Jiang Han remained silent.
With a slightly perplexed gaze, he looked at the adventurers gradually turning into white light and leaving the city tower. He tightly grasped the Frost Cloud Sword, unwilling to let the curtain fall at this moment, but also helpless.
"Chih!"
Suddenly, a spear thrust from behind towards Herbert.
"Jiang Han, you must go!" Canter, who lost his skeletal horse, roared.
"Boom!"
The next moment, Herbert's arm swung, and his silver spear shifted backward, striking Canter cleanly, effortlessly killing it. The remains turned into scattered bone fragments, littering the ground.
-3285704!
A crimson number emerged.
With over three million damage, even a Canter at full health could not withstand it, let alone one already seriously injured.
"Ding! ~"
System prompt: Due to the killing of the Undead Knight Canter by the Holy Knight Herbert, point rewards are canceled!
"This is indeed a loyal dog." Herbert's tone was indifferent. He glanced at the bone fragments on the ground and then focused on Jiang Han. "Without last words... then die!"
The silver brilliance was sharp and straight.
His long spear thrust out, showing no mercy.
The clash between sword and spear produced a clear sound, shattering the ground where Herbert stood, creating a strong shockwave that sent Jiang Han and Daniel flying.
"!!"
Herbert's body trembled slightly, unable to control his backward step. He looked at the newcomer, involuntarily showing a surprised expression. "Ordinary Undead swordsmen cannot reach your level of strength. Who were you in your previous life?"
"..."
Although called an Undead Swordsman, the appearance was not that of a skeleton, but a pale-faced, slender man. He remained silent, blocking Herbert's inevitable attack. Afterward, he turned and rushed out, grabbing Jiang Han's armored arm and leaping.
"Bang!"
The ground erupted into a deep pit, and a horrifying crack extended from the edge, describing the overwhelming force of that leap as if it were visible.
The Undead Swordsman easily carried Jiang Han onto the city tower. Then, he exerted force again, using the city wall as cover, disappearing from Herbert's sight, leaving no trace.
Seeing this scene, Herbert did not pursue.
Because he lacked confidence in defeating the opponent. If he truly angered him, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"Hoo..."
Witnessing Jiang Han being taken away by Sheryl, Daniel felt relieved. His whole body went limp, turning into a peculiar bead emitting a strange aura within the dark glow.
"Great Lord of the Holy Knights..." The soldiers of the two legions, seeing Herbert, knelt one after another, bowing in submission.
Although the Holy See and the Imperial Authority were two separate institutions, their connection was ambiguous. The identity of a Holy Knight was noble, higher than their commanding officers, making it an undisputed honor.
Bending down to pick up the bead, Herbert silently observed for a while, then tightly clenched it. He gave the order, "Increase the bounty on the Dark Swordsman. Dead or alive, I want to see his head!"
"Yes!"
...
In the swift wind, the surroundings rapidly retreated.
"Why didn't you save Daniel?" Jiang Han, being led away by the Undead Swordsman, asked.
Cheryl did not stop her pace, still running at full speed. "Daniel triggered a celestial phenomenon; that was the Undead Mage's last move. After using it, he couldn't move and entered a countdown to death. Moreover..."
"Moreover?"
"The Undead Mage is of great importance to the Holy See. If I took you two away, Herbert would undoubtedly launch a pursuit. By then, not only could I not save you, but I might also end up sacrificing myself," Cheryl explained, "Herbert is manageable, but just now, besides the powerful attack from the city, there were other hidden strong individuals..."
"..."
Jiang Han fell silent.
Other hidden strong individuals?
How many powerful beings were observing this city defense?
Until they reached the mist-covered Phantom Swamp, hidden in the desolate forest, Cheryl released Jiang Han, calmly stating, "It should be safe now."
"Thank you," Jiang Han sincerely expressed.
As for why Cheryl appeared only at the end, he wouldn't inquire much. Rules were rules.
Shaking his head, Cheryl said, "No need for thanks. Daniel already mentioned in his letter that he hoped I could save your life at a critical moment. I am just fulfilling a promise!"
After saying this, he took out a map and handed it to Jiang Han.
This is...
Jiang Han immediately took the map and found a red mark in the center, seemingly indicating a treasure map.
"From today on, I am your new mentor," Cheryl said sternly. "Your performance in the Phantom City was excellent. I appreciate it. Still, if you want me to accept you as my disciple, you'll need to pass a test!"
"Ding! ~"
System prompt: Do you accept the quest [Find the Treasure]?
"Yes!"
Jiang Han would not be ungrateful.
Although he couldn't defend Phantom City, Daniel had mentioned more than once that as long as he lived long enough, they would meet again. It seemed Daniel had left a way for him.
All he needed to do was become stronger, explore, and understand the entire Tianheng Continent.
"Ding! ~"
System prompt: You have accepted the quest [Find the Treasure] (Difficulty: B)!
[Find the Treasure] (Difficulty: B)
Introduction: The Undead Swordsman Cheryl has hidden a mysterious treasure at the endpoint of the map. Please dig it out.
Quest Rewards: Become Cheryl's disciple
Failure Penalty: Lose ten gold coins
"Go!"
Cheryl waved his hand, disappearing into the mist. He said, "I know this quest won't be difficult for you. Go and return quickly."
"Yeah."
Jiang Han nodded, starting to carefully study the treasure map, preparing to set out.
However, before he could fully concentrate, a series of system alerts in his ears interrupted his thoughts—
"Ding! ~"
System prompt: Your main quest [Guard Phantom City] has been finally judged as a failure. According to personal contributions, you receive rewards: Experience +1000000, rare dark gold equipment [Clear Breeze Ring]!
"Ding! ~"
System prompt: Congratulations on completing the quest [Sow Discord]. You receive rewards: Experience +500000, golden equipment [Black Scale Wristguard], title [Darkness Master] has been slightly strengthened!
"Ding! ~"
System prompt: Congratulations on becoming the first in the city defense points ranking. You receive rewards: Experience +1500000, join the Dark Camp, and obtain the hidden class [Undead Swordsman]!
"Ding! ~"
System prompt: Since you have joined the Dark Camp and possess the unique hidden class [Dark Swordsman], you can choose to change the rewards or alter your class! (Note: According to the system's judgment, the rarity of the Dark Swordsman is higher than that of the Undead Swordsman; please choose carefully.)