"Should we pursue them?" Thomas asked Rex.
"No. Let them go," Rex replied with a shake of his head. "Our objective is not to destroy our enemies. It is to complete this exploration mission safely."
After the battle ended, the crew began inspecting the damage and carrying out repairs.
Surprisingly, apart from a few minor surface scratches, none of the three exploration ships had suffered any serious damage.
"Captain, the strength you displayed just now..." Amy looked at Rex with a hint of shock. "I felt that you were much stronger than usual."
"When people face danger, they can always unleash potential beyond their normal limits," Rex answered calmly. "Besides, those enemies were not particularly strong."
Rowan quietly observed Rex from the side.
He could clearly sense that the strength Rex had just displayed was far beyond the level of an ordinary sixth or even eighth-level Stellar warrior.
Although he had not yet reached the Universe level, he was already extremely close.
This Rex has been hiding his true strength.
Rowan narrowed his eyes slightly.
He is definitely not as simple as an ordinary explorer.
"Ronan, your performance just now was very good," Amy praised him. "It was your first time encountering a situation like that, yet you managed to remain calm. That is quite rare."
"Thank you. It was mainly because Captain Rex and everyone else were too strong. I barely had a chance to do anything," Rowan replied modestly.
That was the truth.
From the beginning of the battle to its end, Rowan had barely found an opportunity to make a move.
The other members of the Wings of Freedom Exploration Group had already handled the situation perfectly. They simply had not needed his help.
"It seems our group is much stronger than I thought," Jack said excitedly. "With this level of strength, finding the treasure of a King-level Immortal should not be a problem."
"Do not celebrate too early," Rex warned him. "The enemies we encountered just now were only minor players. The real challenges are still ahead of us."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"Furthermore, I suspect those people were not encountered by chance. Someone may have deliberately arranged that attack."
"What do you mean?" Thomas asked.
"Think about it. Our departure time and route were kept secret, yet those people were able to track us accurately," Rex explained. "That means either someone leaked our information, or someone began monitoring us from the moment we left the port."
His analysis sent a chill through everyone.
If someone had truly been watching them from the shadows, then the danger of this exploration mission had just increased significantly.
"Should we change our plans?" Amy asked.
"No. We will continue according to the original plan," Rex said firmly. "However, we need to remain more vigilant and be prepared to respond to any new threats at any moment."
"Captain, I have a suggestion," Rowan suddenly said.
Rex turned to him.
"We could arrange some counter-surveillance measures. For example, we could send scouts out at regular intervals to inspect the surrounding area."
"Good suggestion," Rex said approvingly. "Thomas, arrange it."
After the battle, the fleet resumed its journey.
However, the atmosphere was now completely different from before.
Everyone understood that this exploration mission was far more dangerous than they had originally expected.
"I am becoming more and more curious about what makes the treasure of that King-level Immortal so special," Jack said while inspecting the equipment. "It has attracted the attention of so many different forces. It definitely cannot be an ordinary treasure."
"Storm King Severus was a legendary powerhouse," Amy explained. "His comprehension of the Laws of Storms reached an extremely high level. If someone could obtain his inheritance, it would be an enormous opportunity for any warrior."
"It is not just his inheritance," Thomas added. "King-level Immortal warriors usually possess enormous amounts of precious resources. Rare materials, high-level equipment, and perhaps even cosmic secret techniques."
Listening to their discussion, Rowan gained a deeper understanding of the exploration mission.
Indeed, the legacy of a King-level Immortal was an irresistible temptation to most warriors.
That also explained why so many different forces had become involved.
"There is another important point," Rex suddenly said.
Everyone turned their attention toward him.
"According to what I know, Storm King Severus obtained a legendary treasure during his lifetime. It was called the Stormheart."
"Stormheart?"
Everyone was immediately drawn to the name.
"It was an artifact capable of greatly enhancing one's comprehension of the Laws of Wind and Lightning," Rex explained in detail. "According to legend, a warrior who possessed Stormheart could control all the storm forces in the heavens and earth."
"If that treasure truly exists, then it is incredibly valuable," Amy sighed. "No wonder so many people have come searching for it."
