Fang Hong turned around and saw the black shadow, and at the same time, the other party noticed him too, both clearly startled.
When Fang Hong took a closer look, he saw the opponent wearing a purple robe, a low-hanging hood, holding a magic wand. This must be an Arcanist from the Eye of Revelation. However, this person seemed short, not like an adult.
Similarly, the Arcanist was visibly flustered upon suddenly seeing someone appear beside them, even raising their magic wand towards him, opening their mouth but failing to utter a single spell.
At this moment, Fang Hong reacted and couldn't help but curse inwardly; indeed, a Combat Artisan is not suitable to wander alone outside. While controlling the Clockwork Fairy, it's too easy to neglect the surroundings.
But seeing the Arcanist raise their magic wand instinctively made him raise his right hand and shoot out a Rocket Fist. The two were too close when they discovered each other, and the Arcanist was hit straight in the abdomen, bending over like a cooked shrimp.
Fang Hong didn't expect his attack to be effective, paused for a second before going forward and pushed the opponent away, then ran past them.
The Arcanist was pushed down to the ground, letting out a muffled grunt, making Fang Hong freeze for a moment—was it a woman? Thinking back, the weak response felt in his hand might have indicated this.
But he didn't have time to think much, as Wu Xiaopang and the others could face trouble at any moment. Uncertainly glancing back, he sped forward, knowing he was exposed and would be discovered soon. He needed to escape this place quickly, preferably meeting up with the guard corps Abed brought.
No matter which side these Arcanists were on, they wouldn't dare act openly before Istania's ruling power.
He rushed past the corner with quick strides, his vision shrouded in darkness. Yet, with the dark vision provided by the Dragon King's Blood and previous memories controlling the Clockwork Fairy along this route, he smoothly arrived at the destination.
There wasn't the entrance to that room but a sealed wall.
But this spot was precisely what he had chosen, so without hesitation, he took out the Fire Giant Spirit, forcefully throwing it forward. The rotund Clockwork Fairy rolled out rapidly.
A few seconds later, light flashed in the darkness, and a blast of wind surged forth.
Fang Hong had already turned back when a loud explosion sounded, and the ground shook heavily, a gust filled with sand and stones came rushing in. Though standing far enough and with the hood of the Alchemist's Coat pulled up, stones still hit the hood, the impact felt through the fabric.
Fang Hong couldn't bother with this, looking back, the Fire Giant Spirit's explosion was indeed shocking, the wall there had vanished—at least a part of it had—with a large hole appearing amidst the smoke and dust.
Yet, through the smoke, Fang Hong faintly saw Wu Xiaopang's group behind. Someone was knocked to the ground by the blast, while others in shock looked this way, unsure of what had happened.
Seeing this, Fang Hong breathed a sigh of relief, their position was just right—not too close to be caught in the blast, nor too far for rescue. He was merely estimating a direction, and now it seemed luck was actually on his side?
The Arcanists on the dais were clearly startled, only their leader reacted, shouting: "Stop them!"
Unfortunately, the guards had rushed to the door earlier, unable to return in time. That's precisely why Fang Hong chose not to break out through the main entrance. He dashed in, waving to Wu Xiaopang's group, shouting: "Get out!"
Wu Xiaopang and his companions stood stunned for a moment, then overjoyed, thinking they were sure to be captured, only to have this unexpected rescue. The formidable presence of their savior almost moved Wu Xiaopang to tears, his companions hurriedly helping each other as they hurried towards him.
Once they reached Fang Hong, Wu Xiaopang was visibly emotional, shouting: "You arrived just in time, you saved us again, you're really awesome. If I were a girl, I'd probably fall for you!"
As an Adventurer, Wu Xiaopang had completed various tasks—though as mentioned earlier, most people wouldn't take risks with their Starlight recklessly. To Fang Hong, this was just a minor setback, but to them, it felt like the most intense encounter of their adventuring life.
Just imagine being surrounded by a group of natives ten levels higher, trying to capture them. The last time Wu Xiaopang faced such trouble was at Blood Thistle Keep, but there it was only a Necromancer, now there was a whole squad.
Speaking of which, the last time was also related to Fang Hong, though he didn't think much of it at the moment.
Hearing Wu Xiaopang's words, Fang Hong couldn't help but shiver, glancing at the latter's physique, he resisted the urge to kick him back, replying dryly:
"Less nonsense."
The other two chuckled to themselves; though in danger, Invokers naturally have this trait, life-threatening situations aren't frightening but exhilarating.