The hunchbacked old man and all his companions aimed for the vortex at the very top. Only by reaching it and entering the first trial could they completely shake off the red flood dragon.
Originally, they had planned to enter the first trial together. With everyone joining forces, the difficulty of the trial would be significantly reduced, sparing them from depleting too much spiritual energy.
The remaining spiritual energy could then naturally be saved for the second trial.
Chapter 1433