C85 Separated by the Road

Yu Yuan's words sent a chill through everyone's hearts.

Many were aware of the Mirage Water Curtain and the existence of the clam. Given that both the clam and the Mirage Water Curtain were in place, those outside should have been able to recognize their dire straits.

The lack of support spoke volumes.

The array created by the clam and the Mirage Water Curtain was likely compromised. The old general guarding the Forbidden Area and Lee Yuchan had yet to show up, possibly facing their own difficulties.

Given these circumstances, was it truly necessary to continue with the Forbidden Area Trial?

"Yu Yuan, if you've decided to evacuate, could you include us in your plans?"

Han Hui from Eastgriffin was the first to step forward.

Having witnessed a series of odd events and Yu Yuan's extraordinary capabilities, she could no longer underestimate him as she once had.

"We have no intention of risking any more in the Forbidden Area," Han Hui said, her tone now gentle and even somewhat humble. "It's better for us all to leave together, to support one another. Plus, we in Eastgriffin are ready to follow your lead on the journey ahead."

She willingly relinquished her leadership role, a thought that would have been unthinkable to her before.

None of the other Eastgriffin trial participants raised any objections, clearly endorsing her decision.

They were all prepared to follow Yu Yuan's lead.

"Sister Han," Zhao Yafu said with a twinkle in her eye and a beaming smile, "I wholeheartedly welcome you!"

Han Hui returned her smile with a warm gaze before turning to Yu Yuan with a direct appeal. "Can we join you? Rest assured, I'll keep my people in line and ensure they don't cause any trouble."

Yu Yuan stroked his chin, deep in thought for a few moments before giving a nod of agreement.

"Han Hui!" Lee Yuan barked, his face etched with frost. "Don't you fear that Yu Yuan will use your people as cannon fodder, sacrificing Eastgriffin for his own ends? He's capable of such actions!"

Yu Yuan's gaze lingered on Han Hui, laden with unspoken questions, waiting for her response.

"If I've chosen to trust, then I have no fear," Han Hui declared firmly.

At that, Lee Yuan was left speechless.

"Cough, cough."

Zhan Tianxiang was slightly embarrassed. "Well..."

"You're joining us?" Yu Yuan asked in surprise.

"Yes, yes." Zhan Tianxiang nodded vigorously, apologizing to Lee Yuan, "I'm sorry, but you're all waiting for Lee Yu. You trust him to lead you out of this predicament once he returns."

"But I've decided to leave. I truly apologize."

He spoke for everyone in Shadowhall.

Before emerging from the hole, Lee Yuan had advised against splitting up, warning that Lee Yu would have trouble finding them upon his return.

The Lee family was convinced that Lee Yu would return, uncover the truth about the invaders, and lead them to victory.

Such was their trust in a powerful leader!

Yan Lu, Su Yan, Lim Zhuyun, and the rest also had strong faith in Lee Yu.

"If you're set on coming with us, then so be it," Yu Yuan said to Zhan Tianxiang, not without a hint of respect. "Shadowhall's strength is considerable, and you'll certainly bolster our efforts."

"Why split up at all?" Su Yan chimed in.

"I just feel that staying put is pointless. We'd only be sitting ducks," Yu Yuan reasoned. "You're welcome to wait for Lee Yu, trusting he'll find a solution. We won't stop you. But we're not keen on waiting or gambling with our lives, so we're moving on."

With that, Yu Yuan strode off in the direction he had chosen.

The people from Darkmoon, Eastgriffin, and the Shadowhall trialists, upon cues from Han Hui and Zhan Tianxiang, followed in silence.

Yu Yuan's decision was, in essence, a division of their unity.

Lee Yuan was seething with frustration. He exchanged glances with Yan Lu, Su Yan, and Lim Zhuyun, ready to take decisive action to keep Yu Yuan and the others from leaving if signaled.

Zhan Tianxiang was a formidable fighter, and Yu Yuan could deliver a deadly blow should the alien soul attempt to flee.

