Your Role Ends Here, T0

We won...

We actually won...

Ye Qun and the others continued searching for an exit.

Yet his mind remained fixated on the earlier battle with that monstrous creature.

He clenched his fist, his eyes brimming with the joy of having narrowly escaped death.

They had actually survived.

That monster had been absurdly powerful, but fortunately, his divine breakthrough had ended the fight!

Even if they hadn’t gained any fortuitous opportunities this time, the breakthrough in the Primordial Profound Heaven Technique was still the greatest reward.

No...

Perhaps the greatest reward was something more.

"Ye... Brother Ye."

Su Bailian’s voice was as soft as a spring breeze, timidly calling from behind Ye Qun. "There’s a fork in the road ahead..."

Ye Qun turned and saw Su Bailian standing cautiously, her hands unconsciously clutching the hem of her clothes, as if gripping something was the only way to feel even a sliver of security in this eerie place.

Her hair was disheveled, a few stray strands sticking to her sweat-dampened cheeks, making her appear even more delicate.

Her eyes were filled with helplessness and dependence, never once straying from Ye Qun, as if in her eyes, he was the sole pillar of support in this dark, desperate place.

Good.

Ye Qun’s heart stirred. After enduring this life-and-death ordeal, Bailian had likely come to see him as her anchor, trusting him completely.

This feeling of being wholly relied upon weighed heavily on his shoulders, yet also brought him an indescribable satisfaction.

Most importantly, Bailian was adorable—and a disciple of the Primordial Holy Land.

If he could leverage her connections to access the resources of the Primordial Holy Land, it would greatly benefit his cultivation path.

"Don’t be afraid, Bailian."

Ye Qun softened his tone, making his voice sound steady and reassuring. "Stay close to me."

As he spoke, he naturally stepped beside Su Bailian, shielding her slightly with his body before turning his attention to the fork ahead.

In his mind, he asked:

Master, which path do you recommend?

[...]

[Hiss... I sense the aura of the Profound Heaven Pearl...]

[Left... Little Ye, take the left path.]

The Profound Heaven Pearl...

Ye Qun’s eyes gleamed. The Profound Heaven Pearl could help restore his master’s soul energy—a crucial treasure for reconstructing a physical body.

He had to obtain it.

But...

He glanced at the group before him.

Truthfully, apart from Bailian, he didn’t want to bring anyone else.

Yet leaving them behind wasn’t an option.

In that case...

Ye Qun spoke calmly: "We’ll split into two teams at this fork."

"Bailian, Lin Yue of the Qingyan Sect, and I will take the left path."

"The rest of you take the right. Any objections?"

Hearing this, Chu Yu frowned slightly. She studied Ye Qun, then scrutinized the two paths.

Her cool voice cut through the tense atmosphere: "Why separate?"

"Sticking together ensures mutual support. This place is fraught with danger—if something happens, who will come to the rescue?"

Her gaze was sharp with skepticism, clearly distrusting Ye Qun’s proposal.

Ye Qun had already made up his mind. The Profound Heaven Pearl was non-negotiable.

If Chu Yu and that masked man—whose strength was unclear—followed, there was no guarantee who would end up with the treasure.

Even if Chu Yu was severely injured, what if she had some life-saving trump card as a disciple of the Primordial Holy Land?

Ye Qun wasn’t willing to gamble.

Keeping his expression neutral, he explained: "Chu Yu, your concerns are valid, but time is of the essence."

"These two paths lead in entirely different directions—likely to entirely different destinations."

"Splitting up allows us to explore both routes simultaneously, increasing our chances of finding an exit or an opportunity."

"And we’re not separating recklessly."

"Lin Yue and I are seasoned martial artists—protecting Bailian won’t be an issue."

Ye Qun paused, sweeping his gaze over the group before continuing:

"Meanwhile, you and the masked brother are formidable. With the two junior disciples of the Qingyan Sect, you’ll surely overcome any obstacles on the right path."

"Let’s agree on this: if one team finds an exit or makes a significant discovery, they’ll send a unique spiritual pulse as a signal."

"The other team will regroup immediately upon sensing it."

"This way, we maximize efficiency without losing contact entirely."

To emphasize his point, Ye Qun channeled a surge of spiritual energy. "The suppression on our powers has lifted in this area."

Chu Yu hesitated. Though something felt off, Ye Qun’s reasoning was sound. She could only nod in reluctant agreement.

At the same time, she shot a glance at Su Bailian, who was still clinging to Ye Qun’s side.

Annoyance flared within her.

Damn it...

It seems I can’t make my move inside these ruins.

This wretch has latched onto Ye Qun—he’ll undoubtedly protect her.

I’m injured, and even though spiritual energy is usable here, our overall strength is suppressed to the Domain Realm.

If I clash with Ye Qun head-on, I’d have to resort to my trump card.

But that would be a losing trade.

The masked man silently observed the left path for a moment before looking away.

The left fork... there must be treasure there.

With the decision made, the group split into two teams.

As they stepped into the left passage, Ye Qun’s expression gradually shifted to one of triumph.

Perfect. Everything is going according to plan.

Once I secure the Profound Heaven Pearl to nourish Master’s soul, and then use Bailian’s connections to enter the Primordial Holy Land after leaving this place...

My path to cultivation will truly begin.

Step by step, I’ll rise in power until I stand at the pinnacle of martial arts!

Of course...

He would never forget his ultimate goal.

His fingers brushed against the frostbite scars on his face, his eyes darkening.

Su Muwan... you venomous witch!!

I will have my revenge!!!

Just as the thought crossed his mind—

"Brother Ye..."

Su Bailian, trailing behind him, spoke up in a fragile voice. "Who gave you those scars?"

Ye Qun didn’t think much of it, assuming her kind-hearted nature simply compelled her to ask.

Gritting his teeth, he replied in a low voice: "A woman named Su Muwan."

"Su Muwan?"

Su Bailian blinked.

Seriously, sis...

Do you have enemies everywhere?

But never mind.

A faint smile curled at the corners of her lips. "Brother Ye, do you know my full name?"

Full name?

Ye Qun paused, scanning their surroundings before answering absently: "Isn’t it just Bailian?"

Li Yue of the Qingyan Sect, walking behind them, instinctively turned his gaze toward Su Bailian.

His brows furrowed slightly.

What’s this strange feeling...?

"Nope."

As she spoke, Su Bailian gradually came to a halt.

The dim passage fell into silence.

Even Ye Qun finally sensed something amiss.

He stopped and turned to look at her.

In that instant—he froze.

In an instant, the pitiful and fragile expression on Su Bailian's face completely vanished.

Instead, a teasing smirk played on her lips as she tilted her head, staring at Ye Qun with a sly smile.

"My name is..."

"Su Bailian."

"I'm Su Muwan's..."

"Little sister~"

Su Muwan's sister?!

As the words fell, Ye Qun's pupils constricted sharply.

Wait... Su Bailian is Su Muwan's sister?

Then...

Every cell in his body trembled as an inexplicable sense of danger surged through him.

At the same time, a voice that sent chills down his spine slowly emerged.

"Your usefulness ends here."

"T0."