Si Yan did as everyone else and pulled out a slender blade, brushing over the hilt with his fingertips. This had been given to him by his Master. Naturally, he cherished it, just like everything that person had given him. And just like with everything else, it was a reminder of his Master’s care and worry for him. He couldn’t disappoint him. Never but especially not now when his Master was set to move out as well and would wait for him in the place they had agreed upon. How could he make him wait for naught?

His gaze softened and he slowed down just a little. Raising his head to the people in front, he made sure that nobody was paying attention and then stopped right at the edge. At the same time, his thumb brushed over the edge of the hilt and he imbued a trace of spiritual energy into the array that was inlaid there. It wasn’t perfect but this could hide most of his energy, allowing him to blend into the environment so he wouldn’t easily be noticed as long as he didn’t make any big moves or rushed about.

Si Yan held his breath and waited but no one called out or even stopped. All of them continued to rush forward, single-mindedly focused on the battle lying ahead. Only when he was sure of this did he heave a sigh of relief and turned around, slowly walking back the way he had come.

Turning the next corner, he leaned back, barely evading the blade that came his way.

Two righteous cultivators stood in front of him, holding hands while one of them swung his sword at him again.

Si Yan huffed and jumped back another step, lowering his weapon instead of fighting back. “I mean no harm!”

Shen Lei raised a brow but didn’t bother saying anything. The person opposite was obviously a demonic cultivator. They had watched him come in with the others from the dreamscape. Shen Lei had also noticed his stealthy movements, realizing that something was off about this guy. Clearly, he had a separate goal from the others so it would be best to take care of him first or he might compromise their whole plan. In fact, with them being held back now, he was already doing that. They had to be fast about this.

Shen Lei struck out again, making Si Yan curse under his breath.

He had hoped that they could have a civilized chat but, of course, this was a lot more difficult to achieve when they met in this way. Ideally, he would have found someone from the righteous side after getting out of here.

He retreated again, not wanting to fight. Defending himself was alright but the less intent of fighting he showed, the better his chances to actually get what he wanted out of this. “I am not here to fight.” He grabbed his disciple token and threw it on the ground before retreating another two steps. “I’m from the Fei Jian Sect. You should know we’re different from the rest.”

Shen Lei also pulled back Luo Lin when their opponent threw something on the ground. At first, he didn’t even look at the thing for fear that this was simply a feint but hearing the demonic practitioner’s words, he glanced at it. Indeed, this was a disciple token and the words on it showed that it was from the Fei Jian Sect. Whether it was authentic or not … Please excuse him, but he wasn’t that familiar with the demonic faction.

The same couldn’t be said for Luo Lin. He wasn’t the type to fight and he knew it so before he went out on his first mission, he had checked a lot of information about the demonic faction to figure out how to deal with them when he encountered any of their disciples. Naturally, that included the major sects on the other side and the Fei Jian Sect was definitely one he had read a lot about.

“He really is.” He only whispered those words but raised his brows at Shen Lei. “Maybe hear him out? He hasn’t attacked once.” He knew the factions did not get along but his past experiences had proven that not everyone from the other side was necessarily scum of the earth. Some were … just there because of circumstances and the Fei Jian Sect was definitely a lot less evil in general. It could indeed be that this person was willing to talk instead of fighting.

Shen Lei hummed. “It’s just bad timing.” They had to get back and they had to do so fast. The remainder of the group should have almost arrived at the hall on the other side. They couldn’t delay any longer. At such a time, could they take a risk?

Luo Lin pursed his lips, thinking the same as his fiance. If it had been earlier or later, they could have taken some time for this but now … it just wasn’t possible. Still, there were many questions left open. If this guy could provide some answers … That would be helpful for sure.

Luo Lin clicked his tongue and then motioned back toward the entrance. “If you mean it, then you wait close by. We’ll get back to you after the fight.”

Si Yan stared at them, not sure if he could believe this. Maybe as soon as he turned around, he’d be attacked. But then, what choice did he have? He wanted to do what his Master had asked of him so he had to take the risk.

In the end, he inclined his head and put his sword away. “The one leading this group is the Pi Shi Sect’s Elder Gong. Maybe that’ll help.” He didn’t say anything else and turned, leaving the underground palace. As he did, all his muscles were tensed to the extreme so he could react if they attacked him from behind. Until he had walked to the end of the corridor, nothing had happened though. He didn’t check and simply continued to walk back, soon finding himself in front of the gate.

As for Luo Lin and Shen Lei … as soon as the person was out of sight, they exchanged a glance, stepped into the dreamscape, and rushed to the corridor in front of the hall, barely making it in time before the group from the demonic faction arrived.