Cheng Ze and the others looked at Ye Feng in astonishment, unable to understand how he could make such a decision. Lan Yuanfeng, who had nearly caused their demise, had just helped Ye Feng, but it was one thing to not hold him accountable; it was entirely unnecessary to care about the lives of his kin. Considering the Trial Disciples on Yue Ma Plain, they likely needed Ye Feng's assistance even more. Yet, seeing his unwavering expression, a sense of strangeness arose in everyone's hearts.
Could it be that he had lost his mind? Or perhaps the battle with the demon clan had left him dazed? Did he really consider Lan Yuanfeng an ally?
Zong Nan, worried for their safety, was the first to voice opposition: "No way! We are a team; since we came together, we should leave together. Now you want to go and confront this guy in the Underground Palace without considering our opinions?"
His words lacked confidence, as they had relied heavily on Ye Feng throughout their journey.
Cheng Ze thought for a moment and then gritted his teeth: "Exactly! Lan Yuanfeng brought this upon himself; why should you clean up after him? If he wants to go, let him go alone!" After saying this, he shot a fierce glare at Lan Yuanfeng.
Feeling awkward and out of place among them, Lan Yuanfeng became the target of their ire. It was understandable; he glanced at Ye Feng with confusion, wondering what he was thinking. Even if he wanted to seek treasures, there was no need to rush.
Ye Feng's expression darkened; this was intentionally displayed for them. Since he decided to team up with Lan Yuanfeng to explore the Underground Palace for treasures, he couldn't bring these people along. Not only were they a burden, but more importantly, his plans couldn't be known to them; otherwise, it could lead to greater misunderstandings.
"Alright, stop arguing. I know what you're all thinking, but I still want to say that even though this guy is at fault, his kin are innocent victims. Now that I've made my decision, you'd best leave quickly. As for the reasons behind it, I'll explain when I return!"
Ye Feng didn't intend to prolong the discussion. The longer this dragged on, the more unsettled he felt. Hearing his insistence, Cheng Ze and the others wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. They exchanged glances and sighed. Huang Yao and his brother kept their thoughts to themselves and refrained from speaking too much.
In the end, Huang Yao stepped forward and said, "Since Brother Ye is determined, we won't insist on staying. I hope Brother Ye can come back safely. I think we should return the way we came."
This was likely what Ye Feng wanted to hear most. He didn't want these people risking their lives in the Underground Palace any longer. So despite not being particularly fond of them, he smiled and replied: "Then I'll trouble Brother Huang to lead the way. Afterward, I still want to share a few drinks with you!"
With these words exchanged politely, Cheng Ze and the others reluctantly followed Huang Yao out. Once they disappeared from view, Lan Yuanfeng let out a sigh of relief and looked at Ye Feng with a complex expression. He never expected this guy would be so resolute!
"Although I know what you're thinking, I didn't expect you to have such determination. Aren't you afraid?"
Ye Feng smiled nonchalantly and replied, "Afraid of what? Afraid of encountering some unexpected event in this Underground Palace? If I were afraid, I wouldn't have come! Or are you saying you're afraid I'll stab you in the back?"
Lan Yuanfeng's face flushed, and he hurriedly said, "How could that be? Young friend, you've helped me twice; I'm grateful and would never repay kindness with malice!"
Ye Feng raised an eyebrow and said, "That may be true, but you, Lan Da Master of the Flowing Cloud Villa, have quite a notorious reputation. How can I fully trust you?"
Lan Yuanfeng knew that Ye Feng still hadn't completely let go of the conspiracy surrounding Yue Ma Plain. However, this was something he had to bear himself; it was his own issue. Now, no amount of words could change that. It seemed the only way to make this guy believe him was through action!
After some consideration, he solemnly said, "Ye Feng, I actually have little interest in the treasures within this Underground Palace anymore. As the saying goes, someone who has faced death once will surely gain some insight. If it weren't for your strong interest, I would have planned to withdraw!"
"But now that I can stay here, it's because I want to return this favor to you. I hope you can stop doubting me. After all, we don't fully understand the dangers within this Underground Palace. If we can't work together, we might run into trouble!"
Seeing his calm demeanor and steady gaze without any signs of deceit, Ye Feng reluctantly believed him. He then said, "Then let's not delay any longer; let's act quickly!"
Lan Yuanfeng agreed and cautiously said, "Then I'll take the lead. Young friend, stay close behind me and don't make any mistakes. The four corners are quite complex; we need to identify them one by one! In the Underground Palace, there are no landmarks for direction; we must be careful!"
Ye Feng nodded but felt indifferent inside. The map in his mind had already accurately pinpointed their direction. However, he couldn't reveal this secret just yet. Since the other party knew roughly about the four corners, he would wait until they were led in the right direction before using the map.
Moreover, he could take this opportunity to see if Lan Yuanfeng still harbored any ulterior motives!
Soon, the two set off. Their first task was to leave this cluster of buildings. They chose an exit at the base of a crumbling platform. Although something terrible had happened there before, based on their judgment, the Phantom Demon should be gone.
