As Han Yu's companions watched in confusion and fear, Han Yu knew he had to act now.
Meng Jueyan remained rooted to the spot for an instant, caught between roles, until she heard his faint whisper, low enough that only she could catch it amidst the chaos. "Run. Pretend you retreated."
Her expression did not shift from terror, but her body obeyed. Without a word, she turned sharply and sprinted toward one of the paths, vanishing into the shadows of the corridor as if fleeing for her life.
Only once she was gone did the others react fully.
Wu Shuan and Fatty Kui rushed to Han Yu's side, both believing he had suffered severe backlash. Their hands reached for him in support, their voices loud with panic. Yet even as they tried to help, danger had not ended.
The altars continued to blaze, discharging bolts of destructive energy across the chamber. One beam nearly clipped Fatty Kui's shoulder, while another seared the air inches from Wu Shuan's head.
