Under such circumstances, the direction facing the great maw was the most likely route out.
If they pushed through either side, even if they broke through the canyon, they might expend the strength of nine oxen and two tigers to get out, only to discover they had reached the cheek area—a dead end.
However, they could not rule out the possibility that, after failing to open this passage, the old sect master's group had sought another exit and become trapped elsewhere.
Thus, the Soul-Calming Palace still had much to do in the days ahead. They might have to traverse every canyon here, both to search for the old sect master and to confirm the other exits.
Now that they had opened this passage, they also feared that there might be other exits on this side after leaving the silver desert. If so, they would likewise need to establish grand formations and seal them later, keeping the Dizhen Domain protected within a land of savage peril.
But regarding the search for the old sect master, after personally going through this ordeal, Li Yan believed that even the faintest thread of hope had become exceedingly slim.
The cave at the throat on the far side of the silver desert was something cultivators in the Qi Condensation Realm had a ninety-nine percent chance of being unable to pass. In other words, the old sect master's entire group had likely perished in the cave as soon as they reached the silver desert.
"Blue Phoenix's suggestion is very sound, but before that, there is still one matter we have not addressed—the concern Li Yan raised, which must be made clear.
"I have already invoked the Soul Curse. Any outcome detrimental to Li Yan can no longer be changed!
"Li Yan, since you were able to