Black Mountain and Red Wind did not lower their guard.
They barely knew Zhou Yan, having only encountered him outside Mistveil Valley. In a godforsaken place like this, someone suddenly appearing and acting "familiar" warranted more caution than a demonic beast.
Red Bean, however, tilted its little head, studied Zhou Yan for a moment, then chirped before lowering its head to continue straightening its purple ribbon.
This person had called it cute. That sounded rather pleasing.
Si Chen had the calmest reaction.
Before absolute strength, all schemes were meaningless. This place felt more like a game of the mortal world he had never taken part in.
Zhou Yan's smile remained unchanged, as though he had not noticed their hostility. His gaze swept over Black Mountain's and Red Wind's fresh injuries.
He waved his fan, a hint of understanding in his smile. "It seems your journey here wasn't all smooth sailing either, fellow Daoists."
Red Wind took half a step forward and asked in a low voice, "Why are you here?"
His question was direct. In this strange place, beating around the bush was unnecessary, and dangerous.
"No need to be so wary, fellow Daoist Red Wind."
Zhou Yan smiled, seemingly having expected the question. "Perhaps you haven't noticed yet, but the strangest thing here isn't these ruins or those members of the Demon Race. It's..."
"Isn't it just that something's wrong with time?"
Black Mountain interrupted him gruffly, impatience showing on his bear face. "We already knew that!"
At those words, the smile on Zhou Yan's face visibly stiffened.
But the surprise in his eyes vanished in an instant, and he soon returned to his refined bearing as a young master of an aristocratic clan.
He looked at Si Chen again, something else entering his gaze.
"I see. It seems