Hu Liena took a rope straight from her soul tool, tied one end around herself, then handed it to Xie Yue and Yan.
One phrase perfectly described this trio of stragglers now.
Grasshoppers tied to the same rope!
"I'll take the lead. Follow me."
As Hu Liena's older brother, Xie Yue naturally took the lead without hesitation.
Hu Liena was, of course, second, leaving Yan to bring up the rear.
Though danger could strike at the front, middle, or rear, the middle was comparatively the safest position.
All three were soul masters, and having known one another for years, they worked together seamlessly.
At the same time, their nerves remained taut as they watched for the slightest stir around them.
Maintaining this coordinated pace, the three slowly disappeared into the dark red gloom. The circular platform behind them was already out of sight.
As time passed, they ventured farther and farther.
Suddenly, Xie Yue stopped in his tracks.
At almost the exact same moment, Hu Liena stopped behind him without taking another step.
That showed just how tightly focused all three of them were.
"What is it?"
Hu Liena asked in a low voice.
"Have you noticed that the air is getting hotter?"
Before Xie Yue had finished speaking, Yan's boisterous voice rang out.
"Hot? I don't feel it. I think it's pretty cool."
Hu Liena and Xie Yue both pressed a hand to their foreheads. They had miscalculated.
Yan's martial soul was the flame lord. He was a man of fire-would a man of fire feel hot?
"Stop clowning around. Something seems to be flying toward us. Stay alert."
Hu Liena flipped both wrists, and two short swords appeared in each hand.
Then, under the influence of some invisible force, the four short swords rose into the air and