The comments said I was deeply affectionate, I just added points by using an alternate account.

"As agreed, the results of the exploration will be distributed according to contribution."

An Changqing looked at his teammates: "Everyone contributed to breaking this deadlock. The tokens and scrolls are of immeasurable value, so I'll keep them for now. We'll have them appraised by the academy when we get back, and then discuss their ownership. As for these four essence stones, how about we each take one?"

His distribution was fair and reasonable, and no one objected. Chen Guan took the dark purple gem. It was cool to the touch and he could feel the pure spiritual energy within it. It was indeed a good thing. He could use it whether he was researching gray energy or exchanging resources.

"We shouldn't stay here any longer." An Changqing put away his token and scroll. "The commotion here might attract other things. We should leave as soon as possible to avoid encountering anyone with ulterior motives."

The four quickly left the perilous ancient tower. When Chen Guan walked out of the tower gate and looked back at the towering ancient tower, the dark purple light in the middle of the tower had completely disappeared, leaving only a dilapidated appearance.

Just as they were resting at the camp's makeshift supply point and discussing their next move, three familiar figures approached. They were the senior students they had met on the Cloud Shuttle: Li Yuqing, Huo Qixing, and another young man in a dark blue robe with a slightly effeminate demeanor.

"Hey, juniors, you're pretty fast!" Li Yuqing was as cheerful as ever, her ponytail swaying gently with her steps. Her gaze swept over the four of them: "Looks like you've gained quite a bit from your trip to the Ancient Pagoda District?"

An Changqing stood up and politely replied, "Senior Sister Li, Senior Brother Huo, I only gained a little something. And who is this?"

He looked at the unfamiliar boy in the monk's robe.

"Liu Xiao, second year."

The boy in the robe spoke first, his voice calm. He was toying with a crystal-clear short staff in his hand, suggesting that he mainly practiced ice magic.

"An Changqing, first year, these are my teammates: Su Yuehe, Long Ao, Chen Guan."

An Changqing gave a brief introduction. After Liu Xiao gave his name, he remembered it. Others might not be familiar with the name alone, but if you add Liu Feiyu, they would definitely recognize it.

This is Liu Feiyu's second brother. He had been living abroad and only returned to China specifically for Huaqing.

This was the first time An Changqing had met him. It was said that he was rather eccentric and did not interact much with others at school.

Huo Qixing pushed up his glasses, his gaze sweeping over An Changqing and Long Ao before finally settling on Chen Guan, thoughtfully remarking, "The junior carrying the coffin... I remember you. Your coffin was quite heavy."

Chen Guan nodded slightly in acknowledgment, without saying anything more.

Li Yuqing secretly kicked Huo Qixing, then laughed and said, "Since we've run into each other, it must be fate. We were just about to go to Misty Manor to take a look. It's said that there might be remnants of an ancient alchemy laboratory there. How about it, are you interested in coming along? It's good to have more people to help each other."

"Misty Manor?" An Changqing pondered for a moment. He had heard of this place. It was located on the southeast side of the Black Wind Ruins. It was a maze-like ancient building complex. Its danger rating was similar to that of the Ancient Tower Area, but the environment was more complicated. The mist would affect one's sense of direction. Since there was nothing of value there, not many people went there.

He looked at his teammates. Long Ao didn't care, since he was there for practical training anyway. Su Yuehe was eager to try, as she was very interested in ancient alchemy and it wouldn't hurt to go. Chen Guan nodded slightly. For him, nothing was more important than popularity, so he naturally had no objections.

"Since you've invited us, senior, we'll gladly accept." An Changqing made the decision. Cooperating with the elite team of senior students would not only reduce the risks but also allow them to learn from each other's experience. Moreover, Li Yuqing and Huo Qixing didn't seem like difficult people to get along with.

In addition, An Changqing was still somewhat interested in Liu Xiao. The Liu family members were not simple, not even Liu Feiyu. This was an opportunity to learn more about them.

"Great!" Li Yuqing clapped her hands. "Let's set off then, we can talk more on the way."

The two teams merged, and the group of seven left the camp, once again stepping into the ruins shrouded in gray-black fog.

On the way, Li Yuqing gave a brief introduction to the Misty Manor. It was originally the site of an ancient research institution with a complex architectural structure and was filled with various remnants of alchemical traps and mechanisms.

The fog not only interferes with vision and mental perception, but also contains hallucinogenic ingredients.

Recently, the long-dormant alchemy equipment inside has been reactivated for unknown reasons.

"Our main goal is to collect alchemy materials or data, but of course, we won't let any valuable ancient artifacts slip by."

Li Yuqing said, "Liu Xiao is in charge of solving the hallucination problem, Huo Qixing is good at solving puzzles, and I'm in charge of fighting and clearing the way."

She patted the antique-style longsword hanging at her waist; as the only girl in the trio, she was actually the strongest fighter.

The reason she and Huo Qixing came here was because of Liu Xiao's request. Liu Xiao paid them a lot of points as a reward, and what he wanted was a possible alchemy blueprint inside.

An Changqing also introduced the general capabilities of his team members. Although it was the first time the two teams had cooperated, they were all elites and quickly formed a basic understanding.

As you venture deeper, the surrounding landscape becomes desolate and dilapidated once again, but the density and integrity of the architectural remains are significantly higher than in the ancient pagoda area.

Dilapidated stone houses, crumbling pillars, and rusted metal pipes are everywhere, vaguely revealing that this was once a sizable architectural complex.

The gray-black fog in the air was gradually replaced by a pale blue mist.

This is the hallmark of Misty Manor: a mesmerizing blue mist.

The fog not only obstructs vision, but inhaling it can also cause mild dizziness, and people with weak mental strength may even experience hallucinations.

Of course, given Chen Guan's mental strength, he wouldn't be prone to hallucinations.

"Attention, we have entered the fog zone."

Huo Qixing warned, the disc in his hand emitting a faint beeping sound: "There are multiple creatures moving. They could be creatures from the mist, or they could be remnants of defensive mechanisms."

"Stay close, don't get separated." Li Yuqing drew her longsword, its blade shimmering with a faint blue light that could slightly dispel the surrounding mist.

The seven people maintained a tight formation and slowly entered the complex of buildings shrouded in a pale blue mist.

Visibility rapidly decreased to less than ten meters, and the surrounding ruins were barely visible in the fog.

A putrid stench filled the air, extremely unpleasant. Liu Xiao, the pampered young master who never ate anything, was the first to feel unwell, gagging twice.

After walking about a hundred meters, a faint clicking sound suddenly came from the fog ahead.

"Stop!" Huo Qixing shouted, and the pointer on the disc suddenly pointed to the left front.