My Misfortune Crushed Instances-Chapter 202: I’m a Rain Summoner, But I Can’t Heal

"Once we're inside, let's meet up first."

Wu Bing gave Li Rui a knowing wink, not that one would need sunglasses while lying in a chair. Gathering after entering the Secret Realm was standard procedure, but he mentioned it anyway—not to remind the other person, but because the Prophet lacked self-defense skills and felt insecure.

"Alright."

Li Rui nodded, then lay down.

Wen Yan stepped up and completed all the preparations on his own.

Li Rui still felt this was the most comfortable way, much more meticulous than those coarse old men in the Northwest.

"I know you're very capable, but remember to stay safe while gathering more items, okay?"

Wen Yan customarily reminded him, then watched Li Rui close his eyes.

Wu Bing sulkily protested, "Leader, why don't you care about me? We've known each other for ages..."

Before he could finish, his voice was abruptly cut off. The time had come, and the two had already entered the Secret Realm.

....

The Demon Dragon Valley is located in the northeastern part of Liangting Country, close to the Demon Race's land, Dangkong Mountain. However, the demons here and there don't share the same lineage; the ones in the valley have been entrenched for a thousand years, while the Dangkong Mountain demons were sent there by the Peach Blossom Empress.

Originally, the demons of the Demon Dragon Valley were local magnates, with deep roots and vast power. Though they occasionally clashed with the Human Race, their typical actions were border invasions to loot wealth and artifacts, rather than any grand ambitions of conquest.

But these demons are stubborn, refusing to bow to Dangkong Mountain, thus becoming squeezed between forces from that side and Liangting. Their territory has been gradually eroded, turning them into minor outlaws hidden away in the valley, similar to mountain bandits claiming kingship over their territory.

Li Rui figured this out when he read the strategy guide—the demons here are the playful but incompetent type, weak but constantly causing trouble. The backdrop of this Secret Realm is the abduction of a border commander's daughter by demons, prompting the commander to seek help from skilled wanderers.

The reason the general didn't go himself is because even after the barbaric beasts on Liangting's border were repelled, the forces in Golden Scale Marsh remain restless. They've shifted focus and imply a potential resurgence from the central eastern region of Liangting, causing border tension.

Reports from scouts suggest that the north side in Dangkong Mountain is also eyeing an opportunity to act, possibly responding to Golden Scale Marsh's movements at any moment hence urgent orders restrict military alterations, keeping soldier cultivators on standby in case of unexpected events.

Unable to violate these orders, the general discreetly dispatched a trusted squad, seeking aid from wanderers.

Thus, Li Rui is here.

When he opened his eyes, he found himself on a mountain path, accompanied by three others, Wu Bing and an unknown man and woman.

"Cangyun Association."

"Baili Association."

All at this level are veterans, skilled in what's to be done. They first stated their affiliations, confirmed some information with each other, and then began to learn about their temporary comrades' situation.

Li Rui and his companion learned that the other two belonged to a city-level association—a group leader and a deputy group leader; their professions were Martial Artist advanced to Martial Master, just like Zhang Hujun; the other had a rare support profession as a Prayer, not adept at direct combat but capable of providing immense support to allies.

"And you?"

The martial master, named Li Bailang, asked. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"I'm an advanced Rain Summoner; he's a Prophet."

"A Prophet!"

Li Bailang and the Prayer named An Qing reacted quite strongly.

Though the Prophet lacks self-preservation abilities, the organization has explicit regulations to offer help whenever encountered in the Secret Realm. Even without these rules, everyone voluntarily does so, given the Prophet's significant contributions.

For instance, they predict the shifting locations of overlaps in current reality, allowing action groups to wait comfortably until duty calls; without them, everyone would be on constant watch in barren lands, fearful of unexpected overlaps.

Wu Bing explained, "I can guide us, helping to find useful NPCs."

The pair nodded, then turned to Li Rui, "Are you advanced? Rain Master or Fog Manipulator?"

Li Bailang appeared more serious, as from the current lineup, only he was focused on direct assault, feeling considerable pressure.

However, Li Rui quickly lightened his mood, "I'm, uh, strong attack—not a healer."

"Hmm?"

Li Bailang hesitated, and An Qing couldn't help but glance at him, "Oh, inconvenient to disclose? Fine, what kind of attack type are you?"

At this point, Li Rui was quite cautious. Before entering the Secret Realm battlefield, one's specifics shouldn't be casually revealed, not due to distrust, but to avoid inadvertently informing spies from other factions.

"Physical attack, with Thunder Fire attribute," Li Rui replied.

"...."

Both showed expressions of constipation.

Thunder Fire attribute plus physical attack, claiming to be a Rain Summoner?!

If you don't want to disclose, no need to fib.

The two looked at each other helplessly but didn't say much; given their positions as leader or deputy leader, they wouldn't act impulsively.

"Alright, let's activate the main quest first and talk before the first checkpoint."

The four advanced along the mountain path.

"This way."

Halfway through, Wu Bing sensed an NPC's location, leading the way down from the path, walking through the forest until they saw a camp—a temporary resting place concealed among grass and trees.

"What took you so long."

Approaching, they spotted a man with leopard-print eyes standing next to a tent, dressed plainly but exuding unmistakable military vibes.

Li Bailang saluted with clasped fists, "The road isn't easy."

The soldier eyed the four and said, "We need to fight into Demon Dragon Valley, rescue the general's daughter; this journey is laden with danger. Let me make it clear: anyone lacking strength should retreat early; if trouble arises, no one can save you."

Wu Bing assured him, "Don't worry, we're all strong here."

The soldier cast doubt at Wu Bing, lacking the sharpening aura from casting spells, while the others seemed much better—particularly the young one, looking frightful, clearly tough.

He saluted with clasped fists, "Should we succeed, the general has great rewards waiting. Let's move."

Calling forth about a dozen troops from behind, they appeared to be soldier cultivators, possibly aiding in the boss fight.

Demon Dragon Valley isn't merely a narrow gorge, and it doesn't host just demons.

"The government has long wanted to eliminate the demons in the valley; however, the rugged terrain and isolated region, along with fears of Dangkong Mountain's demons exploiting chances to launch offenses, prevented action."

The soldier continued, "Ahead lie demons, along with abducted humans; we shouldn't all venture down boldly. I'll scout for information first, before striking at the heart."

Li Rui quickly intervened, "Um, sir, please let us scout instead; you all bear such heavy killing aura, clearly recognizable as military."

He knew that if the soldier persisted in scouting, they'd fail to gather intel and trigger forced combat, leading to escalation until the boss emerged, followed by failure.

After contemplation, the soldier agreed to his request.

[Main Quest Updated: Explore Ancient Forest in Demon Dragon Valley and find the path leading deep into the valley]