Shen Ye crept southwest along the deserted stairs.
"Someone's coming," the Netherworld Lord warned.
"Mm."
He casually released a sheet of ice. When it reflected his appearance-
He immediately activated "I Exist in the Mirror" and hid inside it.
The ice melted into droplets that fell onto the red velvet carpet.
Sure enough, two knights appeared around the corner.
They wore gleaming battle armor, swords hanging at their waists, and walked past along the stairs where Shen Ye was hiding.
Once they were far away.
Shen Ye dismissed "I Exist in the Mirror" and appeared directly on the steps.
He continued forward.
For some reason... something felt indescribably strange.
If Nine Forms was such a powerful monster-
"There are guards on the terrace ahead. There really are a lot of guards here," the Netherworld Lord said.
Thoughts flashed through Shen Ye's mind as he kept moving.
He was almost at the terrace.
The melodious flute music suddenly filled with murderous intent.
"Kalula is warning you not to approach-perhaps Nine Forms is right beside her," the Earth Mother said.
Shen Ye stopped.
If Nine Forms was with Kalula, he definitely could not save her.
Then should he wait until later?
When... would later be?
"Retreat. This isn't a good time," the Netherworld Lord said as well.
"...The longer we wait, the more variables there'll be. I don't want to put this off anymore... I absolutely cannot let Nine Forms get the Jade Terrace."
Shen Ye answered inwardly.
He went straight up the steps onto the terrace.
Both guards turned and spotted him.
"Stay where you are!"
"Who are you?"
They shouted simultaneously.
"Please inform the Marchioness. I'm here to see her. My name is Baxter," Shen Ye said.
One guard raised his spear, pointed it at him, and demanded:
"You intruder-"