"But... the Demon Lord ordered this junior to remain by your side, Senior."
Song Wen looked at the Cave, his face full of timidity. He clearly did not want to enter the Cave, yet he seemed afraid that Ye Hua would punish him for failing his task. His expression wavered with indecision.
"Young friend, you are too fixated on appearances," Cui Xuanjing said slowly. "So long as you and I say nothing, who would know what happened in the valley?"
Song Wen's eyes lit up. "Many thanks for Senior's guidance. Then this junior shall wait here for Senior's triumphant return."
Cui Xuanjing nodded in satisfaction. He then glanced at Cui Gu, signaling him to keep an eye on Song Wen, before leading the others into the Cave.
After the group disappeared into the Cave, Song Wen walked over to Cui Gu.
"Fellow Daoist Cui Gu, I hope you will look after me."
As he spoke, Song Wen looked around uneasily.
Cui Gu said, "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist. My Cui Family will ensure that you emerge from this journey safe and sound."
Song Wen said, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist. I had long heard of the Cui Family's great reputation when I was still cultivating in the Northern Region. If I had not cultivated corpse-path techniques, I certainly would not have joined the Limitless Sect. I would have joined the Cui Family instead."
The two kept watch over their surroundings as they chatted idly. Yet Song Wen did most of the flattering, while Cui Gu merely responded perfunctorily.
Suddenly.
A series of rumbling sounds came from within the Cave.
Immediately afterward, the seawater churned violently and surged out from the depths of the Cave.
Song Wen's expression changed slightly.
"Fellow Daoist Cui Gu, it seems this Cave truly is dangerous!"
Cui Gu