"..."
Chen Yu froze for a moment, warmth welling up in his heart.
Of course he knew Ye Li was looking out for him, hoping to carry him through this most dangerous first round.
But after a moment's consideration, he looked into the young man's calm eyes.
Chen Yu still drew a deep breath and shook his head firmly.
"No."
"The Demon Race that dared choose the Central Region must be among the strongest on their side."
"With my meager cultivation, I'd only hold you back."
"Doesn't matter," Ye Li said casually.
"Still no. I don't want to be dead weight."
Chen Yu persisted in refusing. Finally, he pointed at the middle-aged Exalted Lord beside him, who belonged to the same alliance, and made his decision.
"Elder Wang and I will go to the Eastern Region's continent."
"We'll leave the Central Region to you."
"All right, then."
Seeing that Chen Yu had made up his mind, Ye Li did not press him.
Just then, a long-bearded elder from the alliance stepped forward and cupped his hands toward Ye Li.
"In that case, allow this old man to accompany Manor Lord Ye to the Central Region."
"I may be lacking in talent, but I have a few unique methods that earned me my reputation. I trust I won't hold you back, Manor Lord Ye."
He was one of the hidden reserves the alliance had kept under wraps for years, his strength rumored to be unfathomable.
Though he was not as dazzling as Ye Li, he was undoubtedly among the finest in the Melding Dao Realm.
"Wait."
But before he had finished speaking, the Red Lotus Star Lord, Dongfang Li, stepped forward as well.
Her red eyes blazed as she looked at Ye Li, her voice clear and strong.
"I can also