"Oh! So that's it!" Everyone immediately understood Li Xiaoya's plan. Liu Qingshan hurried behind Li Xiaoya, keeping his back against the wall, and He Jin and the others quickly joined him.
"Brother Ding! Hold off the attacks from behind! Brother He, Sister Yang, cover Brother Ding! I'll clear the way ahead!" Li Xiaoya immediately issued his orders. Once the three had taken their positions as instructed, he stood at the very front, facing outward and blocking most of the attacks. The only place he could not cover was the rear, where Ding Leng was perfectly positioned to intercept the incoming spears.
With this arrangement, Li Xiaoya could block most of the attacks, making things much easier for Liu Qingshan and the others behind him. They only needed to worry about attacks from the rear. Although following the wall made their route much longer, it was extremely safe, and everyone was filled with admiration.
"Haha! Junior Brother Li, not only are your divine abilities outstanding, but your wits are exceptional too! You truly have my admiration!" He Jin exclaimed, full of praise.
"Haha! You flatter me, Brother He. Stay alert, everyone!" Li Xiaoya laughed. He swiftly swung the saber and sword in his hands, cutting down Mechanism Beasts and blocking the incoming spears as he rapidly sidestepped along the wall.
Their speed was indeed much greater this way. With attacks coming from only one side and less need to look after the others, Li Xiaoya himself had a much easier time.
The others felt much more at ease as well, concentrating fully on keeping pace.
Meanwhile, Sun Xing and his companions had reached a broad passage. Huge black stone pillars lined the walls on either side, each carved with the image of an enormous, bizarre Mechanism Beast. An identical pillar stood