Both were crucial in the fight against the alien soul.

Lee Yuan didn't want them to go; he wished they would stay and await Lee Yu's return, just as he was.

He was convinced that once Lee Yu returned, neither Zhan Tianxiang nor Yu Yuan would cause any trouble. They would fall in line with Lee Yu's commands and join the fight against the alien souls.

His faith in Lee Yu's personal magnetism was strong.

Regrettably, Yan Lu, Su Yan, and Lim Zhuyun, the leaders of their respective families, made no effort to retain them.

Despite feeling powerless, they recognized the significant contributions made by Yu Yuan and Zhan Tianxiang. They understood that not everyone has the same drive and it was unrealistic to expect uniform dedication.

Their silence spoke volumes.

Thus, Lee Yuan had no choice but to come to terms with the departure of Darkmoon, Eastgriffin, and Shadowhall.

...

After a moment's pause.

"Ah, Brother Yu, you've certainly demonstrated your keen insight and the critical role you play against the alien souls. Yet, Yan Lu, Su Yan, and even your betrothed still place their trust in Lee Yu," Zhan Tianxiang grumbled as he walked. "When push comes to shove, the five great families rely on their own strength."

"To them, we trial participants from the seven cities are nothing more than scattered grains of sand, barely worth their attention."

"Lee Yu is formidable, and he's the one who rallied everyone against the invaders."

"Still, I can't help but think that in some ways, you might just outshine Lee Yu."

"..."

Zhan Tianxiang continued to vent his frustrations.

Han Hui watched with an odd expression, thinking that the mere comparison between Yu Yuan and Lee Yu underscored Yu Yuan's worth.

But Yu Yuan was merely at the early stages of the Spirit Accumulating Stage, while Lee Yu had reached the Profound Break Stage.

Moreover, it was common knowledge that Lee Yu possessed a wondrous artifact capable of annihilating souls!

Yan Lu, Su Yan, and Lim Zhuyun were all aware of Lee Yu's formidable power and the artifact's existence, which is why they were ready to place their trust in him and await his return.

Deep down, even Han Hui had to admit that whatever Yu Yuan had, Lee Yu had as well, and with a much higher realm, Lee Yu was naturally more persuasive.

"Are you joining us because you're concerned that the four great families might sacrifice you under extraordinary circumstances? Is that it?"

Lost in her thoughts, Han Hui was brought back to reality when Yu Yuan suddenly halted and turned to face her.

Instinctively, she looked up, locking eyes with Yu Yuan.

Suddenly, she was struck by a terrifying sensation that Yu Yuan had completely seen through her, as if his gaze could penetrate the subtleties of her innermost thoughts.

Unbeknownst to her, this was due to Yu Yuan's application of the Soul Forging Technique, coupled with a Spirit Returning Pill, which had refined his Heavenly Soul.

Without hesitation, she acknowledged the truth, bowing her head. "To the Lee, Yan, Su, and Lim families, the trial participants from other cities are seen as inferior. Those four major families dictate the course of events, and in our weakness, if there's a need to scout for invaders, we're the ones sent on the perilous task."

"We want to survive, not to be pawns at their command, subject to their whims," she confessed, revealing her genuine feelings.

"I suspected as much," Yu Yuan responded with a gentle nod. "Because in your heart, if there's anyone who can change the course of this struggle, who can rally everyone to overcome the invaders..."

"It would have to be Lee Yu, wouldn't it?" he concluded.

With a silent nod, Han Hui confirmed his guess.

"And you?" Yu Yuan inquired.

"I'm not convinced that Lee Yu is guaranteed to succeed," Zhan Tianxiang huffed. "Besides, I can't stand those from the five major clans! They always act so superior, as if everyone else should be taking orders from them."

"I'll do everything I can to make sure we all get out of this alive," Yu Yuan vowed.

"I believe you," Zhan Tianxiang said, his smile radiant.

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