C85 Separate Ways!

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

Many were aware of the Veil of Illusions and the Pearl of Illusion. Given their existence, it was clear that those outside could see their dire straits.

The lack of support spoke volumes.

The grand formation, composed of the Pearl of Illusion and the Veil of Illusions, was likely compromised. The old general defending the forbidden area, along with Lee Yuchan, had not yet made an appearance, possibly facing their own difficulties.

Given these circumstances, was it truly necessary to persist with the trials in the forbidden area?

"Yu Yuan, if you're set on evacuating, could you take us with you?"

Han Hui from Asenalenor stepped forward to make the request.

Having witnessed so many oddities and Yu Yuan's wonders, she no longer underestimated him as she once had.

"We've decided against taking any more risks in the forbidden area," Han Hui said, her tone now gentle and even humble. "It's best if we all leave together for mutual support. Moreover, we're prepared to follow your lead on the journey to Asenalenor."

She willingly ceded the reins of leadership to Yu Yuan, a move she would have never considered before.

The rest of the trial-takers from Asenalenor concurred without dissent, clearly endorsing her decision.

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

"Sister Han," Zhao Yafu chimed in, eyes twinkling with mirth, "I wholeheartedly welcome you!"

Han Hui offered her a warm gaze before turning her attention to Yu Yuan. "May we join you? Rest assured, I'll ensure my people don't cause any trouble for you."

Yu Yuan stroked his chin, contemplating for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

"Han Hui!" Lee Yuan barked, his face stern. "Aren't you worried that Yu Yuan will use your people from Asenalenor as sacrificial pawns? He's capable of such actions!"

Yu Yuan returned Han Hui's gaze with a profound look, curious to hear her response.

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

Upon hearing those words, Lee Yuan found himself at a loss for words.

"Cough, cough."

Zhan Tianxiang felt a touch of embarrassment. "Well..."

"You're joining us?" Yu Yuan asked, taken aback.

"Yes, yes." Zhan Tianxiang nodded vigorously, apologizing to Lee Yuan, "I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait for Lee Yu. You all trust him and believe that once he returns, he'll lead you through this difficult time."

"But I've decided to leave. I truly am sorry."

He was speaking on behalf of everyone in Sillserine.

Before they emerged from the cavern, Lee Yuan had advised everyone to stick together and not to split up. If they did, Lee Yu would have trouble finding them upon his return.

The Lee family was certain that Lee Yu would return, uncover the truth about the invaders, and lead them to victory. Such was their trust in the strength of their leader!

Yan Lu, Su Yan, Lin Zhuyun, and the rest also had great faith in Lee Yu.

"If you're set on joining us, then so be it," Yu Yuan said, showing some regard for Zhan Tianxiang. "The strength of your Sillserine City is notable and will certainly bolster our efforts."

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

"I just feel that staying put serves no purpose other than making us sitting ducks," Yu Yuan reasoned. "You're welcome to wait for Lee Yu, trusting he'll find a way. We, on the other hand, prefer not to wait or gamble with our lives, so we're moving on."

With that, Yu Yuan set off in the direction he had in mind.

The people from Asvetaesi, Asenalenor, and the Sillserine trial-takers followed silently at the gesture of Han Hui and Zhan Tianxiang.

Yu Yuan's decision effectively fractured their unity.

Lee Yuan, brimming with frustration, exchanged glances with Yan Lu, Su Yan, and Lin Zhuyun. If any of them gave the slightest indication, he was ready to take decisive action to forcibly keep Yu Yuan and the others from leaving.

Zhan Tianxiang was a formidable fighter, and Yu Yuan was capable of delivering a lethal blow to the alien soul during its escape.

Both were critical assets in the fight against the alien soul.

Lee Yuan didn't want them to leave. He hoped they would stay and await Lee Yu's return, just as he was doing.

He was convinced that once Lee Yu came back, Zhan Tianxiang and Yu Yuan wouldn't cause trouble. They would follow Lee Yu's commands and join the fight against the alien souls.

He had faith in Lee Yu's personal magnetism.

Regrettably, Yan Lu, Su Yan, and Lin Zhuyun, the leaders of the three major families, didn't offer any words of retention.

Despite feeling resigned, they recognized the efforts Yu Yuan and Zhan Tianxiang had already made. They understood that people have different aspirations, and it wasn't realistic to expect everyone to share their dedication.

They remained silent.

Thus, Lee Yuan had to come to terms with the departure of Asvetaesi, Asenalenor, and Sillserine.

...

After a moment.

"Ah, Yu, you've certainly demonstrated your keen judgment and the critical role you play in dealing with the alien souls. Yet, Yan Lu, Su Yan, and even your fiancée still place their trust in Lee Yu," Zhan Tianxiang grumbled as they walked. "At pivotal times, the five great families will always trust in their own might."

"To them, we trial-takers from the seven cities are nothing more than scattered sand, hardly worth a second thought."

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

"But I can't help feeling that in some areas, Lee Yu might not be as strong as you."

"..."

Zhan Tianxiang continued his tirade.

Han Hui watched with an odd expression, thinking that comparing Yu Yuan to Lee Yu only highlighted Yu Yuan's worth.

Yet, Yu Yuan was merely in the early stages of the Soul Awakening Realm, while Lee Yu was in the Veil Breaking Realm.

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

Yan Lu, Su Yan, and Lin Zhuyun were all aware of Lee Yu's formidable power and the existence of that item, which is why they were willing to place their faith in him and wait for his return.

Deep down, even Han Hui believed that whatever Yu Yuan had, Lee Yu had as well, but with a much higher realm, Lee Yu was more persuasive.

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

As Han Hui's mind wandered, Yu Yuan abruptly halted and turned to face her.

Instinctively, she lifted her gaze to meet his. A sudden fear gripped her, the eerie sensation that Yu Yuan could peer into the most hidden corners of her soul.

Unbeknownst to her, this was due to Yu Yuan having refined his heaven soul with the Soul Forging through Enlightenment technique, aided by a Restoration Potion.

She confessed openly, bowing her head, "To the Lee family, the Yan family, the Su family, and the Lin family, trial-takers from other cities are seen as inferior. These four powerful families dictate the course of events, and we are so insignificant by comparison. If there's a need to scout for invaders, we're the ones they send."

"We want to survive, not be reduced to their pawns, to be at their beck and call."

She voiced her true thoughts.

"I suspected as much," Yu Yuan acknowledged with a gentle nod. "Because in your heart, if there's anyone who can reverse the dire situation and lead us to victory over the invaders..."

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

Han Hui, in silence, gave a faint nod of agreement.

"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 high and mighty, as if everyone should heed their commands."

"I'll do everything in my power to make sure we all get out alive," Yu Yuan vowed.

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

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