Once inside, some of the Dark Hordes would be released from suppression to obstruct those who entered.
Besides Wu Mingyao, four others were fighting as well, all at the Near Dao Earth Immortal level.
These four fought in much the same style as Wu Mingyao. Clearly, they too were prodigies of the Confucian Dao.
Apart from them, five richly dressed young men at Peak Earth Immortal stood beyond the crimson glow. They had not rashly entered the range of the Sun Fire Tree.
"We really are... completely useless here."
One of the five spoke with a bitter expression.
"No need to say that. We still need to contribute when it comes to plucking flowers in the deep valley. We simply can't take part here."
"Heaven gives every man a talent for a purpose. Brother, there is no need to belittle yourself. The Sun Moon Plains must proceed steadily, lest casualties be needlessly increased."
"That's right. With the Nineteenth Princess and the four Young Masters taking action, they can securely obtain ten Fire Tree Hearts. It won't take much longer."
As the five conversed, they failed to notice Lin Xuan approaching through the thick fog on the Defend Dao Path, about to reach the southern Sun Moon Plains.
"Everyone, I heard earlier that Lin Xuan seemed to have entered the Nineteenth Princess's residence. The whole imperial capital was saying he intended to help her contend for the throne. So why did we end up coming along instead?"
During their conversation, someone asked in confusion.
"Something seems to have gone wrong, perhaps. I'm not very sure either."
"I wonder what would happen here if he came. His talent is rather monstrous. Could he increase the Nineteenth Princess's progress?"
"That's hard to say, but I don't think he could catch up to the