Yes!
The disciples in the hall answered in unison, their voices tinged with fear.
Xiao Beixuan's gaze slowly shifted toward the shadow guard who had been standing silently in the darkness—the young man serving as the spare array core.
The young man's body tensed almost imperceptibly.
"You're going too."
Xiao Beixuan's voice held not the slightest trace of emotion.
"The situation in the eastern district is unclear. Bai Zhi is very likely there. You... will find her yourself. Bring her back to me!"
The young man abruptly raised his head, his eyes filled with incredulous shock and resistance.
"Young Master! This subordinate... this subordinate's duty is to protect you..."
"This is an order!"
Xiao Beixuan cut him off sharply, his gaze as keen as a blade.
"Find Bai Zhi! Or... take her place as the primary array core!"
The young man's face instantly turned white as paper. His lips trembled, but he did not dare argue any further.
He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms. In the end, he lowered his head, his voice dry and hoarse.
"This subordinate... obeys."
Xiao Beixuan looked at him coldly and added in a voice like ice.
"Remember, if you dare use this chance to flee... no matter where you run, I will personally... kill you!"
The young man's body shook violently, and he lowered his head even further.
"This subordinate... would not dare."
Without another word, he turned and strode out of the hall, carrying grief, indignation, and despair so suppressed they had reached their limit.
Xiao Beixuan watched his retreating figure vanish, his eyes dark and sinister.
He sat back down on the stone seat, his fingers unconsciously tapping the armrest. Yet the unease in his heart only grew stronger.
Blood Jade had lost contact, the eastern