The night over Black Stone Valley was heavy.
The black mountain walls on both sides looked as though they had been scorched by fire, their surfaces crisscrossed with cracks. Wind poured in through the valley entrance, letting out a low, mournful wail.
Di Yao stood outside the valley entrance.
He did not rush in.
Hu Liena stood beside him, a short blade in her hand, her gaze already fixed on the rubble-covered area along the eastern cliff.
That was the secret passage entrance Tie Mo had mentioned.
Behind the third Split Rock was an Old Mine Tunnel that could bypass the valley entrance and lead straight into the heart of the valley.
Hu Liena said quietly, "I'll seal off the East Side Secret Passage."
Di Yao nodded. "Don't rush to kill them."
Hu Liena glanced at him, her tone grave. "I know. Leave survivors, especially the people around Tie Shankui and Tie Wumen."
Di Yao added, "One more thing."
Hu Liena frowned. "What?"
Di Yao looked into the depths of Black Stone Valley, lowering his voice. "If the Elder Palace people make a move first, don't reveal your identity immediately."
Hu Liena understood at once. "Let them think they still have a chance to silence everyone?"
"Right."
Di Yao said, "As long as they keep acting, they'll keep leaving traces."
Hu Liena nodded, then looked at his chest. "Remember what you just promised me."
Di Yao looked at her.
Hu Liena enunciated every word. "Don't activate the Corona Emperor Domain unless Tang Hao makes a move. Don't pursue Tang Hao, don't take Hammer Intent head-on, and don't use the Third Soul Skill repeatedly."
Di Yao fell silent for a moment. "I remember."
Hu Liena was still unconvinced. "Repeat it."
Di Yao said, "Don't activate the Corona Emperor Domain unless Tang