Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Decision

“What should we do now?” Lin Bo, robbed of his arms, seemed even older than before. Though the bleeding from his wounds had stopped, the sight was still shocking.

“We wait! Wait for them to return!” Lin He’s words were filled with certainty.

Elsewhere, the light was dim, but at least it was not yet night, so some rays still managed to seep through. Though their vision was greatly hindered, those trapped in the mountain’s rear included not only humans but also spirit beasts. Traveling now was still easier than marching at night. Yu Daoyi and the others slowly made their way toward the pillar of black light.

“Most of what Lin He said is likely true, but we can’t trust him entirely. We must think carefully about our next move.” On Song Cheng’s back, an injured companion leaned unceremoniously on his shoulder, his tone indifferent.

“Brother Eleven Yuanfang, what do you think of this?”

Yuanfang? What kind of name is that?

“Your father instructed me that unless it’s a matter of life and death, I must not interfere in your affairs.” As they traveled, a deep voice issued from Yu Daoyi’s shadow. Closer inspection revealed another shadow overlapped with his, following like a double.

“Damn that old man! Rules are dead things—people are alive! Brother Yuanfang, can’t you see the situation we’re in?” The injured man complained with obvious discontent.

Well, he’s even changed my name…

“In fact, under this pillar of light my cultivation is severely suppressed. That one named Baili Mo is not to be underestimated.” Brother Eleven spoke calmly.

“And so?”

“And so, your father instructed me that unless it’s a matter of life and death, I must not interfere in your affairs.”

Seriously? Can you not be so rigid?

“Daoyi, if we reach the pillar and find ourselves as trapped as Lin He claims, should we really ally with him?” The injured man’s mount raised the question at this moment.

“Only a fool would trust the words of a madman without question,” Yu Daoyi replied naturally.

“Sis, we’re doomed! What if Brother Cai really joins forces with Lin He?” Hearing this, the mount was alarmed and hurriedly whispered to Song Qiuling.

Really! Don’t think I can’t hit you just because I’m riding on your back! Yu Daoyi forced down his anger with a long exhale. After all, without a mount he’d have to walk, and none of the others would let him ride them anyway.

No! Yu Daoyi, have some pride! If the men won’t do, there are still women! It’s not like you can only ride outside—a house works too!

“Seriously, what do you intend to do?” Song Qiuling asked, glancing curiously at the suddenly grinning, somewhat lecherous Yu Daoyi.

“Ahem, things have gone far beyond any of our expectations. No one could have foreseen this. My calculations ended the moment Lin Tao died. Now we can only take things one step at a time.” Yu Daoyi regained his composure and pondered silently.

He paused, then added, “However, Lin He surely knows more than us. He must be hiding something. If we’re left with no choice, there’s no harm in a forced alliance.”

“Oh no, sis, what do we do? Brother Cai’s really losing it!” Song Cheng exclaimed with alarm.

“Shut up!” Yu Daoyi, furious, struck his mount smartly on the head—a blow delivered with a practiced hand, showing skill reminiscent of his father.

“First, we need to clarify a few things. Song Cheng’s mount, don’t rush—stop at the clearing ahead.” Regaining his cool, Yu Daoyi spoke to the mount.

Song Cheng was left speechless.

At his words, everyone halted. Yu Daoyi nimbly dismounted from Song Cheng’s back, executing the move with the same grace he’d seen others use, which made Song Cheng clench his fists in silent frustration.

“So this is what it feels like to dismount… No wonder so many people like it. Infantry and cavalry are truly different.” Yu Daoyi narrowed his eyes, savoring the experience.

Then he suddenly snapped back to himself. No! No, don’t let your thoughts run wild!

“Ahem! Now, I’d like to hear your thoughts on that secret realm.” He turned to the Duan siblings, who had been silent since learning of the matter. “Sister Duan Yin, what do you think of what Lin He said? And what about that so-called immortal art?”

Duan Yin exchanged glances with her brother. She could clearly see the struggle in his eyes—this was a chance to soar or to fall into an abyss from which there was no return.

“To be honest, it’s very tempting. Anything related to the immortals is an irresistible temptation for cultivators. No rational person could resist it.” After a long hesitation, Duan Yin spoke softly.

“And so?” Yu Daoyi pressed. He couldn’t decide for them, so he simply asked for their thoughts.

“That’s why I believe we should leave this place as soon as possible.” Duan Yin smiled radiantly, her decision clear—a smile so bright that not even the dim sky could overshadow it.

“Coincidentally, I was thinking the same thing,” Yu Daoyi replied with a smile of his own.

“Brother Daoyi, but that’s immortal art! Isn’t that secret realm only open to those at the Qi Refining stage? Aren’t we going to join the fun?” Song Cheng was evidently curious about the immortal art.

“Fun? Fun for whom? If we go, we’ll just be cannon fodder!” Yu Daoyi retorted, annoyed. “I’m not just a dish to be served up.”

“Brother Cai! I won’t let you talk about yourself like that!” Suddenly, something seemed to dawn on Song Cheng. He straightened his back and spoke with righteous indignation.

“Heh, Cheng, have you gotten cocky lately, or do you think your Brother Daoyi can’t wield a blade anymore?” Yu Daoyi smiled on the surface, but was laughing inside. If not for his right hand being a bloody mess, he’d have punched the kid—he was getting more audacious by the day.

“N-no, you’re right! I’m just talking nonsense, please ignore me!” Song Cheng instantly reverted to a sycophantic junior.

“Others may not rein you in, but I can. Which is more important—immortal arts or your life? Don’t end up dead without even knowing how it happened!” Yu Daoyi looked up at the darkening sky, anxiety growing in his heart.

“She’s right. This now involves immortals. Any secrets Lin He knows, others can discover as well. The coming days will not be peaceful here on the mountain. We’re better off staying out of it,” Song Qiuling said to her increasingly bold brother.

“Remember, all treasures must be secondary to your life! If you die, you lose everything!”

He shed his earlier frivolity, his demeanor now calm—so calm it was as if he had become a different person.

A few fragments flashed through his mind—the sight of the old headmaster dying in his previous life.

Death is truly a terrifying thing.

It was as if the group was seeing this side of Yu Daoyi for the first time—emotions that seemed foreign to him, a profound sorrow.

Meanwhile, Duan Yuxuan struggled internally. As Duan Yin had said, the allure of anything related to the immortals was fatal to a cultivator. Not even his sister could sway his will—this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

As if he hadn’t noticed Duan Yuxuan’s struggle, Yu Daoyi continued, “Second, let’s talk about the Crimson Blood Fruit.”

At this, everyone perked up and looked at the bundle behind Song Qiuling, from which a powerful spiritual energy emanated.

“With all these unexpected events, if we truly can't escape, these seven fruits are our last hope. We must keep ourselves in the best possible condition and wait for what comes next.”

“Qiuling, please bring out the Crimson Blood Fruit. Although my body is much improved, the deficit and the injury to my right hand can’t heal quickly. I need one to recover.”

To Yu Daoyi now, these few Crimson Blood Fruits were much like precious elixirs—a tonic for his depleted body in dire need of restoration.