Needless to say, Zhi Guan indeed wanted to check on Luo Lin. Even though nothing could be done for the time being, just knowing how he was doing would put his mind somewhat at ease. He nodded as soon as Blue Butterfly brought it up, then inclined his head toward the two Elders, and turned to look for his third junior martial brother and Shen Lei.

Long Shu Fen also glanced at the Elders again before following him. Even though they weren’t as close, her presence shouldn’t feel like too much of an intrusion, right? Anyway, she had nowhere else to be. Until Shang Qiang arrived, she was here on her own. Ah, she wondered if he could convince Tong Chen to come along. The guy was now in charge of protecting the younger disciples but she’d feel a lot better if he was with them …

It didn’t take long for the two of them to spot the young couple. They were resting at the side with Shen Lei tightly holding Luo Lin in his arms. As they came closer, it became obvious that Luo Lin had fallen asleep but Shen Lei was awake, gently brushing through his fiance’s long hair with his fingers, gazing at his sleeping face as if he was trying to remember every last detail of it.

Zhi Guan moved behind Luo Lin and sat down in the lotus position, attracting Shen Lei’s gaze.

“Returned?”

Zhi Guan nodded. “Just now. We went to inform the Elders and then came over.” He consciously lowered his voice, not wanting to disturb Luo Lin. They wouldn’t have time to rest later so it was best to get in some sleep or meditation right now. Others were doing the same so silence was important, especially considering the heightened senses of cultivators.

Shen Lei didn’t move and simply continued to brush through Luo Lin’s hair. “I guess that’s the last thing to take care of. There is nothing else left.” It went without saying what this meant: Now, they could only wait. Afterward, it would be time to fight until the bitter end.

Zhi Guan hummed, not knowing what to say either. They knew each other well but at this time, there were no words to be had even between them. Anyway, none of it would matter and the little they might be thinking of was already clear to the other: If something happened to them but the other survived, they’d want them to take care of the ones left behind and they both knew that they would do this whether it was for each other or for Luo Lin’s sake. So really, no words were necessary.

Long Shu Fen sat down next to Zhi Guan and looked from one person to the other. Seeing them simply stay silent felt awkward but she had seen Tong Chen and Yan Jian Hong get along in a similar vein in the past. The former seldom talked unless spoken to while the latter wasn’t one to bother others and felt satisfied just simply having company. A conversation was a nice addition, not a prerequisite. Presumably, it was the same for these two.

She didn’t feel comfortable injecting anything so she also kept quiet, her gaze brushing over the three people and then the other disciples around them. Many were resting, especially the younger disciples. The older ones usually meditated, gathering a bit more strength before the final battle. Overall, the hall was filled with people and yet, she hardly heard anything save for the faint sound of breathing. It was eerie.

Long Shu Fen held back a sigh and instead looked at the Elders. Elder Xing and Elder Diao had gone to gather the other four and were now talking to them in the distance where they wouldn’t disturb the disciples and could discuss the new arrangements for the reinforcements. She still had to speak to the Elders of her own sect. Just thinking of it made her stomach hurt.

If only things could be easier. These complicated, convoluted plans, the insane years-long preparation of the traitors, the small details that were so easy to overlook but could change everything in a heartbeat … she hated all of it. She’d much prefer if everyone just went to gather in an open field and battled it out straightforwardly. But then, this was a ridiculous hope as well.

The war between the righteous and the demonic faction had never been fought like that and it certainly wouldn’t be in the future. There was too much at stake, too much to lose, and too much to win by playing foul or at least coming up with these kinds of strategies. It wasn’t even just the demonic faction that worked that way. Their righteous sects weren’t any different.

She closed her eyes, not wanting to think about it any longer, and became as much of a quiet background as everyone else. After a while, the only change was the light sound of steps as the disciples on patrol returned and a new group moved out. The Elders’ discussion also seemed to come to an end and all of them returned to their previous spots.

Long Shu Fen opened her eyes and this time, she indeed sighed. Turning to Zhi Guan, she motioned over there. “I’ll go and speak to my sect’s Elders.”

Zhi Guan inclined his head and stayed where he was. Obviously, this conversation was nothing he should be a part of. No, this was Blue Butterfly’s own fight. And considering the topic, he didn’t feel like saying anything to encourage her either. After all, no matter what, it was a bad thing. She’d hate what things had come to.

Long Shu Fen didn’t expect any rousing speech from him either. While some encouragement might have been nice, he simply didn’t seem like the type to give any. She got to her feet, also nodded at Shen Lei, and then quietly made her way over to the two Elders. Now, it was time for the truth. Hopefully, she’d be able to at least catch a glimpse of it during this conversation.