The bard fantasized again.

Chapter 155 Escape
"Buzz-"

Almost the instant the black panther fell to the ground, the white crystal lamps throughout the bunker were suddenly dyed crimson, and a continuous buzzing seemed to emanate from each red crystal, like annoying mosquitoes tickling Tang Qi's eardrums.

Under the crimson glow, everything became urgent.

There's no time to worry about Chenxi's condition now; the priority is to seize the brief information gap and leave this bunker.

He avoided Black Panther's vital points, hoping that the arriving reinforcements would take his injuries into consideration and delay him for some time.

But when the dawn unfolds [Swift Aura], enveloping the brilliant golden fluorescence within a few meters around them and increasing their running pace...

Faced with several routes to the east, they inevitably encountered difficulties.

Through his observations along the way, Tang Qi was able to discern that the entire bunker radiated outwards from this large hall into the underground.

It is like a steel spider web, with the passageways being the spider silk, connecting one room after another with different functions, forming a network in all directions.

Considering the terrain, which meant that they could reach their destination no matter which direction they went, he simply chose the shortest route and fled with Chenxi and Kuru.

The tremors caused by the stomping of boots behind him became increasingly clear, but fortunately, with the blessing of [Swift Aura], Tang Qi did not need to worry about the pursuers behind him.

But suddenly, a gang member with his face covered, holding a long cane, ran out from the crimson corner of the passage.

He rushed over immediately after hearing the alarm, completely unaware that he had run into Tang Qi and his group.

But his excellent tactical awareness allowed him to react swiftly the instant he spotted the target.

He quickly pulled out a piece of slippery butter from the materials bag. In the burst of spiritual light from the tip of the long staff, the butter melted and turned into a black grease, which was sprinkled on the path that Tang Qi and the others had to take.

The passageway was filled with frying oil, which spread to the ground and walls.

Tang Qi realized that at their current pace, they would probably slip and fall the moment they stepped on the grease.

In order not to waste time in his escape, he planned to sing "The Poet's Inspiration".

But Chenxi reacted faster than him.

She practically wrapped Tang Qi and Kulu around her waist, tucking them under her armpits, and her cloak transformed into golden wings, propelling her forward as she leaped into the air—

She had already gotten plenty of rest.

Now, with the blessing of the "Peerless Athlete," she can almost step over a five-meter radius of grease.

"Ugh!"

Iwu flew in mid-air, let out a roar, and tried to snatch the spellcaster's neck first.

But seeing that the [Greasy Spell] had no effect, the caster quickly patted himself and shouted:
"[Apply oil to the soles of your feet!]"

Then, as if gliding on oil, they desperately fled back towards the corner where he had appeared.

slip away.

I'm just a first-level spellcaster, why should I risk my life?
Tang Qi certainly couldn't waste time on minions, but just as one spellcaster was slipping away, a round steel structure was about to appear at the end of the road, occupying half of the passageway.

He couldn't discern the construct's power, but even the cheapest construct possessed considerable resilience.

They are fleeing a disaster, and it's unwise to waste time in a place like this.

So he quickly gave an order to Chenxi, who was holding him:
"Turn left, go to the next intersection!"

The "Peerless Warrior" could maintain his position for 10 minutes, which should be enough for them to leave the bunker. Tang Qi then became a hands-off manager, giving orders as needed.

Chenxi strode forward, each step covering nearly five meters. He almost couldn't stop at the intersection ahead and stumbled as he turned around.

However, they were intercepted by three reinforcements chasing from the side.

Considering that the Cloud Mist spell was not very effective when escaping, Kuru took out a crystal-clear gem from his pocket with a "Rua" sound, and with the help of his wand, he made it condense into a crystal sphere the size of a head in mid-air.

Using an enhanced, frozen version of the [Colorful Sphere], they created an effect resembling an ice surface in an attempt to hinder their progress.

