(Question: What's the secret to longevity?)
Luo Feng noticed Tang Xuewei's expression and smiled as well: "Anything is possible in this Ocean World.
There's nothing to be surprised about.
Even if the Calabash Brothers fought Thanos in the future, I wouldn't be shocked.
Let's keep moving forward.
We should focus on obtaining the Mist Fruit first.
It's not too late to head to Verdant Grassland after we've improved our strength a bit more."
Hearing Luo Feng's words, the two women stopped hesitating and followed him onward.
Just then, a figure emerged from the surroundings of Mist Island.
This figure was none other than Hu Zhou, who had previously been pursued by the Black Ghoul.
His sudden appearance immediately drew everyone's attention.
Although Luo Feng didn't know Hu Zhou,
Hu Zhou was a Four-Star Bounty Hunter, a rather famous figure in Mist City.
Thus, the moment he stepped out of Mist Island, all the surrounding bounty hunters turned their gazes toward him.
When these bounty hunters got a clear look at Hu Zhou's condition, they were all stunned.
Their faces filled with disbelief.
In the past, whenever Hu Zhou, this Four-Star Bounty Hunter, entered Mist Island, he would always lead his team back with a full haul.
But today was completely different.
Not only were his team members nowhere to be seen,
his body was also covered in wounds as he fled Mist Island in panic,
as if some terrifying creature were chasing him from behind.
Seeing this, the surrounding bounty hunters were deeply puzzled, unsure what could have happened.
"Am I seeing things? Isn't that Hu Zhou, the Four-Star Bounty Hunter from our Mist City?
How did he get so badly injured?
Did he run into some incredibly powerful creature?
Could he have ventured deep into Mist Island?
Otherwise, I can't imagine any creature in the island's outskirts that could scare him like this."
"I saw it with my own eyes—Hu Zhou entered Mist Island with five others.
Now, he's the only one who came out. Did all his teammates die?
Keep in mind, Hu Zhou is Tier 4, and all five of his teammates were Tier 3.
With such an elite lineup, even encountering a few Tier 4 creatures shouldn't have frightened them this much.
Could they have run into a Mythical Tier 5 creature?
If that's the case, it means they must have truly gone deep into Mist Island this time."
"Earlier, we noticed some unusual activity in Mist Island—the surrounding Mist has grown thicker than before.
I wonder if Hu Zhou's ordeal is related to these changes?
I was planning to wait for the Mist to thin out a bit before entering the island. Seems like that was the right call."
After emerging from Mist Island, Hu Zhou didn't dare linger.
Though he knew the creatures inside couldn't leave the island,
if by some chance the Black Ghouls managed to break free, the consequences would be terrifying.
He had nearly been killed by those Black Ghouls just moments ago and didn't dare linger here for another second.
Yet, he still had some conscience left—he couldn't leave without warning the others.
He began shouting at the top of his lungs: "Everyone, don't go into Mist Island anymore!
The monsters from the depths of Mist Island have already reached the outer regions.
My squad and I encountered several Black Monsters—we stood no chance against them.
Even I only managed to escape because someone intervened and saved me during my flight.
Right now, Mist Island is undergoing extremely abnormal changes.
Stay as far away from it as possible.
Anyone below Level 4 who enters Mist Island is doomed.
Even at Level 4, if you run into multiple Black Monsters, you'll still die without a doubt!"
As Hu Zhou spoke, he didn't slow down, sprinting straight toward Mist City.
The surrounding Bounty Hunters were stunned by his words, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.
It was as if they had heard something utterly inconceivable.
For a moment, the Bounty Hunters erupted into heated discussions.
Some of the more timid ones had already started fleeing alongside Hu Zhou.
Though they were all Bounty Hunters, they weren't the kind who threw their lives away recklessly.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have lingered around Mist Island for so long without venturing inside.
"Is… is this for real? Black Monsters capable of killing Level 4 fighters have appeared in the outer regions of Mist Island?
That's just too terrifying.
With my Level 2 strength, going in there would be suicide!
Thank goodness I didn't rush in earlier.
I think it's best to get as far away from Mist Island as possible."
"Why doubt it? Hu Zhou is a Four-Star Bounty Hunter. If even he says so—covered in wounds and fleeing for his life—he has no reason to lie to everyone.
Actually, the truth of his words is easy to verify.
Anyone who dares can just go into Mist Island and see for themselves."
"That's why my brother still hasn't come out…
He said earlier he'd only stay here for two hours at most before leaving.
But now, three hours have passed, and he's still not back.
At first, I wasn't worried—he's Level 3, so the outer regions of Mist Island shouldn't pose any danger to him.
But now, I can't help but feel anxious. What if something happened to him inside?
He's my own brother.
No, I have to go in and find him!"
After Hu Zhou's warning, the Bounty Hunters around Mist Island began spiraling into panic and wild speculation.
Most of them had already started retreating slowly.
After all, if even Level 4 Hu Zhou was fleeing, it wasn't safe for these Level 2 and Level 3 Bounty Hunters to stay.
If those Black Monsters Hu Zhou mentioned really did emerge, they wouldn't stand a chance.
Soon, nearly all the Bounty Hunters around Mist Island had fled.
Only a few reckless ones remained, determined to wait and see what happened—
just in case there was some benefit to be gained.
These were the classic types who valued money over their lives.
Hu Zhou hadn't gone far from Mist Island when he suddenly spotted a familiar face.
It was none other than Fan Haixin—his peer in rank.
At this moment, he slowed down his speed.
Fan Haixin also reduced his pace upon seeing Hu Zhou.
Since Fan Haixin was also a Four-Star Bounty Hunter, he was very familiar with Hu Zhou.
The two of them had an excellent relationship and had often completed missions together in the past.