Yi Yang and Yan Wuyuan stood side by side before the pitch-black tunnel entrance in the abbot's room.
The cold air rising from below carried a faint, strange mingling of blood and medicinal herbs, drifting through the room and sending an involuntary chill through them.
Yi Yang turned, swept his gaze over Ning Xiong's anxious face, and ordered:
"Deputy Commander Ning, keep the Pacification Guard on standby aboveground."
"Seal every exit here. From this moment on, not even a fly gets out."
Ning Xiong nodded firmly. He no longer harbored the slightest doubt about Yi Yang's orders.
Yi Yang then turned to Zhou Fangyu and Wei Chang Geng, the Nether Spring Office's two Candidate Chief Inspectors, and instructed:
"Sorry for the trouble, you two. Take the Nether Spring Office's men and lie in ambush around the temple."
"If anyone tries to escape through another hidden passage, kill them without waiting for further orders."
Zhou Fangyu and Wei Chang Geng cupped their fists together and replied respectfully:
"Yes, sir."
Leaning against the doorframe, Yan Wuyuan watched Yi Yang issue his orders with methodical precision. A flicker of admiration crossed her pale amber eyes.
This fellow didn't just cultivate quickly. His mind worked quickly, too.
With just a few words, he had combined the Pacification Guard's overt suppression with the Nether Spring Office's covert blockade, casting a net that stretched from heaven to earth.
Once every arrangement had been checked,
Yi Yang and Yan Wuyuan exchanged a glance.
The next instant, both moved at once, disappearing into the passage's unfathomable darkness.
The descending stone steps were wet and slippery. Water seeped from the walls on either side, gleaming coldly in the dim lamplight.
Yi Yang led the way, with Yan Wuyuan following behind, both remaining alert as they moved in single file.