Although Feng Lingzi, the Young Leader, and the others had held their "secret meeting" discreetly, they had still failed to hide it from Ling Tian. He didn't know what they had been "plotting," but clever as he was, he could still piece some things together. The Young Leader's earlier reaction only strengthened his suspicions. Naturally, he wouldn't give them such an opportunity. It was the one thing he could least bear, so he had made up his mind not to let Feng Lingzi and the others get far from him. Only then would they have no chance to do it.
The Young Leader was worldly-wise and shrewd with age. Seeing Ling Tian suddenly change his tune, and recalling his own reaction just now, he knew Ling Tian must have grown suspicious. He hurriedly composed himself, then said gravely, "But you know perfectly well that staying together doesn't necessarily make us safe. To put it bluntly, if Venerable Sword Saint captures or kills you, won't we all be killed too?"
"Exactly. Weren't you always the one suggesting we split into two groups? Why have you suddenly changed your mind?" Feng Ling picked up the thread. She was somewhat anxious as she said this; if Ling Tian insisted on having them stay with him, their earlier plan would no longer work.
Ling Tian was clever too, and knew the Young Leader had said that on purpose. He chuckled. "I have no choice. Before, you'd have been safe if you separated from me, but things are different now. Venerable Sword Saint has realized how important you are to me. If he can't deal with me, he'll naturally target you and use you to threaten me. You won't have much chance of escaping his pursuit, especially if Chi Xue and the others intercept you