The shadowy figure trembled slightly. Then his hoarse voice sounded again. "There's no need to worry. This is the World-Illuminating Buddha Flame produced by my Magical Treasure. Only with its aid can we shut out the surrounding cold, resentment, and yin-aspected spiritual energy, and spare you from the Sinful Dao's peculiar environment."
Su Shi'er gazed at the shadowy figure, then glanced at Venerable Tianhong out of the corner of his eye. A thoughtful look flashed across his face.
Seeing that the others still hesitated, Su Shi'er was the second to step forward and let a cluster of Buddha Flame settle on him.
Shen Miaoyin moved alongside Su Shi'er. The mist around her had not dispersed; a hazy layer of light had merely appeared over its surface.
Only then did the other cultivators set aside their misgivings and allow the Buddha Flame to settle on them.
Once the Buddha Flame enveloped everyone present, the shadowy figure spoke again.
"Please follow me closely from here on. As you travel through the Sinful Dao, you must guard your minds. No matter what you hear or see, do not look back. Otherwise, if you fall into danger... even I will be powerless to help."
His voice was hoarse and indifferent. He turned and walked away, his figure swallowed completely by the darkness.
Only the faint candlelight remained, like a lamp showing the way through the dark.
Venerable Tianhong was again the first to move, striding after him.
"What do you think, Senior Sister?" Su Shi'er asked, turning toward Shen Miaoyin.
Shen Miaoyin replied calmly, "Wait and see. There's more to this place than meets the eye. Don't let your guard down."
The two quickly exchanged their thoughts, then pressed on, each remaining wary.
The moment the darkness swallowed him whole, the sight before Su