In the small courtyard, Li Yun and Zhao Zhen faced each other.
Zhao Zhen stood before Li Yun, his expression solemn.
The two Martial Kings who had accompanied him had not followed him in. Clearly, he had important matters to discuss in private.
"Prince Zhao, have you already sent people to investigate the Beast-Grazing Land?"
"Nothing gets past you, Chief Lin. I did send people to investigate."
His voice was low.
Li Yun nodded, unsurprised.
"What did they find?"
Zhao Zhen fell silent for a moment before speaking slowly. "The losses were severe. Ten people went in: three Martial Kings and seven peak Martial Dao Grandmasters. The ones who came back alive..."
He paused.
"Only one Martial King returned, and he suffered a terrible shock. His Martial King Will has nearly collapsed... He's practically a madman!"
Li Yun raised an eyebrow, a trace of horror crossing his face.
"He went mad?"
Zhao Zhen nodded, his eyes grave.
He looked at Li Yun with a complicated expression.
"Chief Lin, I want to know how you made it out of that place alive."
Li Yun said evenly, "I have my methods. But Prince Zhao, that isn't the point."
He pointed to the Dragon Soul on his shoulder.
"The point is, you should believe me now."
Zhao Zhen remained silent for a long while, then slowly nodded.
"Yes. We didn't manage to learn much, but the endless Weird Beasts beyond that rift, and the eerie aura that drives people mad, are enough for me to conclude that a great terror truly lies behind it."
He took a deep breath, his expression turning serious.
"That's why I came today. I want to discuss working together."
Li Yun looked at him with a faint, knowing smile.
"Working together? Weren't you making one excuse after another