Choosing that direct entrance also aligned with Lan Yuanfeng's assessment!
Entering the bottom of the high platform, what met their eyes was a scene of corpses. If Cheng Ze and the others had looked down before leaving, they would have known that what Ye Feng said was false! Because all the members of Blue Stream Villa had died here!
Looking at those bodies that had committed suicide before being devoured by the Phantom Demon, Ye Feng furrowed his brows, likely understanding why they did so. Rather than witnessing their companions being consumed by that terrifying Phantom Demon, they chose to end their own lives!
Ancient texts also mentioned that the Phantom Demon had no interest in the dead, so the corpses scattered around were probably from 'smart' individuals. Unfortunately, no matter how clever they were, they could not escape a tragic fate!
Lan Yuanfeng, seeing his kin in such a state, had thoughts very different from Ye Feng's! His face was filled with sorrow; even as a former Martial Saint, he could not completely suppress his emotions. Those who once fought alongside him and managed clan affairs were now dead because of his misjudgment. It would be a lie to say he felt no guilt. Lan Yuanfeng secretly wiped away his tears and said with deep sadness, "I hope you can give me some time to cremate their bodies. I truly do not want to see them dead and then devoured by beasts!"
Ye Feng nodded; this was no problem at all. It was only human nature! Although the Phantom Demon did not eat the dead, there might still be other creatures lurking in the Underground Palace!
Cremating on the spot was not difficult; it didn't even require external tools. Through the Fire Element Martial Technique cultivated by warriors themselves, they could ignite the flames. Lan Yuanfeng did not ask Ye Feng for help; he carried each body himself. The process was dull and filled with sorrow, as if he aged several years in an instant.
However, when he lifted the last body, an unexpected change occurred—the fellow was still alive! Clinging to Lan Yuanfeng's arm with his last breath, he mumbled something!
Initially, Ye Feng did not notice this scene. He only saw Lan Yuanfeng's expression stiffen and his movements halt, prompting him to release his senses to listen! In the end, he heard some bad news!
"Master of the Flowing Cloud Villa, the information regarding the positions in this Underground Palace is incorrect. The news from the Evil Cult is also false. Before I passed out, I saw a small figure from the Evil Cult talking to a black-faced guy. They were whispering; I don't know what they were saying, but Master of the Flowing Cloud Villa, you need to be careful!"
After saying this, that person tilted his head and completely lost his breath! Lan Yuanfeng suddenly stood up with a face full of hatred mixed with confusion!
The earlier incident involving the White Luo Demon Clan secretly following him had been confirmed. Now another black-faced individual had appeared! It seemed these two must be working together! This meant that the dangers within the Underground Palace would likely increase!
Ye Feng stepped forward and frowned, "How much do you know about the Evil Cult's collusion with demons?" Without much thought, he could guess that this Black Face was not a real human being. What concerned him was how the Evil Cult, which had disappeared a century ago, was now being dragged back into this situation!
Lan Yuanfeng realized there was no need to hide anything anymore and said dejectedly, "Old Man was able to uncover the greatest secret of this Underground Palace in just a few decades, which actually means there was Evil Cult assistance behind the scenes. Now that it seems the information is false, those four corner positions should also be nothing!"
Ye Feng couldn't be bothered to argue about his connection with the Evil Cult; he simply frowned in thought and then said, "Perhaps the four corner positions are real, but you must have been misled. Let me handle it; if you lead us into such danger again, not even my three heads and six arms could save us!"
Lan Yuanfeng didn't expect things to develop to this point, and that this guy would still want to risk seeking ancient treasures. However, he had no one left to worry about, so he gritted his teeth and nodded. But soon he began to doubt the other's abilities—could Ye Feng really lead him to the correct position?
Feeling his skeptical gaze, Ye Feng said nothing and directly walked out from the entrance of the flat ground. Lan Yuanfeng knew he was inferior in many aspects and chose not to say anything further. In the end, he set fire to the corpses of his clansmen before following without looking back.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, in the group of buildings on the high platform where Bailuo had perished, a figure emerged! This figure had a black face and fangs, with wings on its back! This person was from the demon clan, Bailuo's accomplice—Black Face!
Black Face looked at the tragic state of his fallen comrade with anger and hatred. He had arrived too late and missed the earlier battle. However, he found it hard to believe what kind of person had entered the Underground Palace to kill Bailuo!
It should be known that aside from Martial Saint Lan Yuanfeng, no one else should possess such capability. Even if he faced Lan Yuanfeng head-on, Bailuo had hidden powerful techniques! He had been drawn here by Bailuo's great abilities, only to find himself too late!
"What kind of guy is this! Damn it! Didn't you say you would lead Old Man Lan into death step by step? Look at you now! Useless!" There was little sympathy; instead, he cursed at the corpse.
After venting his frustrations, Black Face revealed a sinister expression and said, "Since you're dead anyway, the boss will say you were useless when he finds out. It’s better for me to take advantage of your fresh corpse while it still has some use. I'll just eat this body! Bailuo, don't blame me; at least this way I can increase my cultivation! I can't waste your thousand-year essence blood!"
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