The three members of the Light Purple team and the two nearby Silver White team members were almost instinctively, momentarily hesitant, their attention caught by the token flying out.

After all, seizing the token was the main goal.

In that instant, the Fighting Spirit within Duke erupted with unprecedented intensity, his speed suddenly increasing. However, the direction he rushed towards was neither the token’s landing point nor the weak spot in the encirclement, but towards Light Feather, who had just stopped and was looking back.

Light Feather completely did not expect Duke to attack him first when he was in danger; he was shocked and hurriedly raised his sword.

"Pfft!"

Duke’s curved blade pierced through Light Feather’s hasty defense at an incredible angle, slicing across his shoulder blade and causing a spray of blood.

At the same time, Duke’s left hand moved with lightning speed, pulling off the small pouch at Light Feather’s waist, which was supposed to be empty but was slightly bulging. Inside was a light purple Token Crystal.

Light Feather had secretly obtained the token from the Light Purple team but kept it hidden, possibly intending to exploit others to gain all the credit or having other plots in mind.

"You...!" Light Feather cried in pain, the color drained from his face.

Duke paid no heed and, while seizing the Light Purple token, used the recoil from hitting Light Feather as a pivot, spinning his body like a top to narrowly dodge a sword and spear attacking him from behind. Then, without hesitation, he bolted towards the deepest, mistiest, almost unexplored area of the Stone Forest, in the opposite direction from where he had just thrown the light blue token.

His silhouette was instantly swallowed by the thick mist.

Behind him, the members of the Silver White team and Light Purple team, now aware, were both shocked and furious. Some rushed towards where the light blue token landed, while others attempted to pursue Duke, but due to the mist, the terrain, and the sudden change, their formation became chaotic, and their efficiency greatly decreased.

Gang Yan and Dewdrop, relieved from pressure, took the chance to break free and also moved towards where Duke disappeared.

Time slipped away quickly amid the final chaos, pursuit, and occasional brief skirmishes deep in the Stone Forest.

When the ending whistle pierced sharply through the mist of the Stone Forest, a Duke covered in scrapes and bruises, his breathing somewhat erratic but eyes still sharp, slowly emerged from the densest fog.

In his hand, he tightly gripped the light purple Token Crystal.

The location of his own light blue token and the Silver White team’s token had become a mystery in the chaos.

On the clearing at the edge of the Stone Forest, Priest Moran, several instructors, and the two High-level Guards waited silently.

The surviving candidates returned to the team one after another, most of them injured and looking exhausted.

Light Feather stood aside, holding his shoulder, his face pale, not daring to meet anyone’s gaze.

The tallying of results soon came out.

Duke’s team, having successfully seized and retained an enemy token and performed exceptionally in the melee, received the highest evaluation.

Gang Yan and Dewdrop naturally made the cut, and Duke, for his decisive action, tactical adaptability, and achievement in seizing the token, won a spot without dispute.

Although he lost his own token, his handling of the situation was viewed by the instructors as a decisive and effective emergency strategy.

The Silver White team retained their token but failed to capture others, ranking second, with two members selected.

The Light Purple team, having lost their token and performed averagely, had only one person selected due to satisfactory personal combat ability.

Light Feather, suspected of hiding information and betraying teammates, faced elimination and further investigation.

In the end, out of twelve candidates, only eight met the requirements after three rounds of stringent selection.

Priest Moran’s gaze slowly swept over the faces of the selected eight, especially pausing on Duke, before slowly speaking, "Congratulations to you.

From this moment, you will become members of Lady Lirandella’s outer guard.

Remember your duties and honor. Tomorrow, someone will acquaint you with your new residence and rules."

Duke slightly lowered his head, hiding the flash of light in his eyes.

The most crucial step was finally taken.

...

Early the next morning, under the guidance of a newly appointed instructor responsible for guidance, Duke and the other seven new outer guard members left the refuge camp where they had lived for months, heading towards the true core area of the Moon Scar Clan.

The white stone path beneath their feet grew wider and smoother, and the magical plants meticulously cared for on both sides became more lush and precious.

The moonlight and natural energy flowing in the air transitioned from rich to a nearly tangible thickness, making each breath feel like inhaling and exhaling liquid moonlight essence, invigorating the spirit, and causing the Fighting Spirit within them to become spontaneously active.

This was a prominent feature of approaching the core radiation of the Level 3 Moon Well’s Moonglimmer.

The scenery along the way was distinctly different from the outskirts.

The tree houses were more exquisite, mostly utilizing the branches of living ancient trees to create natural structures, draped in glowing vines and moss, with windows inlaid with thin and transparent crystals or moonstones.

Some important structures, like the priest halls, warrior training grounds, and craft workshops, were carved from enormous, seemingly mountain-integrated alabaster stones, their surfaces adorned with natural moonlight patterns, solemn and mysterious.

The number of Elf residents significantly increased, their attire and aura more outstanding.

Upon seeing this newly led outer guard squad, most cast curious or scrutinizing glances, free of malice, exhibiting more of a faint clan-based attention.

Occasionally, one could see Elf elders in splendid robes, exuding deep auras, walking slowly by, accompanied by respectful attendants, showcasing their extraordinary status.

They passed through a tranquil woodland encircled by huge crystal orchids, crossing a graceful moonstone arch bridge spanning a silver light stream, eventually reaching a higher altitude area guarded by towering ancient trees.

This was the core area of the clan, the residence and activity range for the guard and associated personnel.

First in sight was a relatively low yet exceptionally sturdy silver-white wall constructed from a mix of animated thorns and moonlight metal, with small lookout towers embedded with detection crystals standing at intervals.

The wall was not completely sealed, with several gates guarded by sharp-minded and well-equipped clan guards.

The level of these guards was generally between middle and high Level 1, their eyes sharp, discipline stringent, vastly different from the soldiers with disordered origins at the refuge camp.

After the instructor presented credentials and underwent strict verification, the squad was allowed to enter inside the wall.

Here, there were no disordered shanties or tents; everything was in order.

In the center was a wide training square paved with smooth moonstone slabs, where some guards were currently conducting morning exercises, their actions uniform, the glow of Fighting Spirit interweaving, the aura of killing intent pervasive.

Around the square, there were several uniformly styled two-story stone-wood structures in silver-white and dark green as the main color, including the guard barracks, equipment depot, tactical meeting room, and medical office.

On a higher elevation on the north side of the training square stood a more magnificent three-story building, as if carved from a single piece of smooth white jade.

Atop the building flew the banner of the Moon Scar Clan, and the windows were of giant colored moonlight glass, shimmering with a dreamlike luster under the purple light of Iris Surrender.

This was the Moonwatch Castle, where Moon Dancer Ysera and her direct kin, as well as the High-tier priests and chiefs, resided and handled clan affairs.

And the legendary Moon Scar Moonglimmer Moon Well and Moonwatch Platform were located in a strictly guarded area behind this fortress.

Just standing here, Duke could feel the vast and profound energy waves emanating from the direction of Moonwatch Castle.

The wave was pure, powerful, full of life vitality, yet carried an awe-inspiring majesty.

The energy radiation of the Level 3 Moon Well reached its peak here.