<h4>Chapter 1271: Chapter 1271</h4>


    Outside ck Bear Valley, swords were drawn, and tension hung thick.


    A few young men wielding sharp des had Lin Yifan surrounded.


    If Er Yuehong hadn’t kept silent, they would have acted already.


    "Esteemed one, even if we mistakenly trespassed on forbidden grounds, retreating should be the end of it. Why stop me now? What is this about?"


    Er Yuehong scrutinized Lin Yifan.


    His actions were truly enigmatic.


    "Because behind you is tonight’s main event. When you stepped onto the tter, you were already discovered. You’re allowed here not for safety, but as bait. If you wish to retreat now, they’ll force you forward to clear the path for them."


    Lin Yifan’s gaze turned toward the distant forest.


    The murderer of Li Hao must have caught them stepping on the tter, smearing his own name in the process.


    Yet, even when confined in the police station, the vige guardian stood in the way.


    Er Yuehong became their best lure.


    "Senior sister, don’t listen to him. He’s just trying to scare us. There must be something good in there."


    "Exactly, I think he’s been ying tricks all along. Let’s subdue him first."


    The young men disregarded Lin Yifan.


    They rolled up their sleeves, ready to act.


    "Have you forgotten our rules? We do not seize others’ treasures. Speak recklessly again, and I’ll expel you from the school!"


    Er Yuehong scolded them loudly, stepping forward.


    These guys were oblivious to Lin Yifan’s terrifying nature.


    "Yes!"


    Due to Er Yuehong’s authority, the group reluctantly backed down.


    But their dissatisfied gazes revealed that they disagreed with her decision, even if they didn’t dare defy her.


    "Please guide us, honored one."


    Er Yuehong stepped forward once more, respectfully addressing Lin Yifan.


    For this mysterious individual, she felt a sense of reverence.


    "Follow me, then."


    Gazing at Er Yuehong’s elegant face.


    Judging by her demeanor, she appeared to be a kind-hearted person.


    Her assistance at the temple fair spoke of umted merit.


    Only then did Lin Yifan, hands behind his back, lead the way to ck Bear Valley.


    "They went inside!"


    As the group vanished into the mountain gate, watching eyes in the shadows probed for truths and fictions.


    After all, belonging to different factions, they naturally harbored mistrust.


    "The three from West Mountain ryed that the Soul Suppressing Man has been imprisoned, and tonight a bunch of rash youths distract the vige guardian. They’re seizing this chance to seize treasures. They ask our stance, old man, what do you say?"


    In the darkness, the Dumb Granny turned to her husband.


    "Those three are afraid that once the vige guardian perishes, everyone will rush in, leaving them empty-handed. That’s why they killed Li Hao and framed the Soul Suppressing Man. We should’ve known to make a move on Li Hao when he was farther away."


    The old man stroked his beard, eyes gleaming coldly.


    Initially, the n was just to trap Li Hao, not to take his life.


    Who knew someone else would sabotage and exploit the opportunity?


    "What do we do now? If they indeed get ahead, our years of preparation will be wasted, and we’d have broken past promises."


    The Dumb Granny sighed, caught in a dilemma.


    Many, it seemed, shared their predicament.


    "The Soul Suppressing Man isn’t so easily dealt with. We’ll just watch. Notice how no seasoned foxes have shown themselves?"


    The old man chuckled faintly.


    In this contest of patience, they still lost.


    Once patience is lost, it equates to death.


    ......


    "We’re just waiting here?"


    Inside a stone cave behind ck Bear Valley’s gate.


    Er Yuehong sat on a rock, examining her surroundings in the shlight’s glow.


    The cave wasn’t big but could shelter over a dozen people.


    From the chiseled marks on the walls, it seemed like someone once lived here.


    The small cave even had stone beds and chairs.


    "Indeed, wait until daybreak. Then you may leave, and it’d be wise not to return. Next time, I won’t warn you."


    Lin Yifan sat across from her.


    His eyes closed, as though in deep meditation.


    "What’s outside?"


    Er Yuehong stared at Lin Yifan’s handsome face.


    She was curious what might happen outside this cave.


    "Death."


    Lin Yifan’s voice remained calm but with keen senses, covering every sound inside and outside.


    This cave contained one major room, where most currently sat outside.


    Gazing at the small entrance, it was pitch dark beyond.


    But among the young people, nces exchanged.


    "He’s clearly scaring us. Only our senior sister believes his ghost stories. In such a True Dragon’s hidden aura terrain, there’s bound to be a grand tomb. If we miss it, we’ll never find the Dan Pearl in our lifetime."


    "I think our senior sister fancies this guy, so she’s enamored, like an actor with no sincerity!"


    "Are we really just sitting here? Leaving shamefullye daylight?"


    "It’s been ages, no one’s followed. He’s bluffing us."


    "How about, while senior sister distracts him, we sneak in and look ourselves?"


    Someone suggested, and everyone’s eyes lit up.


    "If we act recklessly and senior sister turns on us, it’ll be troublesometer."


    One expressed concern.


    They relied on Er Yuehong for everything now; without her, they’d have to beg.


    "Are you a fool? Grab any treasure inside, and it’s enough for life. Who cares about her approval? If we truly find the Dan Pearl, we’ll ascend as immortals. She wouldn’t dare stand if we told her to kneel. If you’re scared, stay as apdog. When we strike it rich, there’ll be nothing for you!"


    As one stood, others followed suit.


    Even the hesitantst one joined them.


    "This isn’t good!"


    Soon, Er Yuehong sensed something amiss.


    She quickly got up, realizing the hall was empty.


    "You can’t go out."


    As she was about to chase after them, Lin Yifan blocked her.


    "They acted rashly, trespassing forbidden grounds. I’ll get them back for reprimand."


    Er Yuehong’s face grew anxious.


    "Do you really think they fear you? In their eyes, you’re just a meal ticket. Otherwise, they wouldn’t call you a heartless actress. Bringing them back won’t stop them; oues are set. They’ve already walked into a death zone."


    Lin Yifan turned, gazing outside.


    As a full moon rose, the area a hundred meters ahead appeared lit as day.


    There, more than a dozen faced their life’s ultimate crisis.


    Even if they wished to retreat now, it was already impossible.