But the three of them were clearly well prepared. Finding the road ahead to be unusually smooth, they simply stepped onto the walls on both sides, their shoes seemingly glued to iron plates. Their impressive waist strength supported them as they moved between the walls.

There was even one standing on the ceiling.

They mustered all their strength, pushed off the iron plate, drew their blades, and the three longswords, coming from different directions, were about to thrust towards the dawn at the same time.

Throw me out!

Chenxi simply followed orders, forcefully throwing the sword with her left hand, causing Tang Qi, who had drawn his curved blade, to collide head-on with three sword blades—

But almost simultaneously, Tang Qi began to sing a ballad, his scimitar dancing and swirling in his hand like a flying snake.

The three wanderers couldn't even comprehend how someone could so easily deflect their swords with such a flamboyant, sword-dancing-like display.

But they dared not hesitate and immediately tried to use the short sword in their other hand to stab Tang Qi when he was off guard.

A golden light flashed past their eyes, and Tang Qi vanished from the spot.

They then discovered that in the brief moment it took to prepare a short sword, the flash of light was enough to sweep across Tang Qi's waist and break through their encirclement.

The three wanderers were discouraged and were about to give chase.

For a moment, they felt as if they had returned to their days as adventurers.

There aren't that many legends in this world.

The vast majority of adventurers are just small fry trying to make a living in the dungeons.

In the bustling tavern, as you boast to your fellow travelers about the rewards you earned on this mission, you'll bask in their envious and jealous glances.

Then came the news brought by the bartender—

"Hey, have you heard? A group of adventurers broke into the cursed forest and saved the entire sandalwood forest."

This always makes them feel frustrated.

Even the mood for drinking and boasting crumbled with the dense bubbles in the glass.

Recognizing one's current situation is always frustrating, yet they can only gaze longingly at that golden glimmer, turning another corner:
"No wonder they said to wait until Black Panther led them to the first level of the passage before making a move. We're not even on the same level!"

Mice can kill cats.

The fact that the cat managed to break through the encirclement only means there weren't enough mice.

Therefore, many people received the message in advance and rushed to the west side of the fortress—the direction closest to the upper passage.

By setting up an ambush in the west in advance, all that's needed is for Black Panther to obey the message and lead them to the pre-set trap, which will be enough to gradually erode this formidable legendary team and keep the secrets of the bunker underground forever.

But the other party was cunning enough to notice the clues early on and fled in the opposite direction, turning all the crouching rats into 'the clowns of the seaside girl'—the famous circus of Longjin City.

In short, they were completely fooled.

The only saving grace is that, as wanderers, their speed of movement is no less than that of dawn.

Although they lost the initiative, the relentless pursuit still kept the escapees busy.

If we simply delay their advance, someone more suited to deal with them will naturally take on this responsibility.

"【Silver Light Sharp Words】!"

The moment the shadow of the giant hammer fell over Chenxi's head, Tang Qi quickly shouted out a silver light, causing the hammerhead to shift behind her, allowing her to roll and avoid the crashing hammer.

With a loud "boom," the construct's giant hammer carved a huge crater in her original spot, and the dust it stirred up filled the passageway, almost obscuring Tang Qi's vision.

Only dawn can sense the direction from which the giant hammer is coming through the soul.

The second blow followed closely behind, pausing amidst the whistling wind.

The moment the hammerhead roared and crashed down in front of Tang Qi, she resolutely drew her broken sword and, with the help of the [Peerless Warrior] buff, forcefully blocked the broken sword at the slender handle of the hammer.

"when--"

The immense power of the two objects collided, generating a deafening roar that swept away the dust in front of them.

Although it was a rusty broken sword, even after being sealed away for a thousand years, its toughness remained unchanged.

However, since Chenxi's body was pieced together, it could not recapture all her past glory.

Even with the blessing of divine power, she felt increasingly powerless, and her hands, which were resisting the force of the struggle, began to tremble slightly.
"【Supreme Saint Slash】!"

