Chapter 351: Rescue

"Found them," a Highland Mage shouted outward, "both of them are here, and they both appear to have lost consciousness."

"What happened?" Du Zhengyi could not wait any longer and walked straight into the cave that the Highland Mages had warned him repeatedly not to approach. A cave-in had recently occurred deep within the cave, and Luo Qi and Zhou Quan had unluckily fallen into a large pit created by the collapse.

"They might have fallen and gotten hurt," the Highland Mage said. "They are both still alive; wait for the Doctor to come over before going down."

Du Zhengyi was furious to the point of exploding; he wished he could shake Luo Qi awake right now and give him a good scolding to vent his frustration. Besides, he had never intended to pay attention to the Highland Mages' slow-paced way of doing things; if he had relied on their wise rhythm, they would still be examining traces and would never have found this place. "I'm going down to take a look first."

Before the Highland Mage could manage to offer any advice, Du Zhengyi had already jumped into the deep pit.

His landing was extremely effortless; he didn't even perform a rolling motion to cushion the impact, standing up cleanly and neatly.

From the top of the pit, the Doctor peered down and assessed, "This pit isn't that deep either. How could the two of them have fallen and become unconscious? Are Mages' legs and feet really that clumsy?"

"Doctor, since you can see it isn't deep, come down immediately and take a look at them," Du Zhengyi said from the bottom of the pit, having already walked to Luo Qi's side to check his pulse.

"Alright, alright." The Doctor looked down again. "Is the ground level?"

Du Zhengyi did not speak. The Doctor had no choice but to set up a safety rope himself and find a way to lower himself down. Although it was said to be not deep, that was only by Du Zhengyi's standards.

"Doctor!" Du Zhengyi urged him, finding him dawdling as he prepared to descend.

"Coming, coming." The Doctor looked below and felt the distance was about right, then flicked the rope to retract the Magic effect and let go, landing on the ground.

Du Zhengyi had already placed a bundle of clothes under Luo Qi's head. "See if he's alright; I don't see any serious injuries."

"Tsk, aren't you going to lend a hand with first aid for the one over there?" the Doctor said, already beginning to perform a medical scan on Luo Qi.

"If the one over there hadn't egged Luo Qi into coming out, they wouldn't have fallen into the cave now," Du Zhengyi said. After receiving a stern look from the Doctor, he reluctantly went to look after Zhou Quan.

"Luo Qi is fine," the Doctor said a moment later, withdrawing the Medical Magic he had released onto Luo Qi. "He might have a slight concussion, but he will wake up at any time."

After finishing, the Doctor went to check on Zhou Quan, but was startled as soon as he began the examination. "He has a bump on his head; didn't you notice?"

"How would I know? Wasn't his head already oddly shaped to begin with?" Du Zhengyi said.

"You..." The Doctor thought better of it and proceeded to treat Zhou Quan with nimble hands. "You're actually venting your anger."

"I have always been realistic," Du Zhengyi said with a cold face. Just then, Luo Qi groaned, suddenly showing signs of waking up.

Du Zhengyi's subsequent complaints vanished. He reached out and poked Luo Qi's face. "Luo Qi?"

Luo Qi groaned again, as if he knew he was here, and his hand moved toward him, trying to lift it. Du Zhengyi gripped his hand firmly. "You're fine, don't worry."

"Alright, take him away. He has no internal injuries and can be moved," the Doctor said, as if wanting to wave Du Zhengyi away so he wouldn't get in his way. However, he frowned again. "I don't feel good about this place; it's a bit evil. Hurry up and send them both back."

Du Zhengyi nodded, leaned over to pick up Luo Qi, and took him back to the surface first.

A few minutes later, the Doctor finished the preliminary diagnosis on Zhou Quan. It took a bit of effort to move Zhou Quan, as he needed to be kept lying flat. Later, the Highland Mage used Floating Magic to steadily lift him out of the pit.

Mage Hashi was waiting in the valley outside the cave; he had only arrived after learning the news that they had been found. From afar, Du Zhengyi saw him standing at the entrance of the valley holding a lamp, seemingly unwilling to step even one foot onto this red land. His brown-and-red robe fluttered in the wind, which at first glance reminded him of the thorny plants that grow against the wind in gravel-filled valleys.

"Mage." When he reached him, Du Zhengyi greeted him first. This place was not considered a holy site for the Highland Mages, but it was a forbidden area they avoided; asking them to come here to help was actually quite difficult for them.

Mage Hashi raised a hand to stop Du Zhengyi's thanks and apologies. "Are they alright?"

"The Doctor says it's nothing serious. Zhou Quan might still need medical assistance, but Luo Qi will wake up soon," Du Zhengyi said.

"That's good," Mage Hashi said, looking at Luo Qi with some concern. "A Mind Mage shouldn't come near here; it's too dangerous. Fortunately, he is fine. How about you?"

"Me?" Du Zhengyi asked, puzzled.

"High-energy Mages shouldn't come here either," Mage Hashi said, beginning to prepare a Teleportation Track. "But since you are fine too, perhaps the taboo here is nothing more than a legend."

"Are there any potential hazards?" Du Zhengyi asked. "If there are any aftereffects, I will have the Doctor keep an eye on them."

Mage Hashi had already opened a door and gestured for Du Zhengyi to go first; Du Zhengyi nodded and walked in.

They appeared in the Highland Mages' small living room. Du Zhengyi didn't have time to say anything else and quickly returned Luo Qi to his own room, settling him on the bed.

Great Mage Hashi came over to personally examine Luo Qi while Du Zhengyi waited patiently on the side. When the Highland Mage finally withdrew his Magic Energy, Du Zhengyi said, "I apologize on their behalf for causing such a big mess."

"Du Mage, it is nothing," Mage Hashi said gently; Du Zhengyi could tell his attitude wasn't actually stern. "It was my oversight that they would go so far, and that valley is very secluded. Don't misunderstand, it is not a sacred or inviolable place for the Highland Mages; we do not go there to cultivate. Du Mage, that is not a good place; please do not let your people go near there again in the future. Highland Mages never go there. Although I cannot say why we cannot go there, the ancient teachings have been passed down from generation to generation and have become our habit; the reasons for them have long since vanished without a trace."

"I understand," Du Zhengyi said, giving Mage Hashi his assurance. He had nothing else to say; they were too unfamiliar with the Highland Mages' way of life and traditions.

"Brother," Luo Qi called out to him vaguely from behind, and he hurriedly turned around.