Outside the cave, several people surrounded the black-robed figure.
After listening to Yun Xiao's account, they finally understood. They all turned to look at the black-robed figure, unsure how to deal with him for the moment.
The black-robed figure slowly rose, removed his robe, and revealed a gaunt old man. His eyes were long clouded and deeply sunken in their sockets, the coldness in them gone.
The old man bowed to You Wen. "Mang Jiu of the python clan greets Your Highness You Wen."
"You knew me all along?" You Wen looked puzzled. He had no memory of the old man.
Liu Mang and the others had all been drawn to Mang Jiu and failed to notice Yun Xiao and Bi Xiao quietly exchanging a glance beside them.
"Years ago, when the Heavenly Emperor took the princes to Patrol the Heavens, this old one caught a distant glimpse. I have never forgotten the imposing bearing of the ten Highnesses."
"Since you know who I am, are you willing to tell me who is behind this?" You Wen asked.
To everyone's surprise, Mang Jiu shook his head and sighed.
"Your Highness is still young. Your methods are rather... rather upright. How could you possibly contend with those sinister and ruthless people?"
"Before I knew Your Highness's identity, I already intended to find an excuse to let you go. Now that I know who you are, I am even less willing to drag you into this."
"Besides, with just the few people by Your Highness's side, trying to accomplish this... sigh." Mang Jiu stopped halfway through, but his meaning was clear enough: you were not up to it.
Even all of you together were no different.
"Old sir, just tell us. How do you know there is no one behind us?"
Liu