Chapter 524: Enough Preparation

Li An's expression instantly became grave, and his heart fell into a fierce struggle. He wanted to rescue Guo Yao as soon as possible, yet he also worried about the danger of going deep into the demon's lair. He looked at Guo Yao on the sickbed, his heart full of conflict.

"Allen, you know it too—Guo Yao's condition is very critical right now. I can't leave her lightly. Besides, the demon's lair is too dangerous; we don't have enough preparation," Li An said with a furrowed brow.

Allen nodded: "I understand your concerns, Li An. But this may be our only chance to find a way to save Guo Yao. The Huaiheise Sect also can't give us more support right now—everything depends on ourselves."

The atmosphere in the room grew oppressive and tense, and Li An's heart was tormented in agony. He knew this decision concerned Guo Yao's life and death, and also the fate of all of them.

"Let me think it over a little more…" Li An said slowly, a trace of confusion showing in his eyes.

Meanwhile, in some corner of the Huaiheise Sect, Tichmique was coldly watching all of this, a faint, barely noticeable cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth. In his heart he was scheming how to use this chance to further sabotage the plans of the Huaiheise Sect and Li An's group.

Luo De was also secretly watching Li An, her strange, captivating eyes full of interest in him. "This man really is interesting…" she murmured softly, a hint of enchantment in her voice.

Shen Shen Tianyou stood at the end of the corridor, arms crossed over his chest, watching Li An's room with a complicated look. His attitude toward Li An had always been complicated—while he admired his strength, he also felt a hint of threat from his appearance.

"Are you really going in?" Guo Yao gripped Li An's arm tightly, her voice trembling slightly, her eyes full of worry. Her fingers went white from the force, as if doing so could stop Li An from stepping into the demon's lair that exuded a strange aura right before them.

Li An turned around, gently holding Guo Yao's hand, trying to pass strength and reassurance to her. He tilted his head up slightly, his gaze firm yet faintly betraying a trace of tension, looked at the cave mouth shrouded in darkness, took a deep breath and said: "Yaoyao, this is the only way to save you—I have to go." His voice was low and steady, as if he were psyching himself up, and as if he were comforting Guo Yao.

Standing to one side, Allen Walker slightly furrowed his brow, his gaze likewise falling on that unfathomably mysterious lair, his eyes revealing resolve and bravery: "Don't worry, Li An, I'll go with you. No matter what we run into, we can handle it." He patted Li An's shoulder, his hand firm and strong, bringing Li An a trace of comfort.

Li An gave Allen a grateful look and nodded: "Then I'm counting on you, Allen." A light of trust glimmered in his eyes; toward this partner who fought shoulder to shoulder with him, he was full of confidence.

The two slowly walked into the demon's lair. The moment they stepped inside, a thick wave of darkness and stench of rot rushed at them. The smell was as if countless rotting corpses were mixed with evil power, making one nearly vomit. Unknown slime flowed down the surrounding walls, glinting with an eerie glow in the dim light.

"This place..." Allen wrinkled his nose, his brows knitting into a furrow; his hand unconsciously tightened its grip on his weapon, his body taut, ready at any moment to face the danger that might appear.

"Be careful," Li An warned softly, his eyes warily scanning the surroundings, missing no corner. His steps were very light, afraid of disturbing the demon seven hidden in the dark.