The leader did not rush out. First, he scouted the road leading to the city gate.
He saw no Scarlet Firmament Sect members ahead, only scattered rocks blocking his view. He turned back to the others and lowered his voice. "Go around to the right. Once we reach open ground, don't stop. Make straight for the gate."
At his words, everyone rallied their spirits.
They had spent so long in hiding. Now that Linchuan City was finally in sight, none of them wanted to delay any longer.
Xia Li followed behind, supporting an injured fellow disciple. The disciple tried moving his right leg and said, "It's much better. I can walk on my own."
Seeing that his steps had grown considerably steadier, Xia Li let go.
"All right. Stay close."
They continued along behind the scattered rocks, and soon the city gate came fully into view.
The thunderous clashes outside the city had not stopped, and the azure barrier continued to shudder, but the Luochen Sect banners still flew atop the walls. At the sight of several disciples guarding the city, Xia Li finally felt a little more at ease.
The city had not fallen.
Once inside, they would no longer have to fear someone charging out from behind to kill them at any moment.
The leader stopped beside the last boulder, checked once more that no one was nearby, then waved his hand.
"Go!"
All eight dashed out together, heading for the gate.
Xia Yun Huang followed close behind the disciple ahead of her, watching the walls draw nearer with both anxiety and anticipation.
Meanwhile, a guard atop the wall spotted them and hurriedly called to the person beside him, "Quick, report to Elder Xu! Another squad of disciples has returned!"
One of the disciples in the squad noticed