The next day.

All of them had gathered.

Grim said, "Let's go."

Another group mission had begun.

On the first day, they came across a small village.

They took a rest in the village and continued their journey the next day.

They came across a river on the second day, and a forest on the third day.

However, on the fourth day, they came across a vast desert.

Meng Rong informed, "Brother Grim, this desert is the last thing between us and fiery highlands. However, we need at least 4 days to cross this desert."

Grim replied, "Alright, we'll keep moving and rest at night."

They traveled 100 km (62 mi) in a day and took rest at night.

During their journey, they came across various beasts like scorpions, snakes, foxes, lions, bears, and so on.

However, the beasts were at the peak mutation realm mostly. So, Grim was able to take care of them without much effort. He had made 1000 Evo in a day.

"It's way better than the individual mission."

They were able to cross the desert on the fourth night.

Meng Rong said, "Brother Grim, the fiery highland is 50 km (31 mi) from here."

Grim stated, "Ok, we will travel tomorrow. Take rest, I'll be on night watch today."

Teng Guo hurriedly spoke, "I'll be on night watch brother Grim, you don't need to trouble yourself."

"It's ok. I'll be on the night watch." Grim responded

"If you say so brother Grim." Both Meng Rong and Teng Guo went to sleep.

They resumed their journey the next.

They were no longer in the desert. So, they were able to reach the destination within half an hour.

Meng Rong commented, "We're here, brother Grim."

Grim looked in front of him, and he was greeted with unique scenery.

There were many hills and mountains in front of him. The entire highland was covered in two colors, either orange or yellow.

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Grim took a step toward the highland. Suddenly, he was assaulted by high heat.

Meng Rong started explaining, "Brother Grim, everything here is imbued with 'fire' element. So, you have to be careful about high temperatures."

Grim asked, "Do you know what caused it?"

"I don't know. However, it is rumored that the source is within the innermost part of the highland, and if you can absorb it. Your affinity with 'fire' will reach the advanced level."

Grim was surprised. He has never been able to increase his affinity to the advanced level, and now there was an opportunity.

Grim asked again, "So, why has no one tried?"

"It's not they have not tried. It's just no one has succeeded. All of the cultivators who tried have been burnt to death."

"It is said that you need to be a realm above evolution to try it safely."

Grim went into deep thought, "A realm above evolution."

"Alright, no point in thinking about it then. Let's search for the fruit."

Grim started searching for the fruit.

Suddenly, Teng Rong shouted, "Brother Grim, what does the fruit look like?"

"It has a round shape, and there will be juices dripping from its bottom."

Teng Rong responded, "Brother Grim, I might have found what we are looking for. But, there is a problem."

"Wait, I'll come there and check it myself." Grim went to the place where Teng Rong was standing.

There was a tall tree in front. It was as tall as a ten storied building and thick as a house.

It was giving off a fiery aura, and fruits were hanging on the branches.

However, the problem was the pack of fire foxes guarding it, and all of them looked strong.

Grim called out for Meng Rong, and he arrived soon.

"You guys handle one each, and I'll handle the remaining." Grim dashed forward.

"Water Blade" He launched a water blade at the nearest fox

It was cut clean.

[Congratulations to the host for eliminating fire fox]

"You have obtained 700 Evo"

"Dash" Grim disappeared from his position.

"Water Blade" He launched the attack again.

Another fox was killed.

"Dash"

The fire foxes didn't know where he would appear next. So, they started spamming 'fireball' in every direction, in hopes of landing an attack on him.

After a few minutes, the attack had subsided. But, he was nowhere to be found.

"Water Blade" x3

A voice came from up.

The foxes looked up instinctually. They could see three water blades coming towards them. However, it was too late to dodge.

Three more foxes were sliced clean.

There were still five remaining. But, he was able to deal with them in 20 minutes.

By the time he was done, Meng Rong and Teng Guo had also dealt with their target.

"I'll go pick the fruits." Grim climbed the tree and started picking the fruits.

"Catch." He dropped the fruits.

Meng Rong and Teng Guo started collecting the fruits.

There were 40 fruits in the entire tree, and Grim picked 31 of them.

"What is the juice dripping from the fruit? Let's check how it tastes." Meng Rong touched the juice with his finger and licked it.

"Wow, it's sweet." He was surprised

However, his body started heating immediately. It was turning red like a ripe strawberry.

Grim climbed down from the tree and immediately he saw Meng Rong turning red.

Grim hurriedly asked, "What happened to you, brother Meng?"

"I just licked the juice of the ember fruit."

Grim scolded, "Why would you do something so stupid?"

"I'm fine brother."

"The fruit can improve your affinity with fire. That's why my body is reacting in such a way." Meng Rong assured him.

The effect wore off after a couple of minutes.

"My affinity with 'fire' has improved by a small amount." Meng Rong was happy.

"Now, let's distribute the remaining fruits."

"We only need ten fruits to complete the mission. So, we can distribute the rest." Grim suggested

He announced, "There are 21 fruits. So, each gets 7 fruits, and I won't accept any extra. You both need to improve your affinity too."

Meng Rong and Teng Guo thanked him.

They returned to the mission hall in a week and completed their mission.

Each one got 50 points.

But, Grim benefitted the most from this mission.

He made 8000 Evo in the desert, and 7000 from killing 10 fire foxes.

[Evo points left: 59,750]