Li Yan carried the Blood Token as he led six senior brothers and sisters, including Ming Zhe, down the mountain.
He was like a military inspector, keeping watch over the six before him.
Following the mountain path down from Jingxu Temple, Li Yan stayed alert and kept his distance the whole way.
The six senior brothers and sisters, led by Ming Zhe, walked in front while he followed behind.
First, he wanted to see what the world below the mountain was like—and whether he might get a chance to escape.
Second, with other people scouting ahead, he could make a run for it early if they ran into danger.
If the sky fell, the six up front would hold it up!
As Old Daoist Xuanwang had said, as long as the Blood Token was in his hand, these six senior brothers and sisters wouldn't dare defy him.
The moment the Blood Token broke, all six would die on the spot—and suffer the consequences together.
Ming Zhe, walking at the front, kept turning back now and then to ask with a fawning smile,
"Junior brother, aren't you curious where we're going?"
Li Yan kept twenty paces between himself and the others, maintaining a safe distance.
His expression was cold, and his eyes held not a trace of emotion.
He merely replied in a flat voice, "Tell me."
Ming Zhe wanted to use this chance to get close to Li Yan.
Li Yan immediately raised the Blood Token in his hand, acting as if he were about to snap it.
Ming Zhe and the others instantly looked as though they were facing a great enemy. They nervously raised their hands, signaling for Li Yan not to do anything rash.
"Stay calm, junior brother! I'll back away right now."
Watching them, Li Yan