The passage was dim, with only a scattering of luminous ores embedded in the rock walls casting light on their swiftly moving figures.
Shen Fei led the way, his steps quick but steady.
His fight with Sikong Hongyue had taken a fair amount out of him. The Shadow Mantis had a little less than half its Spiritual Power left, enough to get him to the rendezvous point. Xiao Ning'er followed at his side, glancing at him now and then. Only when she saw that his expression remained normal did she relax.
Lu Piao and Xiao Xue walked in the middle. Neither spoke; they simply hurried along. Du Ze brought up the rear, looking back from time to time to check for pursuers.
They traveled in silence.
After roughly half an hour, they reached a fork. Shen Fei stopped to examine the mark Nie Li had left on the rock wall-a shallow scratch shaped like an uneven ring. He paused, then turned into the narrower passage on the left.
This passage was far rougher than the main route. The ground was uneven, and there were no luminous ores in the walls. The farther they went, the darker it became. Shen Fei took a Fire Striker from inside his robe and blew it alight. Its feeble flame flickered in the darkness, barely illuminating a few steps ahead.
The firelight cast alternating light and shadow over his profile, leaving his emotions unreadable.
After about the time it took to drink a cup of tea, a hidden cave appeared ahead.
Vines and loose stones concealed the entrance. Without looking closely, they would never have noticed it. This was the rendezvous point they had arranged with Nie Li.
Shen Fei entered first. The cave was not large, but it was dry and well ventilated. Its