The extended, dazzling blade spread light onto the rust of the broken sword, and in an instant, it seemed as if time had been reversed, returning to the moment when this sharp blade was first held in one's hand.

Back then, it was sharp enough to shred steel.

Just like when the radiance clung to the blade, cleaving the giant hammer that was wrestling with it.

With a roar, Chenxi unleashed a golden slash that swept across the construct's arm, not only sending the round construct flying backward but also leaving a clean, yet scorched-red, sword mark on its dark arm armor.

The construct stumbled a few steps before regaining its balance. Just as Tang Qi was about to continue his escape, the clamor in his ears drew near:
"There they are! Don't let them get away!"

Looking back, they saw not only the three wanderers following closely behind, but also other gang members rushing over with alarms. A quick glance revealed about ten of them, converging on the spiderweb-like passageway.

Realizing that his progress had been slowed down, Tang Qi could only sigh:

"It seems our only option is to fight our way out."

"Shh." A soft shushing sound suddenly reached my ears.

Before Tang Qi could even discern whose voice it was, his vision was suddenly filled with a cloud of crystalline dust.

This powder is practically an essential tool for home, travel, murder, and robbery.

The wanderers, in particular, recognized its ingredients almost immediately.

Seeing that the group, including Xiaolong, had disappeared into a cloud of smoke, they quickly shouted:

"They used [Invisibility Powder]! Watch your surroundings, don't let them escape!"

"[Detect Invisibility]!"

A spellcaster quickly chanted an incantation, patted himself, and looked around the crimson passageway.

However, the spell itself takes several seconds, which is enough for Tang Qi to use that scorching palm to lead the entire team away, guided by the palm's owner.

After walking for a while and putting some distance between himself and the pursuing gang members, he couldn't suppress his curiosity and asked:
"What's your purpose?"

"Do we really have to talk about this now? Why don't we wait until we leave this awful place and then discuss it slowly?"

Hope responded in the same low voice.

Because they were both invisible, they couldn't actually see each other, so they could only hold Tang Qi's hand tightly and lead the way for the others.

Tang Qi could sense that she wasn't leading the team as he had, giving aimless commands in just one direction during the escape.

Today, every turn Hope makes has a clear purpose:
"You know the way?"

"I just looked at the map."

"During the time you were gone?"

"Of course, you should thank me for leading the way. Although you were running east, you were getting further and further away from the passage—if you run any further, you'll smell the aroma of food; that's their staff canteen."

"Should I thank you for bringing me to this bunker?"

"If you want, I wouldn't mind."

At this point, how could Tang Qi not understand what Hoppan was thinking?
The moment she suddenly disappeared, he realized that it was less that the guide had followed him off the cliff to reach the bunker.

Rather, it's more accurate to say that she was the one who pushed herself to come here from the very beginning.

Weasels habitually use outward appearances to mislead their targets, thereby concealing their true intentions.

But now is not the time to stop and do a post-mortem analysis.

Since Hope offered to help, it also meant that she needed his help in return.

If you have any doubts, you can ask them after you are safe.

The duration of the "Invisible Powder" effect varies from 1 to 10 minutes, depending on the amount of powder accumulated on the body.

They acted quickly and with a clear objective; a few minutes was enough for them to get close to the escape route.

For most low-level professionals, prolonged invisibility can indeed easily cause them to lose their way and become like headless flies.

They could only disperse along the main roads of various routes, attempting to track them down.

This often only requires the dawn to knock them unconscious while they are in hiding, and then they can cross the obstacle without making a sound.

There were no more turns in the passageway ahead; at the end was a massive, tightly locked steel gate.

Tang Qi finally heard something different from footsteps and the noise of a chase.

He remembered hearing a similar sound when he first stepped into the dungeon.

The water was flowing gently through the pipes.

"just in front."

Hope led Donch to the end of the bunker, having likely stolen the key beforehand, which allowed them to easily open the iron door.

