Another night fell.
The moon shone bright, the stars sparse.
Danjiangkou, Hubei.
A tall, straight figure slowly stepped out of the shadows beneath the moon, but after only a glance, silently vanished into the night again.
"Careful. Someone's watching from the shadows!"
Lian Youming did not approach, merely casting a distant glance at the road into the mountains.
This was no simple matter. That cursory sweep alone revealed at least five profound presences entrenched on the mountain, with figures lurking all around, poised to move. Clearly, they were waiting for them to charge up.
This was a killing formation, and one they had no choice but to enter.
Rather than act rashly, Lian Youming led Xu Baishi and Li Yinhuan farther back, returning to the edge of the city.
"Senior brother, whatever you do, don't act on impulse!"
Xu Baishi knew Lian Youming's temperament well. She feared he would slip up there alone without a word, before everyone else arrived.
Seeing the young woman staring fixedly at him, Lian Youming gave a wry smile. "I never said I was going up. You don't need to be so nervous!"
Li Yinhuan seemed no longer so sorrowful now, some liveliness returning to her eyes as she chimed in. "Martial Uncle Xu told us before we came to keep a close eye on you and make absolutely sure you don't make the mistake of individual heroism. She also said you never learn, and your body hasn't been properly healed once all year."
Well, then. So they had been sent to keep tabs on him.
Lian Youming smiled and divided up some of the pills he carried. "Relax. This time, we're moving with the grand momentum, and we need to draw the enemy out. Naturally, we'll do it openly and let our strength speak.