without academic credentials, it's tough even for me."
With his position, admitting two students was easy, but he wanted to pressure Gao Xuan to feel indebted to him.
Simple words could deepen the other's sense of gratitude. This minor trick was highly effective.
Gao Xuan said, "Qingshang is excellent in swordsmanship, and my mental sensing ability is quite special. We won't trouble Professor Wang."
"Hahaha..."
Wang Hong'en found Gao Xuan very clever, not needing to play any small tricks. Besides, if he got what he wanted, all accompanying individuals would need to be dealt with to maintain absolute secrecy.
Only by doing so could everything remain completely confidential.
If they didn't find the item, admitting Gao Xuan and Yun Qingshang wouldn't be an issue either.
"It's a deal."
Wang Hong'en, testing Gao Xuan, extended his right hand silently.
He was exceptionally refined in controlling his muscles and Source Power; as he reached out, the air barely stirred, and there was no sound.
However, Gao Xuan accurately raised his hand to give Wang Hong'en a high-five, "Pleasure working with you, Professor Wang."
Wang Hong'en maintained a calm expression, yet inside he was roiling, this kid's mental sensing is really uncanny!