"However, that is only a legend," Rex reminded them. "Its authenticity still needs to be verified. Our primary objective is to search for any valuable relics. We must not place all our hopes on a single specific treasure."
As their journey continued, the number of ships on the sea gradually increased.
Clearly, as time passed, more and more exploration groups were setting out toward the target area.
"Looks like the competition is going to be intense," Jack said while observing the ships in the distance.
"That is normal," Rex replied calmly. "The real competition will take place beneath the sea. There are not many teams capable of diving to sufficient depths while maintaining their combat strength in such an environment."
"What about our diving equipment?" Rowan asked.
"Top-tier," Jack said proudly.
"Not only can it descend to a depth of ten thousand meters, but it is also equipped with various life-support systems and communication devices. More importantly, we have specialized deep-sea combat equipment."
"Deep-sea combat equipment?"
"Yes. In a deep-sea environment, ordinary attacks become significantly less effective," Jack explained. "Our equipment has undergone special modifications and can function normally even under extreme pressure."
After hearing this explanation, Rowan's opinion of the Wings of Freedom Exploration Group rose even higher.
Clearly, Rex had invested a great deal of resources and effort into building this team.
"How much longer until we reach the target area?" Amy asked, checking their progress.
"At our current speed, approximately three more hours," the navigator answered.
"Then use this time to inspect all our equipment once more," Rex ordered. "Pay special attention to the deep-sea exploration systems. Everything must be in perfect working order."
During the rest of the journey, Rowan continued observing every member of the group.
After the earlier battle, he had discovered that these people were all stronger than they appeared on the surface.
Rex was especially suspicious.
The strength he had displayed had already caused Rowan to question his true identity.
Would an ordinary explorer possess this level of strength?
Rowan silently pondered the matter.
And his knowledge of King-level Immortals is unusually detailed. There is definitely something suspicious about him.
However, no matter what secrets Rex was hiding, he currently appeared to be a trustworthy captain.
At the very least, when faced with an external enemy, he had protected the entire team without the slightest hesitation.
That alone proved that his character was worthy of respect.
As time passed, the mist over the sea began to grow thicker.
Visibility gradually decreased.
This sudden change in the environment caused everyone to become more vigilant.
The mist could be a natural phenomenon.
But it could also be an obstacle deliberately created by another force.
"Maintain formation. Do not spread out," Rex reminded the other two ships through the communication system. "It is easy to lose our bearings in this mist."
At that moment, Rowan's mental power detected something unusual.
Deep within the mist, it seemed that other ships were moving.
And there were quite a few of them.
"Captain," Rowan decided to warn Rex. "I sense that there may be other groups inside the mist."
"Are you certain?"
Rex immediately took the matter seriously.
"My perception is more sensitive than most," Rowan answered cautiously. "I cannot determine their exact positions, but there are definitely other energy sources moving nearby."
Rex closed his eyes and extended his own mental power in all directions.
A moment later, he opened his eyes again.
His expression had become serious.
"You are right. There are at least five or six different groups moving through this area of mist," Rex confirmed. "It seems our target area is even more popular than we expected."
"All ships, reduce speed and activate the detection systems at maximum power," Rex immediately ordered. "With visibility this low, a collision is the greatest threat."
The three ships belonging to the Wings of Freedom Exploration Group began moving carefully through the thick mist.
Rowan stood beside the ship's railing, continuously using his mental power to sense the surrounding environment.
This mist was indeed unusual.
Not only was its density extremely high, but it also contained a strange energy fluctuation that interfered with ordinary detection equipment.
"Captain, the sonar system is being heavily disrupted," Jack reported nervously. "There is some kind of unknown energy within the mist. It is blocking our signals."
"What about the Law Fluctuation Detector?" Rex asked.
"That is affected as well, but it can still barely function."
Jack rapidly operated the equipment.
"I can detect strong energy reactions within a range of approximately three kilometers."
Suddenly, violent explosions echoed from the distance.
A moment later, the energy fluctuations created by countless Law attacks colliding with one another spread through the mist.
The entire sea of fog began to tremble violently.
For a brief moment, several gaps appeared in the mist.
"Someone is fighting!" Amy immediately concluded. "And the battle is quite large."
"How far away?" Rex asked.
