As Li Miao uttered these words, everyone felt a sense of relief.
The dangers they had encountered during this tomb expedition had far exceeded their expectations.
If not for Lao Qifeng and Li Miao, it was likely that none of them would have survived.
Of course, Lao Qifeng was not the only one who harbored suspicions about Li Miao.
Many people had their own conjectures, but without corroborating news from Tai'an City, they couldn't reach a conclusion.
However, after the previous events, they believed in Li Miao's methods with Witchcraft.
Just as everyone relaxed, thinking they could be rescued, they heard Li Miao continue.
“It’s just that, among you, I don’t trust everyone.”
This statement caused everyone to speak up anxiously.
“Li Daxia, what do you mean!?”
“Yes, at a time of life and death, if there were any past misunderstandings, we will definitely beg Li Daxia’s forgiveness once we are out.
Don’t joke around now!”
“Exactly, Li Daxia, don’t joke!”
Everyone panicked for a moment, revealing flaws in their stances, and a swarm of Witchcraft surged towards them.
They frantically forced back the Witchcraft and immediately looked at Li Miao.
Li Miao said unhurriedly, “Don’t forget, everyone, although the Qingcheng Sect thieves have all been dealt with, but…”
“The person who left the sword wound on the disciple who stepped on the platform in the tomb earlier is still among you.”
“My method requires my full concentration to maintain.
If I let someone with ulterior motives stay by my side, and they turn against me at that time, I won’t mention myself, but you will all surely be devoured by the insects.”
“It’s not that I’m making things difficult for you, but truly for the sake of your lives.”
As he spoke, everyone was speechless for a moment.
How to put it… it was like a fishbone stuck in their throats.
It was Lao Qifeng, who had already been frank with Li Miao and knew this was likely Li Miao's scheme, who actively cooperated, saying, “Li Daxia, the situation is urgent right now, and there’s probably no time to distinguish.”
“If you have any plan, just say it directly!”
Li Miao paused, as if a little troubled: “It might be difficult to distinguish in a short time.”
“Never mind, everyone just keep this in mind and be wary of each other.”
“Please wait a moment, I’ll be right over.”
With that, Li Miao grabbed Yin Minjun’s wrist and slowly walked over.
Like a reef parting waves, wherever he went, the Witchcraft retreated, carving out a path.
Everyone quickly huddled together, following closely beside Li Miao.
Li Miao’s use of the small fourth mother Witchcraft was merely a forced activation with internal energy, far inferior to activation with Witchcraft, and thus its range was limited.
There were thirty-one people when they entered, five from the Qingcheng Sect died, and then three more who couldn't dodge in time died.
The remaining twenty or so people, all crowded around Li Miao, made it a bit cramped.
Fortunately, these people were afraid of affecting Li Miao's maintenance of his technique, so they intentionally left some space around him.
Yin Minjun looked around and thought of following the crowd, staying a bit further from Li Miao.
Li Miao noticed Yin Minjun’s intention, turned his head to look at her, and smiled at her.
With that smile, Yin Minjun felt that she no longer wanted to leave Li Miao’s side.
The Hengshan Sect had many female disciples, and they often read romance novels.
Yin Minjun had always scoffed at such things.
How could she be moved? What did it mean to have her heart flutter, or to be possessed by a demon? What was so special about a smile that could make someone lose their appetite?
One could only say that as long as it didn’t happen to oneself, it was easy to speak without understanding the pain.
To what extent was Li Miao’s appearance outstanding? After a bit of tidying up, even someone as stoic as Mei Qinghe would blush upon seeing him.
He possessed an inherently heroic appearance, and after achieving success in martial arts, his eyes held a profound inner glow, captivating upon closer inspection.
Coupled with the noble air cultivated from his leisurely work at the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guards) every day, and that casual, languid temperament.
It could be said that if Li Miao ever decided he didn’t want to work anymore and wanted a rich young lady to support him, he could even be picky.
Add to that his martial arts, and the deeds of saving the entire population of Tai'an City and personally killing most of Ming Cult’s high-ranking members… there’s no need to mention how devastatingly attractive he was to women of the martial world.
Surrounded by deadly danger, renowned martial artists from the pugilistic world sought refuge by Li Miao’s side.
In this small central space, Li Miao smiled at her easily, as if comforting her, or perhaps just a casual smile.
Yin Minjun finally understood what it meant to have a restless heart.
She was silent for a moment, lowering her head, staying close to Li Miao’s side, her hand unconsciously gripping the hilt of her sword.
Her heart pounded, her throat felt dry and constricted, and she couldn't speak.
Just the accidental brushing of their sleeves made her lips press together.
She wanted to get closer, but she didn’t dare.
Everyone huddled together like this, slowly exiting the cave entrance.
After walking along the exit for a while, they finally saw no more Witchcraft.
Only then did everyone breathe a sigh of relief.
After dispersing, they first exchanged awkward smiles.
They had just been fighting fiercely, and now divine powers were out of the question; life still had to go on, so they tacitly agreed not to bring it up again.
Afterward, everyone thanked Li Miao, who just smiled and waved his hand, declining their gratitude.
Then, following the small stream, they walked for a while and finally heard the sound of wind and saw the exit.
The Head of Kongtong Sect let out a sigh of relief: “Ha—I’ve been traveling the pugilistic world for many years, but I’ve truly never encountered such a perilous situation.”
“If it weren’t for Li Daxia this time, I really don’t know if I would have survived.”
Lao Qifeng, however, was not as optimistic as he was, and spoke faintly, “Everyone, don’t relax yet.”
“If I’m not mistaken, there should be another struggle waiting for us outside this exit.”
The Emei Sect elder nodded and echoed, “That’s right, we’ve fallen into the Miao people’s trap this time.
The Qingcheng Sect thief is dead, but from the situation at the time, he was just a pawn being used.”
“The mastermind behind this incident probably won’t let us return so easily.”
With that, he glanced at Yongjie: “Tu Qingcang, we’ll settle our scores outside.”
Yongjie nodded, indicating his agreement.
Everyone first adjusted their breathing on the spot, restoring their internal energy, and then cautiously walked out of the cave entrance.
It was already dusk, and outside the cave entrance was a forest.
It was completely silent, with only the occasional rustling of leaves.
Lao Qifeng nodded towards everyone, indicating that his prediction was correct and there was indeed an ambush.
Mountain forests usually have many wild beasts and birds, but at this moment, not a single chirp could be heard, which was a sign of an ambush nearby.
Everyone present was a master, and without needing to say much, they tacitly formed a formation of mutual support, slowly approaching the forest.
When they were still twenty paces from the forest, a deafening roar was heard.
From within the forest, a black and yellow shadow suddenly leaped out.
Everyone looked closely, and it was indeed a large tiger, with a gaping maw, and fully ten feet long!