But perhaps the guards failed to respond to the message in time, so some gang members who rushed over noticed something was wrong and quickly shouted to their companions:

"Found them!"

They rushed forward, but Hope calmly took out a palm-sized, jet-black bead from her pouch and threw it into the passageway as she opened the door.

The bead shattered the moment it touched the ground, and the enormous repulsive force then exploded in front of the gang members, sending them flying.

Only one gang member reacted quickly and nimbly dodged the attack, but just as he was trying to move forward, an invisible wall blocked his way and slammed into him with a "bang," leaving him dizzy and disoriented.

As Hope closed the door, Tang Qi peeked through the crack and saw the person pounding on the air in front of her, then realized what she had just thrown out:
"Force field beads, such a grand gesture?"

“It’s a high-performance field bead,” Hope corrected.

"What's the difference?"

"This can last for 10 minutes."

【Force Field Bead (Rare): The bead will explode and be destroyed upon impact, but it will create a spherical invisible force field around the point of impact, sealing off an area within a five-meter radius.】

Logically, a creature trapped in a force field should be able to move the sphere by pushing or shoving it.

However, this spherical force field clearly blocked all the passageways, causing it to form a real wall and completely blocking the pursuers' path.

Once the iron gate was completely closed and locked, the noise subsided.

Tang Qi then had the leisure to glimpse the original appearance of the 'passage'—

The room was spacious, still featuring red-dyed crystal lamps, corrugated iron walls, and stone-paved floors.

But on the wall directly opposite, there is a huge notch, tightly closed by rotating fan blades, from which the sound of water flowing clearly can be heard; it seems to be a valve.

Below the valve is a stone base with a ship's wheel-like device on each side, which should be used to control the valve's opening and closing.

“You go left, I’ll go right, open the valve, and we can leave here using the passage behind,” Hope said, walking first to the helm.

"I will handle it."

Tang Qi rolled up his sleeves, ready to turn the rudder.

Even as his face turned bright red, he remained unmoved in the slightest.

The duration of the [Invisible Powder] had just ended, and he then made eye contact with Hope, who was also unable to turn the helm.

"..."

"I'll do it."

As Chenxi spoke, she ushered Tang Qi to Hope's side. With the help of the [Peerless Warrior], she easily pulled, while Tang Qi and Hope even needed the help of Iu's bite to push the rudder on the other side.

With a loud "boom," the valve finally showed signs of opening.

Tang Qi then realized that it really did seem to be a sewer pipe, only it was wider and could easily support two small boats side by side.

Numerous water outlets are arranged at both ends of the pipe, and the water flows down the pipe, making the passage look more like a slide.

Recalling the swift-flowing river outside the bunker, Tang Qi asked:

"This should be a passage leading to the swamp?"

"Let's go."

Hope wiped the sweat from his brow and was about to step onto the stone steps of the base.

But just as she approached the pipe, the gurgling water from the outlets on both sides of the pipe seemed to come alive, intertwining at the entrance and turning into a waterfall that slapped against her shoulders, pushing her several meters away.

"This is……"

"You've caused such a commotion just by attending a meeting. You guys really know how to make trouble for people."

Tang Qi turned around abruptly and discovered that beside the tightly closed door, there was a person wearing a tall crown and a long robe, whose face was covered by a golden mask.

Beside him was another round, shaped structure that he had seen before.

However, the wound on the arm guard seemed to have been hastily repaired, leaving only a faint mark.

Tang Qi noticed that the other party's white robe and mask were completely different from the Red Scarf Gang's standard uniform.

He kept wondering how he was able to bypass the door and enter the room—

[Anywhere Door]?
He's at least a fourth-circle spellcaster?
Hope immediately recognized his attire:

"Are you the Masked Lord?"

The other party did not respond, but simply chanted the incantation softly.

The construct beside him was also spewing steam from its body.

As if to vent his anger at having his arm cut off, he charged forward, swinging his giant hammer!

(End of this chapter)