Xiao Yun was silent for a moment. "Can the Angel Squad handle a Soul Douluo-level Undead on their own?"
"They can, but it will cost them." Worry showed in Spirit Flame Maiden's eyes.
"The day before yesterday at Beast Stronghold, the Angel Squad sacrificed two Soul Saints to destroy a Soul Douluo-level Undead Zombie. Yesterday at Spirit Insect Stronghold, they lost another one."
Xiao Yun looked at her. "Spirit Flame Maiden, do you want me to step in?"
Spirit Flame Maiden bit her lip and lowered her head. "Teacher Xiao, I don't know. If you step in, your identity might be exposed. If you don't, the Mountain Clan might—" She did not continue.
"I understand. Don't worry too much. If it truly reaches a critical moment, I'll act." Xiao Yun patted her shoulder.
"For the next few days, I'll disguise myself as your guard. But unless it's a critical moment, I won't step in to save you."
Spirit Flame Maiden lifted her head and looked at him, her eyes a little red. "Senior Xiao, thank you."
Xiao Yun shook his head. "Go on. Do what you need to do. I'll follow you."
Spirit Flame Maiden nodded, turned, and walked toward the city wall. Xiao Yun followed behind her, restraining his aura and lowering his head like an ordinary Mountain Clan warrior. No one noticed him.
Xiao Yun had just stopped beside Phoenix Flame Maiden and had not even had time to speak when the distant horizon changed.
A black line appeared on the horizon. It was not the sparse, broken black line from before, but a thick, impenetrable one that stretched from east to west, like a giant beast opening its bloody maw.
The black line grew thicker and drew closer.
The earth was trembling—not that faint, almost imperceptible tremor,