"Approximately two kilometers northeast," Jack answered while checking the detector. "The energy fluctuations are extremely powerful. There are at least twenty Stellar-level warriors engaged in combat."
Rowan concentrated his mental power toward that direction.
He quickly sensed the exact situation.
Deep within the mist, two groups were indeed engaged in a fierce battle.
Every collision between their attacks produced a tremendous explosion of energy.
"Which two groups are fighting?" Thomas asked curiously.
"Based on the energy signatures..." Rowan carefully analyzed the information he sensed.
"One side primarily uses the Laws of Fire and Metal. Their attacks are powerful and aggressive."
"The other side mainly uses the Laws of Water and Earth. Their fighting style focuses more on defense and control."
"That sounds like the Flame Battle Group and the Tidal Exploration Team," Rex said thoughtfully. "Those two groups were still at the port yesterday. I did not expect them to clash so quickly."
"Should we go over and take a look?" Amy asked. "If we have the opportunity, we might be able to obtain some useful information."
"That is too dangerous," Thomas objected. "Getting involved in someone else's battle will not benefit us. We might even expose our strength."
Rex fell silent for a moment.
"We can approach and observe, but we will not actively interfere."
He looked toward the mist-covered sea.
"Understanding the strength of the other exploration groups is valuable to us as well."
"Good idea," Rowan agreed.
Know yourself and your enemy, and you will never lose a battle.
Under Rex's command, the three exploration ships carefully approached the battlefield.
As the distance decreased, the sounds of explosions became increasingly clear.
Flashes of light created by various Law attacks appeared and disappeared within the mist.
They looked like lightning flickering beneath the surface of the deep sea.
"One kilometer," Jack reported. "The energy fluctuations here are already extremely strong. If we get any closer, we may be discovered."
"Stop here," Rex decided. "Everyone remain silent and observe the battle."
Rowan stood at the bow of the ship and extended his mental power to its limits.
He carefully observed every detail of the battle.
Through layer after layer of mist, he could clearly see the situation between the two groups.
The Flame Battle Group had eighteen members.
At its core was an eighth-level Stellar Fire Law warrior.
The remaining members ranged from the third level to the seventh level of the Stellar rank.
Their tactics were direct.
They used powerful Fire Law attacks to suppress their opponents while coordinating with Metal Law warriors to launch sharp and devastating assaults.
The Tidal Exploration Team had slightly more members, with twenty-two in total.
Their captain was also an eighth-level Stellar Water Law warrior.
Their tactics were far more conservative.
They used the Laws of Water to construct a powerful defensive system while using the Laws of Earth to control the battlefield and restrict their opponents' movements.
"How is the battle going?" Amy asked quietly.
"It is very intense, but neither side has gained a clear advantage," Rowan answered softly. "Their overall strength is fairly close. Both sides have their own advantages."
At that moment, the intensity of the battle suddenly rose to another level.
The captain of the Flame Battle Group suddenly erupted with terrifying Fire Law fluctuations.
His entire body seemed to transform into a miniature sun.
The surrounding mist was instantly evaporated by the intense heat, creating a massive empty space.
"Flame Domain," Rowan recognized the technique immediately.
"The eighth-level Stellar Fire Law warrior is finally getting serious."
As the Flame Domain expanded, the temperature throughout the battlefield rose sharply.
Cracks began appearing in the defensive formation of the Tidal Exploration Team.
Several weaker members were forced to retreat.
However, the captain of the Tidal Exploration Team was clearly no pushover.
He rapidly formed a series of hand seals.
The seawater surrounding the battlefield began to boil violently.
Massive amounts of steam rose into the air, creating a direct confrontation with the extreme heat of the Flame Battle Group.
"Tidal Domain," the captain muttered.
In an instant, a gigantic sphere of water appeared at the center of the battlefield and enveloped all the combatants.
Within the water sphere, the members of the Tidal Exploration Team moved as freely as fish in the sea.
Meanwhile, the power of the Flame Battle Group's Fire Law attacks was drastically reduced.
"Interesting," Rex said while observing the confrontation between the two Domains.
"The strength of both captains has reached the peak of the eighth level of the Stellar rank, and their understanding of the Laws is exceptionally profound."
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