Such a complete Starlight Vine is worth quite a bit of magic stones on the market, and for Simon and the other two to share it like this is truly not easy.

"I'll give you the value in magic stones according to the market price. I remember a Starlight Vine costs about three Level 1 Magic Stones." Duke didn't want to owe them a favor and took out three Level 1 Magic Stones.

Anli shook her head, refusing the magic stones, and said, "We all agreed before we came, we are cooperating together, this is not a transaction relationship."

At that moment, a relatively young, sharp voice came: "Starlight Vine? I happen to need it, give it to me."

A short boy, about 1.4 meters tall, walked out, his eyes fixed intently on the Starlight Vine in Anli's hand.

"Uli!" Simon exclaimed.

Duke heard the name and remembered that this Uli was one of the people Simon had mentioned not to provoke previously.

Uli is from the Jokic Clan, a pure-blood wizard family that values pure bloodlines, never marrying non-wizards.

Since they mostly marry within the clan, their offspring often have some deformities.

This Uli was one such example, only 1.4 meters tall, with somewhat crooked features, looking rather uncoordinated.

But no one present dared to underestimate this thin Uli, and all were very tense.

It was unclear how many demonized items Uli had on him. His strength was also considerable, and with his background, no one wanted to conflict with him.

Simon was decisive and immediately said, "Anli, give him the Starlight Vine."

Anli gave Duke an apologetic glance and then tossed the Starlight Vine to Uli.

After receiving the Starlight Vine, Uli glanced at it and directly stored it in his Space Ring, a smile appearing on his face.

He sized up Duke and the others, seeming to weigh something.

Duke and his companions were very vigilant, their breathing slowed, apparently ready for battle.

Uli's eyes darted back and forth and finally seemed to give up, turning to leave without saying a word.

He probably wasn't sure if he could handle Duke and his companions alone, so after weighing the pros and cons, he gave up.

This is the benefit of sticking together. Even someone like Uli has to consider if it's worth it to take action.

After Uli left, Simon said, "Let's leave here first."

He was still afraid that Uli might return, and whether to fight or not would be troublesome then.

Someone like Uli is better not provoked if it can be helped, which is why he decided to take a step back despite the greater numbers.

But Duke didn't move. Instead, he looked up at Went and said, "You're in cahoots with Uli, aren't you?"

As soon as he said this, Simon and the others were a bit shocked, clearly not understanding why Duke would say such a thing.

Went's expression visibly changed, but he quickly regained composure and said, "Don't talk nonsense. Your lost Starlight Vine has nothing to do with me; don't pin it on me."

Duke smiled and said, "Then let me ask you, a few hours ago when we met, you said you had already met up with Simon and the others and were going to take me to them. But Simon said you just met them. So, who was it you met a few hours ago, if not Simon?"

"This..." Went was speechless, not knowing how to answer.

Seeing this, Simon and the others understood everything and also realized there was something wrong with Went, so they all kept their distance from Went.

Went seeing this scene, also understood he couldn't explain it away and simply stopped pretending, sneering, "That's right, I am indeed working for Lord Uli, it's my honor, and my family's honor."

"You lowly half-blood mages don't even have the qualification to lick Lord Uli's feet. This time you're lucky, but luck won't always be on your side."

As Went spoke, he slowly backed away, obviously also fearing Duke and his companions would attack him.

Duke and his companions were somewhat apprehensive of Uli backing Went, and none chose to act, just watched Went leave.

Simon and the others recalled their previous experiences and were somewhat fearful.

"I didn't expect Went to be this kind of person. It seems I underestimated the bloodline discrimination on the West Coast," Simon sighed.

"Thanks to Duke, otherwise we wouldn't know what might have happened today," Anli looked at Duke and said.

Upon hearing this, the others nodded one after another, all fearful of what could have been.

Judging by Uli's sudden appearance, Uli had likely been lurking around for some time, always following them.

Went being the visible one, Uli the hidden, cooperating with each other.

Had it been until nightfall when they all rested in one place, it would likely have been when Went and Uli acted.

Then, with Simon and the others being caught off guard, they'd likely have no escape from death.

Uli most likely couldn't resist jumping out upon seeing the Starlight Vine, after all, he was only thirteen years old, lacking some maturity.

Went likely also cursed this teammate of his for revealing too soon.

But in reality, with Duke present, even if Uli hadn't appeared, Duke would still have pointed out Went's problem later.

Having met Simon and the others, Duke didn't plan to return to the lakeside.

It was getting late, and going back would take quite some time. Besides, Uli and Went might still be nearby, so being alone would be dangerous.

With the four of them moving together, they could at least cause some apprehension.

The four of them finally found a place in a grove, which they used as a temporary campsite.

They didn't light a fire to avoid exposing their location, which might draw in beasts or other wizard apprentices.

A simple campfire wouldn't deter those high-level beasts, only wild animals.

Each of the four found a tree, climbed up to rest, while also keeping an eye on their surroundings.

Duke was reflecting on past events. The Shadow Insects he had set up around had not detected Uli's presence, indicating that Uli had used some kind of magic to conceal himself, leaving the Shadow Insects unable to find him.

In terms of the examination tasks, both Simon and Abel had completed theirs, Anli still needed one Moonlight Grass, and Duke needed one Starlight Vine.

After some discussion, they decided to go to the place Anli found the Starlight Vine the next day and see if they could find another one.

The island nights were not peaceful. Ever since these wizard apprentices arrived, the sound of beast roars could often be heard around, as well as explosions from spells.

Duke and his companions didn't dare sleep at all, all meditating to restore their spirits, ever alert to their surroundings.

Deep in the night, Duke was the first to open his eyes upon hearing some noise.

Noises continued to come from the distant forest, the sound growing closer.

Simon and the others also woke up as a result. Duke, looking into the distance, relied on his strong night vision ability and said, "This isn't good, it's a beast horde coming this way, run!"

After speaking, he stepped on a branch and leapt like a monkey to a distant tree, escaping the area.

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