Chapter 290: Key

The silver‑armored troops exude an oppressive aura; even Lin Yifan can't help but feel wary.

However, this army is the Silver Armored Force that Aierui brought in earlier, which let him breathe a sigh of relief.

He turned to Aierui and said, "Your people have arrived."

"Lin Yifan, I urge you to run quickly!" Aierui's face changed dramatically, and she frowned as she said:

"Although I am the princess of the Nature Spirit clan, our clan has already declined. Even though we were once a core member of the Dawnlight Alliance, now we are long past our prime; otherwise, as a princess, I could not be merely a lowly deputy commander."

"To be honest, they are not my people. This time they entered this mission world with me only to search for the Dawnbreak sword. The fact that they found it so quickly means they must have sensed Dawnbreak's resonance."

"They are not like me; they care little for our ties. They will stop at nothing to seize Dawnbreak and will never spare your life, so you should flee immediately!"

Lin Yifan frowned, his complexion turning sallow as he said:

"Can't we just communicate properly? I never intended to seize your artifact; the Binding happened by accident, and I have no interest in your wonders."

"But you did end up Binding it!" Aierui shrugged lightly and said:

"For the Dawnlight Alliance, the artifact symbolizes our authority. An outsider binding it is a disgrace to us, so this is an unsolvable dilemma."

The one standing aside, Yin Mian, suddenly interjected:

"These so‑called alliances are that hypocritical; that's why I dislike dealing with them."

"Lin Yifan, you should decide quickly: will you choose to avoid, or to face them head‑on?"

Lin Yifan fell silent; deep down, he had no intention of making enemies with any faction.

After all, he is still a newcomer with limited strength, and against these veteran powers he is at an absolute disadvantage.

But the current situation leaves him with little room for choice.

Yet he wavers on whether to confront them directly!

At that moment, Hong Shaoqiang, standing nearby, said anxiously:

"Captain, they're about to arrive. What should we do? Fight?"

Lin Yifan watched the soldiers draw nearer, glanced at the weakened Aierui and the unconscious Ruan Qingtan, and made a swift decision:

"We can't force a head‑on clash; we're already weak, and we just endured a major battle. Everyone is exhausted, and against the Dawnlight Alliance we stand no chance."

Having said that, he turned his head to Yin Mian and said:

"Mr. Yin Mian, please take Aierui and Qingtan with you and leave with the others, and help them as much as you can within your ability."

"What about you? What will you do?" Yin Mian asked immediately.

"I'll stay behind to hold the rear!" Lin Yifan said with a smile.

"No!" Aierui, upon hearing that, instantly seized Lin Yifan's arm, her face trembling with emotion, and said:

"If you stay, it's like a lamb walking into a tiger's mouth—pure suicide. If you leave, you must be the first to go."

"If I leave, the Dawnlight Alliance will never be satisfied." Lin Yifan sighed lightly and said calmly:

"The Silver Dragon Knight Corps wants me; only if I stay will they stop hunting you."

"But…" Princess Aierui tried to persuade further.

But the Dawnbreak in Lin Yifan's hand suddenly emitted a hum. The magical runes along the blade lit up one by one, and a warm energy flowed into his body.

He was surprised to discover he could sense every life force within a hundred meters—soldiers' breathing rates, heartbeats, even emotional fluctuations.

"I know how to ensure…," Lin Yifan muttered, a glint flashing in his eyes, then said confidently:

"Mr. Yin Mian, lead everyone to break out through the east side; its defenses are the weakest. As for me, you needn't worry—I have found a way to survive, and after that I'll cooperate with you."

"Captain, how do you know the east side's defenses are the weakest?" Hong Shaoqiang asked, puzzled.

Lin Yifan gave no explanation, simply raised Dawnbreak and urged the crowd, "There's no time left; don't linger here, move quickly!"

The others were reluctant, but at that moment,

Lin Yifan swung his sword hard, and a dazzling light barrier rose from the ground, temporarily separating the soldiers to the other side.

No matter how they pounded or shouted, the barrier showed no damage.

Yin Mian seized the chance, scooping up Aierui, while Hong Shaoqiang lifted Ruan Qingtan on his back, and the few fled swiftly toward the east.

"Stop them!" At this moment, members of the Silver Dragon Knight Corps arrived; the leading officer, furious at the retreat, roared,

"We must not let the artifact leave the council's control!"

Dozens of soldiers simultaneously raised their weapons, firing energy beams like raindrops.

Lin Yifan stood rooted; Dawnbreak traced a perfect arc in his hand, and every attack vanished the instant it met the blade's light.

"Impossible…" the officer exclaimed, eyes wide, "The sword has recognized its master?"

Lin Yifan felt his internal power draining rapidly—clearly, wielding the artifact consumed far more than he imagined. He had to finish quickly.

"My apologies," he whispered, then drove Dawnbreak into the ground.

The earth trembled as countless light vines burst from the soil, binding the soldiers tightly.

Seizing the opening, Lin Yifan turned and caught up with his companions. When they finally shook off the pursuers and slipped into a hidden alley, Lin Yifan could no longer hold on; he dropped to one knee, and Dawnbreak's glow dimmed.

"Are you alright?" Yin Mian asked concernedly.

Lin Yifan shook his head, "Just over‑exerted." He looked up at Aierui, "Now, can you tell us what's really going on? Why is the council of the Alliance hunting us? What secret does this sword hide?"

Aierui leaned against the wall, her complexion still pale. She inhaled deeply and spoke slowly:

"Because Dawnbreak is not only a relic of the Light God… it is also the key to opening the 'Divine Fallen Land.' Some members of the council have long sought to reopen that gate…"

"Divine Fallen Land?" Hong Shaoqiang, hearing the words "Gate of the End," paled instantly, looked up, his face shocked, and said:

"Is the Dawnlight Alliance planning to seal it? How dare you entertain the idea of the Divine Fallen Land?"