Li Xuanqing's expression said he did not think much of the prospect, but he offered Shen Yi a word or two of guidance all the same.

"The Nanhong Seven share life and death, yes. But they would not scruple to haul out some great principle, some rule or other, and take your Nanyang treasured site from you."

"The Clear-Moon Sect was once closest of all to the Nanyang Sect — sun and moon in alternation. If anything troubles you, go to them and don't hesitate."

"……"

Shen Yi looked at the Dao token in his hand and let out a slow breath. "Hoo."

He knew perfectly well that none of this would be easy. But at least there was now a chance to hold his own life in his own hands.

That much alone was what other men dreamed of.

"Can we go back now?" Li Xuanqing looked toward the formation.

"Wait a little longer."

Shen Yi gazed calmly at the horizon and stored the Dao token away inside his thumb ring.

"Wait for what?" Li Xuanqing had not finished speaking when he felt the young man's aura change.

The body beneath the white robe seemed to be merging, little by little, with heaven and earth.

Spirit-Transformation Perfection.

Shen Yi was unlike other cultivators. He had in fact been cultivating a very short time, and there was no obsession in him worth the name.

If he had to name one, it was simply to live without much pressure on him.

And now he had finally seen the road ahead clearly, and had chosen without hesitation the direction that suited him best.

It was probably the easiest breakthrough Shen Yi had ever had, and it gave him some sense of what cultivation must feel like for the likes of Jiang Qiulan and Nie Jun.

"That's it. Let's go."

Shen Yi turned and walked back toward the others.

There was no more hesitation in him.

In truth, unless he meant to stand out here and wait rather than go back, once the formation was open he had no power to stop anyone…