Lin Yun, of course, knew what Zhou Damao was thinking now. But on this matter, he would not easily change his stance.
He could, of course, take this opportunity to leave this world. But that would do nothing to help the current situation in the Spirit Realm. It might even make the whole affair more troublesome.
"Senior Brother Zhou, your staying here can indeed help many people. But I am not familiar with the Spirit Realm," Lin Yun explained. "Sending me would waste a lot of time. Besides, do you think the other sects would believe a word I say?"
Hearing this, Zhou Damao fell silent. He had to admit, Lin Yun was right. He could certainly take on the task, but how many people in the sects outside would trust Lin Yun? Those people probably wished that Lin Yun was the true traitor.
"So, on this matter, you are the most suitable person to go, Senior Brother."
Lin Yun's arrangement was, of course, also due to the fact that he could see others' panels and anticipate the enemy's moves.
Zhou Damao hesitated for a moment but finally agreed. However, he made Lin Yun promise not to bite off more than he could chew. They would save as many people as they could. In a situation like this, not even Xiao Pingtian could guarantee everyone's safe escape. Lin Yun was now one of their sect's most talented disciples; it would be a terrible shame if he were to fall here.
After Zhou Damao left, Lin Yun turned to the remaining Beast Taming Sect disciples.
"I know some of you are not happy with me. I won't force you. If you don't want to follow me, you can leave now and find a place to hide. When the elders outside establish a connection, you will naturally be able to get out."
Hearing Lin Yun's words, the disciples looked at each other. He had just saved their lives. Even if they had such thoughts, they were too embarrassed to act on them now.
Chen Shiming, however, sneered. "You're all such hypocrites. Obviously terrified, yet you still have to put on such a display of selfless righteousness. Well, I'm not going to waste my time with you lot!"
After saying this, Chen Shiming prepared to leave.
Cen Xiuer called out, "This is the Spirit Realm, and there are still so many Crimson Ghost Sect disciples out there! Are you trying to get yourself killed by going alone?"
Chen Shiming pursed his lips. "Heh, those guys from the Crimson Ghost Sect can be dealt with if you're careful. But I'd advise you all to think about your own situation. Following Lin Yun's plan means you'll be looking for trouble with the Crimson Ghost Sect. Just with you guys?"
Just as Cen Xiuer was about to speak again, Lin Yun stopped her. "Everyone has their own aspirations. If anyone thinks we are on a suicide mission, they are free to leave. I will not blame you. Cultivation is not easy. I just hope you will not regret your decision."
The disciples looked at each other. Seeing Lin Yun's completely serious expression, they ultimately abandoned any thought of leaving with Chen Shiming. Staying with the group was, after all, the safer bet.
Soon, seven people had left with Chen Shiming. Those who remained were prepared to fight to the death. Regardless of their past conflicts, the Four Great Sects were now facing the sinister forces of the Crimson Ghost Sect. If they let these heretics run rampant in the Spirit Realm, it wouldn't end well for any of them.
"Good. Since you have all decided to stay, I will explain my plan."
The Crimson Ghost Sect's attack had been sudden. The disciples of all the sects in the Spirit Realm had been completely unprepared. The surprise attack occurred just as they thought their trial was over and they could return home. The result was predictable. A great number of disciples were defeated in the very first clash. No one could be certain what would happen next. No one dared to say they could survive in such a complicated situation.
Although the Marvelous Sound Sect had previously agreed to ally with the Flowing Cloud Sect, when the time came to actually target Lin Yun, they had ended up acting on their own. Now, all the disciples of the Marvelous Sound Sect were imprisoned in a massive cave.
Outside, the laughing voices of several disciples could be heard.
"Tsk tsk, as expected of the female disciples of the Marvelous Sound Sect. Every one of them has such fine skin and tender flesh."
"It's a pity we have orders from above. Otherwise, we'd be in for a real treat."
Hearing the discussion outside, the disciples of the Marvelous Sound Sect grew even more silent. Xia Yijing frowned, forcing down the panic in her heart. Few people could be confident of escaping this situation, and she was no exception.
The ones who had captured them were from a group called the Seven Fiends Gate. They seemed to be of the same ilk as the Crimson Ghost Sect, but she had never heard of them before.
Just then, two disciples from the Seven Fiends Gate walked in. They first tied up Xia Yijing, then led her out of the cave. No matter how the others shouted behind them, it was useless.
Xia Yijing had already prepared herself. If these animals dared to lay a hand on her, she wouldn't hesitate to die to protect her honor.
To her surprise, what she saw was a refined and gentle-looking man. He was sitting on a cliff, smiling.
"Miss Xia, I have long heard of you. The chief disciple of the Marvelous Sound Sect. Your cultivation must have already reached the Spirit Cauldron Realm by now. I have come here today simply to ask you about a few things."
The man stood up and looked at Xia Yijing. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am the young master of the Seven Fiends Gate, Murong Hongyi."
Xia Yijing stared daggers at him. Although this man appeared to be at the Sky-Soaring Realm, he was not someone she could handle. The Seven Fiends Gate might not be famous, but they had many experts. Although they had used some tricks to capture all the disciples of her sect, that alone was enough to show how serious the situation was.
"I don't know what you want to ask, but I won't tell you anything!" Xia Yijing snorted, holding her head high.
Seeing her defiant posture, Murong Hongyi sighed. "Miss Xia, why must you be like this? We could have been very good friends. But now, are you determined to oppose me to the very end?" He put on a deeply wronged expression. "The Seven Fiends Gate is not like the Crimson Ghost Sect. We are very polite. You should have been able to see that for yourself."
Xia Yijing snorted. "You're all just badgers from the same mound. Don't think you've won just because you've captured us. The elders outside will not let you go. When they find out what's happened here, you're all finished."
Hearing this, Murong Hongyi burst out laughing. "I never expected the great Xia Yijing to be so naive. Save you? Right now, who is there that can save you?"
The moment his voice fell, a man's cold reply sounded from behind him.
"I can."