Just then, the Stone Gate to their cell suddenly rumbled open again. This was already the third time it had opened today.
In an instant, Li Yan lifted his foot from Monk Fake's face. He grabbed Fake by the collar, hauled him upright despite his dazed expression,
and even thoughtfully dusted the dirt from half of Monk Fake's face.
Then Li Yan likewise took a step back and stood to one side before looking toward the half-open Stone Gate.
"Li Yan, come out!"
At that moment, an icy voice drifted in from outside.
Li Yan's gaze flickered, but his expression did not change. He glanced at the still-stunned Fake, then walked out.
"What method did this Fake use? I can't even keep beating him now? Is this a warning before they make a move against me? I only just handed over six 'Flowers of the Other Shore'..."
At that moment, a sinister voice suddenly rang out from the plaza outside.
"These three attempted to escape. By Lord Fan Nan's order, they will suffer soul-whipping for one month, then have their power sealed and be sent to gather 'Flowers of the Other Shore'!"
"My lord, spare—ah..."
"I'll never—"
An icy voice echoed in everyone's hearts, followed by ceaseless pleas for mercy. Yet no sooner had they begun begging than their voices were swallowed by screams once more.
The wails from the earlier punishment for failing the gathering mission had not faded long ago.
As Li Yan walked, he heard the screams and paused. His eyes flickered slightly before he continued outside.
After emerging, Li Yan saw a white-clothed hanged ghost floating in the air. It did not look at him, instead staring at the plaza, where several vicious ghosts were carrying out the punishment.
Once it sensed Li Yan's arrival, the