The elder from the Song family seemed to skim over the grass, his pursuit of Zhong Yong relentless, even with the distance between his long strides. The younger group's eyes widened in collective fear. Were they destined to face their end? 0

In their midst, a giant rat, measuring a mere two meters, barreled forward, its aura more intimidating than the most armored tank.0

"With members from the Song and Zhong families leading the fray, it feels like we're racing to our own funerals," Zhou Yun exclaimed, panting as he ran. "Bound by these formidable elders, I don’t think we’ll be able to escape."0

Their energy waning, Zhou Yun's words only deepened their collective despair.0

But as Zhong Yong neared them, he stopped abruptly, tossing two radiant purple peaches in their direction, evidently for Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng. "This isn't your battleground," he scolded. "There's chaos brewing deep within this realm. Signal the spacecraft. Return to the New World immediately!"0

Then, turning resolutely to confront the approaching beast, he shouted with urgency, "Send the distress signal without delay! I too will seek an exit."0

Zhong Yong then directed the skirmish further away. His alert demeanor clearly conveyed his deep concerns. His offering of the mystical fruit seemed almost an afterthought compared to his dire warning of the impending danger. He wouldn't think of using these youths as a shield; in his view, they were all too fragile. A mere attack from the monstrous creature could easily wipe them out.0

As the distance grew between the two battling elders and the creature, their silhouettes faded, merging into the horizon. An icy realization gripped the group. The events had spiraled beyond their wildest fears. Even the mighty Zhong Yong was thinking of fleeing, abandoning his quest for the elusive herb.0

There they stood, naively having ventured deep...0