At the sight of Vulture Protector's movements, a flicker of confusion crossed You Ruo's eyes, but she did not hesitate long before charging straight into the black mist.
Within the black mist, somewhere beyond Xiao Yan and You Ruo's perception, Vulture Protector and Protector Wu had gathered together. Dozens of illusory soul forms floated around them.
"Do we really have to pay such a steep price?"
Vulture Protector looked at the grim-faced Protector Wu, then swept his gaze over the illusory soul forms surrounding them. A trace of hesitation flashed in his eyes.
"Hmph! Don't forget-even setting aside how valuable Yao Chen's soul form is, once we capture him, what resources could possibly be beyond our reach? Besides, if the hall master learns that we encountered Yao Chen but let him escape, it won't be a reward waiting for us."
Protector Wu gave Vulture Protector a cold look, then urged him, "Hurry. With Yao Chen here, this formation won't hold them back for long."
"Ah..."
Vulture Protector fell silent for a moment at those words, then nodded.
"In that case, let's begin!"
As Vulture Protector finished speaking, his entire aura changed, and a savage expression spread across his face. With a wave of his hand, the dozens of illusory soul forms behind him flew forward. Across from him, Protector Wu waved his hand as well, sending the soul forms behind him into the space between them.
As all the soul forms gathered between the two men, something seemed to awaken them. The soul forms that had been sleeping quietly all opened their eyes, their faces contorting with struggle as they let out piercing, anguished howls.
Neither Protector Wu nor Vulture Protector showed any surprise. They waved their hands, and several pitch-black chains emerged from behind them, imprisoning all the soul