Silver Lotus Wood don’t die easily, but if they reach a point where they can’t move at all, then they’re very difficult to save.

"Sigh... Casualties are an unavoidable part of battle," Lü Xiuning sighed heavily. "When we get back, our first priority will be to discuss with Dean Wu how to console the teachers and students whose Silver Lotus Wood were lost."

Han Ning remained silent. He’d been in this world for some time now. Everyone’s survival depended on the Silver Lotus Wood, and losing the companions they spent every day with was a huge blow to the Beast Masters.

But to protect their home, they had no other choice.

"We can talk about this when we get back," Han Ning said. "For now, let’s clean up the scene and return to the academy. We have three live Insect-men waiting for interrogation."

To get more information about the Insect-men, Han Ning had specifically told Egg Pancake not to kill those three, wanting to take them back for interrogation.

He thought it over carefully. ’The most likely reason the Insect-men found us was because Teacher Liu Yueming’s party entered those strange ruins.’

’They might have touched some kind of trigger, alerting the Insect-men.’

’Another possibility is that I attracted their attention when I played the Insect Flute.’

’But that’s highly unlikely. I’d play the Insect Flute, and a minute later, the Insect-men would already be behind us.’

’Given the swarm’s speed, it would have been impossible for them to be that fast unless they could use Instant Teleportation.’

’So... the chances of the Insect Flute attracting them are slim. At most... the Insect-men already knew our location, and the sound of the flute just happened to draw the swarm’s attention.’

In any case, since the Insect-men possessed some means of locating them, it was crucial to interrogate them thoroughly. A massive battle had already taken place. If there were other Insect-men around, they had likely already discovered their position. If not, they could take preventive measures.

Interrogating the Insect-men to get information was of the utmost importance.

The Silver Lotus Wood transformed into unfeeling tow trucks, one by one, using their vines to entangle the insect corpses and drag them back to the academy.

Dean Wu, a few elderly teachers, some injured students, and the non-combat logistics staff were all gathered outside the East Gate of the dormitory area, pacing anxiously.

What little hair he had left was ruffled by the gentle breeze, looking slightly messy.

The hair’s owner seemed to have no mind to tidy it, letting a few stubborn black strands fly about as they pleased.

"Dean Wu, the battlefield is clear. We’re on our way back."

Only when Dean Wu heard Lü Xiuning’s brief report over the walkie-talkie did a hint of relief finally appear on his anxious face.

Upon returning to the academy, their first priority wasn’t to interrogate the Insect-men, but to check on the condition of Liu Yueming and his companion.

In the conference room of Building A.

"Dean, how are Teacher Liu and the other one?" Han Ning and the others asked urgently after taking a sip of tea.

"Not good," Dean Wu sighed. "They’re in a deep coma, and Dr. Sumarokov and his team are at a loss."

"Sumarokov is a doctor from Blue Star. Now that we’ve crossed into an Otherworld, it’s not surprising he’s at a loss when it comes to injuries sustained here."

Han Ning’s brow furrowed. His gaze swept over three giant, two-meter-tall mud balls by the door. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. He pointed at the three comatose Insect-men inside, their heads lolling to the side, and said,

"We can bring Lena over and ask these guys how to solve what’s wrong with Teacher Liu and the other one."

Lin Tianhe whispered, "What if the Insect-men lie?"

"We’ll interrogate them separately and compare their stories," Teacher Zhou suddenly added.

"Lena should understand some of their body language, but who here has experience with interrogations?" Dean Wu looked up at the group seated before him.

"I’ll do it," Lü Xiuning volunteered, raising his hand. "I’ve seen a few cop dramas. I’ve never done it for real, but I can give it a shot."

"Alright. Does anyone else want to sit in?" Dean Wu asked.

"Count me out. I used up too much Spiritual Power just now. I need to go back and rest for a while. I’ll catch up on the news when I wake up."

Han Ning rubbed the bridge of his nose, his voice laced with exhaustion.

Dean Wu nodded, giving him a gentle smile. "Yes, you’ve been through a lot. Go get some rest. If anything happens, I’ll send someone to get you."

"Good luck, everyone." Han Ning stood up.

He wasn’t an expert at interrogations, and with layers of Silver Lotus Wood standing guard, he wasn’t worried about the three Insect-men suddenly escaping.

It was best to leave specialized work to the specialists. After saying his goodbyes, he headed back to his dorm.

His two Soul Beasts had also been through a fierce battle and were mentally exhausted. He decided to recall both Yin Yi and Egg Pancake into the Soul Beast Space so they could all rest together.

Soul Beasts recovered their Physical Strength and Spiritual Energy faster inside the Soul Beast Space than in the outside world. It was like a hibernation pod that induced a deep sleep, helping them rest more effectively.

"Yin Yi, Egg Pancake, sweet dreams."

"Ling!" "CHIRP!" From inside the Soul Beast Space, Yin Yi and Egg Pancake responded in unison, curling up and obediently closing their eyes.

Not even five seconds after his head hit the pillow, Han Ning was fast asleep.

He hadn’t been this exhausted since he first arrived in this world...

...

When he woke up, it was already pitch-black outside.

Han Ning rubbed his head. He could feel that his deep sleep had restored about a fifth of his Spiritual Power.

He felt a little more refreshed.

With a thought, the air in front of him began to ripple.

WHOOSH! Yin Yi and Egg Pancake emerged from the ripples.