The group of disciples led by Elder Gong had made their way through the border region and was now close enough to actually see the underground palace in the distance.

The Elder raised his hands to make them stop and turned around, his gaze brushing over the people behind. “We’re here. Those righteous cultivators should still be inside so be ready when we enter. They should be weakened from the previous fight so I expect you to do your best and take all of them down. There’s no need for prisoners.” The Wu Yun Sect had kept some before but he really didn’t see a need for that. Wasn’t that plan about to come to fruition? Why bother with anything else then?

The disciples quietly acknowledged his words with a nod. Only the disciples of his own Pi Shi Sect gave a short answer, gripping their weapons more tightly.

Looking at the group of people, it was obvious that everyone stayed close to the other disciples of their sect. They really had no feeling of being a team working together. To them, the others were just … there.

At the back of the group, Si Yan glanced at the other disciples of their Fei Jian Sect and his eyes narrowed. “Master doubts they’ll be as exhausted as Elder Gong believes. It’s more likely that they’ll have prepared some nasty surprises since then. Keep that in mind and stay back as far as possible without being noticed. If they want to get themselves killed, then so be it but we don’t have to play cannon fodder for others.”

There were only three disciples of their sect and none of them studied under the same Master as him. Still, between a senior of the same sect and an Elder of another sect, they knew who to listen for. All three of them inclined their heads, committing his words to memory.

Si Yan kept quiet, his gaze wandering over the groups from the other sects. Theirs wasn’t much smaller than theirs but still slightly so. Not to mention that some sects were closer than others. “We’re just four people but escaping alone is even easier so split up later on to be prepared for the worst case.”

This time, the other three disciples side-eyed him. Would they just escape? Just what had Elder Chang said? Did he have more information than Elder Geng and the Elders of the other sects? They had their doubts but they couldn’t ask right now. It was difficult enough to communicate without drawing attention right now. As the others were also quickly exchanging a last few pieces of advice it hadn’t been too obvious yet but now, the others had fallen silent so they could only nod again and keep those questions hidden in their hearts.

Si Yan was too lazy to care about their gazes. He just thought of his Master’s reminders before. As soon as they entered the building and split up, he’d find a way to leave. He wouldn’t risk taking these three. Just as he had said: Four people might not be much but it was still three additional people who might draw attention or do the wrong thing at the wrong time. He just couldn’t risk it. In his mind, while the Fei Jian Sect was important, it couldn’t compare to his Master so he wouldn’t do anything that could bring trouble to the latter. If a mere three disciples had to be sacrificed for that … so be it.

The group finally moved again and silently made their way over to the gate of the underground palace. Elder Gong pulled out his weapon and opened the door, striding straight inside.

Si Yan raised his brows. This guy … he really took absolutely no precautions, did he? It really was for the best to leave the demonic faction. How could they and their sect thrive here?

The disciples of the Pi Shi Sect stepped into the building right after him, showing no hesitation whatsoever either. The other disciples exchanged glances but made their way inside after a short moment of observation as well.

Si Yan glanced at the other three and motioned ahead before walking in himself. He also took the opportunity to put some slight distance between them. Splitting up directly would be much too obvious but just spreading out by a few steps might seem like trying to get ready for a fight where they weren’t too restricted by people being in their path. Nobody would think too much about that.

In fact, Si Yan thought right: Two of the groups in front noticed their movements, exchanged glances, and then followed the same idea, putting a little more space between them so they’d have an easier time fighting.

Si Yan held back a smile. This was going quite well. Soon enough, he could find an opportunity to slip away and then either find someone from the righteous side in the building or simply make his way back outside. To be honest, the latter seemed more reliable right now but he wouldn’t dismiss any possibilities before he didn’t get the chance to even take the first step.

The group moved down the hallway, Elder Gong in front spreading out his spiritual sense to check their surroundings and naturally noticing the group hidden deeper in the building. He huffed as soon as he did. “Seems like they’re hiding like cowards. The previous fight must have exhausted a lot of their strength. Let’s not wait any longer and move in. Try to take them by surprise. They’re sitting turtles in that spot!” With that, he directly rushed ahead.

The disciples followed after him, only slightly slower. This time, many took the opportunity to prepare for the fight and get in a suitable position for the battle, as well as taking out a few objects to start the fight with. After all, a big surprise at the beginning could decide the outcome earlier which meant less effort and danger in the fight. Why wouldn’t they take advantage of that?