"All right, we are out of this warzone. I knew it would be dangerous, but I didn't expect it to be so scary there."
Alaric said as everyone sat down, heaving out a sigh of relief. They tended to their wounds, eating healing pills and concentrating on absorbing the medical effects.
"What should we do next? We have no idea where we are, or what's in this place."
Helena asked, prompting everyone to look at Alaric. He was the strongest in the group, so they all considered him the leader. He also took command and led their escape when they found themselves on a battlefield.
"Let's just explore the area and we can map it as we go. First, we should assess our surroundings. Tommy?"
Alaric turned to Tommy, who was their team's scout and one of the reasons Alaric approached the couple and wanted to join their team. Tommy, using Earth Qi and Sword Qi, had a keen sense of perception.
"I don't sense anything dangerous in a kilometer radius from us. There are a few beasts, but they don't give me a threatening feeling."
Tommy reported his findings. He had been scouting the area since they arrived but only now was asked to share his knowledge.
"Alright, let's delve further into the forest and try to find where the more dangerous beasts are. That's probably where we can find some treasures," Alaric suggested.
The group, aided by Tommy's perception, ventured deeper into the forest. Along the way, they encountered various cultivators, both righteous and villainous. Some engaged in battles, while others simply passed by without taking any action. Having two disciples wearing white robes served as a great deterrent.
As they continued their journey, Helena couldn't help but feel drawn to Alaric's commanding presence. She decided to playfully flirt with him to lighten the mood.
"Hey Alaric, I hope you're not getting tired already. We still have a long way to go, and I wouldn't want our fearless leader to lose his stamina," she teased, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
Alaric chuckled, enjoying the banter. "Don't worry, Helena. I'll make sure to keep up with your pace. Can't let you think I'm slacking off," he replied, matching her playful tone. The subtle chemistry between them added an element of lightheartedness to their dangerous journey.
Meanwhile, Catherine and Tommy, as long-standing lovers, found comfort and support in each other's presence. As they traversed the forest, Catherine took the opportunity to express her affection. She leaned close to Tommy, her voice filled with warmth.
"You know, Tommy, I'm glad to go through this with you by my side."
Tommy smiled, his gaze tender. "That's because we're unstoppable together, my love. Nothing can stand in our way," he whispered, their shared bond serving as a source of strength amidst the challenges they faced.
As the group continued their exploration, they stumbled upon a mysterious clearing in the woods. In the center stood a large pit that seemed to draw people in. Curiosity piqued, they decided to investigate.
"Hey, there are a lot of cultivators disappearing into the ground that way. Maybe we should check it out," Miranda suggested, her eyes narrowing with intrigue.
"Sure, let's go," Alaric agreed, his curiosity matching Miranda's. The team cautiously approached the pit when nobody was around. They noticed a staircase leading down, enticing them further into the unknown.
Excitement tinged with a hint of apprehension filled the air as they descended the stairs. The group soon arrived at a closed door, which bore the words "Labyrinth of Blood." Alaric read the words aloud, a grin spreading across his face.
"Shall we?"
As they stepped into the labyrinth, their banter and flirtatious exchanges temporarily gave way to the challenges that awaited them. The journey through the labyrinth was treacherous, with each floor presenting new obstacles and battles. They faced monstrous creatures, encountered other teams, and fought for valuable resources.
Amidst the chaos, Helena couldn't help but make a light-hearted comment to Alaric as they faced yet another wave of enemies.
"You know, Alaric, I thought our escape from the war zone was challenging, but this labyrinth seems to have a way of testing us even more. It's like the heavens want to keep us on our toes."
Alaric chuckled, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Well, Helena, I guess that's what we get for seeking treasures. We should have known they wouldn't come easy. But hey, at least we're getting our daily dose of excitement and adventure," he quipped, a playful glint in his eye.
The group fought valiantly, relying on their individual skills and the unwavering bond they shared. Each battle brought them closer together, reinforcing their trust and camaraderie. Their flirtatious exchanges and humorous remarks served as moments of respite amidst the relentless challenges they faced within the labyrinth's depths.
Eventually, they reached the final room, only to find a team from their sect already there, having slain the boss monster. Alaric, always diplomatic, stepped forward and introduced himself.
"Hey, I'm Alaric from the Divine Sword Sect, a personal disciple of Elder Cassian. I hope you don't mind if we pass to the next floor."
The team exchanged glances, assessing Alaric's group with curiosity and respect. After a momentary pause, The team's leader, a woman named Clarissa, smiled amiably at them, breaking the tension in the air.
"Well, Alaric, it seems you've got the determination and spirit to match Elder Cassian's expectations. We won't stand in your way. Good luck on the next floor."
With a nod of gratitude, Alaric led his group forward. They were tired of fighting and were shocked when one team from their sect attacked them earlier. They hoped really badly it wasn't the norm.
"Are you sure, Alaric? We can just see if there's anything worth buying from what they left behind and leave. If we continue to the next floor, we won't be able to leave it until we get to the last room there as well."
Catherine said hesitantly when she heard Alaric's decision. However, Helena was firmly on Alaric's side. Both were core disciples, and they'd never step back from a challenge issued by cultivators of an equal stage.
"Yes, we will not give up because of danger. The possible rewards here are great, but those on the next floor are even better."
They didn't need to rest since they didn't fight, and they just moved on.
"CAREFUL, IT'S A TRAP!"
They soon were overwhelmed by a powerful flood of bloodlust. The other team used the Terror Talisman, causing them to be paralyzed by fear for a moment. Using this moment, the other team struck.
"No, TOMMY!"
Tommy was the closest to the enemy, and he was the first to be slashed down. Catherine screamed in agony and was instantly freed from the bloodlust's suppression in her fury.
But her lover wasn't the only casualty. Helena managed to defend herself in the nick of time, but still lost an arm, while Miranda died instantly.
Alaric also managed to respond, and as the strongest member of the team, he only suffered a shallow cut on his torso.
"Catherine, run! We must run!"
"NO, I WILL KILL THEM!"
But they were surrounded, and Alaric knew it was a lost cause. Clenching his teeth, he used his techniques and broke the encirclement, dashing to the next floor, and leaving Catherine and Helena behind.
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