My Misfortune Crushed Instances-Chapter 280: Navigation Item

Outside the Divine Wood Forest, the Polar Alliance's team has grown once more, now with over a dozen people, turning this place into one of their strongholds.

The leader among them said, "This vast forest is most likely a source of high-quality items. Traditionally, no one is born inside these forests."

"Therefore, I believe we should stand our ground here, preventing any invasion from the Western Kingdom and the Dragon Country. Once we establish contact with the Masters, we can enter the forest to search for spoils."

This is the strategy of the Secret Realm battlefield.

Initially, all participants must regroup to find their companions and confirm the location of opportunities. If there's a site nearby worth exploring, we must send people to guard it to prevent it from being taken by other forces.

Of course, if other forces do try to meddle, then a battle would ensue, where strength determines justice.

"Priest, let's proceed as you said, but we still lack any information about our Masters."

A dozen people is sufficient for establishing a foothold. Exploring minor sites of spoils could be feasible, but the Divine Wood Forest is vast and endless. There might be Legendary level items along with powerful local creatures, and merely a dozen people might not suffice.

Just then, the scout Yor came rushing back.

"Boss! Boss! I found the marks left by Father Alan, followed them and discovered he is nearby. There's a heretical camp there. He said he would join us once his purification task is completed and he has acquired the spoils."

"That's fantastic."

The red-haired woman exclaimed with delight, "Father Alan is already level 50. Rumor has it that one of his skills has upgraded to level 5. With him, we can venture into the forest."

The Priest traced circles over his chest with his hands: "May the gods bless us."

.....

[Map of the Overseas Giant Island.]

[Description: A rough map with details that can be enhanced through NPC descriptions.]

Li Rui has earned the respect of the Power Ape Race, receiving a reward not from the system but as acknowledgment from the Monkey Demon elder within the tribe.

"Honored guest, please look."

The old monkey pointed to the map and said.

"The giant island is divided into four main states: Southern Zhangye State, Eastern Wangze State, Western Cold Wind State, and Northern Nuanyang State."

"We are located in the southernmost part of Zhangye State, the Divine Wood Forest."

"In this mountain forest, there are various Demon Races. The Giants were part of the Giant Ape Race but have been exterminated by the Flying Leopard Race. Now, our Power Ape Race is also in danger."

Elder Yuan Bu sighed with worry but continued, "I apologize, I am genuinely concerned. Continuing with the Divine Wood Forest."

"Among the Demon Races, the Yangli Race is the most notable, occupying the Central Divine Wood, which is rich in Spiritual Qi. The stronger they get, the stronger they become, while our tribe is divided in ranks. As the strength of the Ape Race weakens, the Flying Leopard and other clans take advantage to annex our territories."

Li Rui surmised that the central reward of Giant Wood Forest is most likely at the Central Divine Wood.

When he looked at the map again, he found new markings in the area of the Giant Wood Forest, depicting the distribution areas of various races along with their level ranges.

Apart from that, the Central Divine Wood was specially highlighted.

Li Rui's heart raced as he asked, "Elder, what gives the Flying Leopard Race the power to suppress the Ape Race?"

Yuan Bu replied, "It's because they possess a Holy Artifact that aids their tribe in cultivation."

Li Rui examined the map again and noticed a small treasure chest icon on the territory of the Leopard Demon Race.

"Damn!"

He felt somewhat delighted; this map was incredibly useful. As long as information is obtained from NPCs, the corresponding locations will be marked.

"I've just arrived shortly, and I've already acquired a guiding tool."

Secret Realm battlefield data suggests that upon entering, the best course is to acquire similar tools from local natives to tremendously boost the efficiency of finding opportunities.

Fortunately, the white headpiece enhances monkey language proficiency. Otherwise, without language comprehension, obtaining a map wouldn't be this easy.

The map has another function: verifying truth. Only when Yuan Bu conveys accurate information does it mark it. Vague or incorrect information won't display.

In other words, whatever appears on the map is verified to be true.

On examining further, he noticed that the Leopard Demon Rank in the Divine Wood Forest was lower-tiered, not much stronger than the Ape Race. The most formidable chief wouldn't surpass a level like Lie Huo Ben.

Li Rui's mind shifted as he inquired, "Elder, is there any treasure within the Divine Wood that the Yangli Race insists on guarding?"

"Rumor has it that there's significant treasure within the Divine Wood, but as to what it is, I'm unaware," Yuan Bu replied.

Li Rui looked down again and saw that the map now featured a golden question mark instead of a treasure chest icon.

"Great, golden and shiny just like a Legendary level."

"If I am to gain the Power Ape Race's favor, might as well help them get rid of their nemesis, and check if the map's really effective at yielding items."

After pondering a moment, he asked, "How do you plan to act, Elder? If the Flying Leopards harass again, how will you cope?"

A robust voice sounded, "We shall fight to the death; we can no longer put up with their arrogance!"

Monkey Demon Great King Yuan Ju approached.

At the moment, he donned heavy bone armor, the surface gleaming, a rarity indeed.

Li Rui asked, "With four out of the Five Flying Generals left, can you still contend?"

Yuan Ju replied, "I can't."

Li Rui further inquired, "Can you defeat the Flying Leopard Chief?"

"No."

"Then how do you intend to act?"

"Please, sir, if you assist my kin, I shall present you with grand gifts if it succeeds."

Li Rui nonchalantly responded, "How can I accept such courtesy? We act with chivalry and lend help out of righteousness, not for reward."

Yuan Ju bowed solemnly, "So be it. Our staff skills may not catch your refined eye."

Staff skills?!

Li Rui coughed lightly, "However! If I don't accept, you'd be troubled. Cultivation requires acting as one desires, so I shall accept."

"....."

Though Yuan Ju found the person somewhat odd, he didn't think much else. As long as the external threat was resolved, he'd be willing to agree to anything.

So, soon after, the Power Ape Race gathered all combat-capable demons, chattering as they set off to tackle the Flying Leopard Race.

Li Rui sat atop the giant brute's shoulder, pointing forth, "Move out!"

.....

In Eastern Wangze State, amidst a wetland, a dozen people were setting up a campsite.

"Those snake demons have such a bad temper; they attacked us without warning."

Yu Xin grumbled as she constructed a shelter with chopped giant banana leaves.

Here she met a few companions, including two senior members originally in her group, and encountered a team of Western Kingdom Secret Realm investigators. Both sides with similar numbers and seemingly no top-level experts, neither dared to engage and simply passed by each other.

In the early stages, all factions opted for cautious measures.

As they were setting up camp, the sentry assassin started mimicking bird calls. Everyone immediately dropped their tasks to prepare, but soon relaxed.

The newcomer at the perimeter was Dong Sanchuan.

"With Brother Chuan here, this stronghold is secured."

Yu Xin chuckled. She wasn't just flattering but expressed herself frankly and straightforwardly.

Dong Sanchuan asked, "What's the situation now?"

They explained to him the events.

"Oh.... A language barrier is indeed quite problematic. We should carefully approach the local tribes to see if we can garner goodwill. After all, the administrator mentioned that we might directly embark on a language-acquisition task so as not to miss crucial clues."

Among them, only he held the position of a team lead. According to protocol, he maintained temporary command based on rank until the main group is fully assembled.

He added, "I estimate it's the same around other parts of the island. No need to rush; proceed steadily."

"Yes!"

The morale in the camp slightly lifted.