Chapter Thirty-Eight: Disciples of the Heavenly Capital

"I know what you're all thinking. The road ahead is indeed fraught with peril, but with Senior Brother Shen Yan among us, we will surely turn danger into safety. Perhaps you are unaware, but Senior Brother Shen Yan is ranked eighteenth among the inner disciples of the Heavenly Capital Sect." The burly young man’s face flashed with pride, as if he were speaking of himself.

As expected, exclamations of surprise echoed around, making the burly young man feel quite gratified.

"It seems I have underestimated the weight of being in the inner top ten. To think that someone ranked only eighteenth has already reached the tenth level of physical cultivation—what kind of strength would those in the top ten possess?" Lin Fan had only just learned of Shen Yan's ranking in the Heavenly Capital Sect; so he was merely eighteenth.

"Enough with the nonsense," Shen Yan opened his eyes and rebuked with some displeasure. Though he did not show obvious anger, his words carried authority, befitting his status.

"Xiang Yang’s words are not untrue. The path ahead is arduous, and I hope everyone can unite as one." Shen Yan rose, sweeping his gaze over the group. The threat in his words was barely concealed; he was establishing his leadership. Should anyone dare act on their own, they would likely face his wrath then and there.

"Senior Brother Shen is absolutely right. Only by staying together can we overcome the demon clan and reach the stronghold. Otherwise, scattered strength will crumble before the overwhelming might of the demons." A timely voice chimed in—a girl barely in her teens, whose features were not especially striking, but her figure was alluring, stirring the blood.

Her name was Wang Qing, cousin to Ouyang Ruoxuan. Unlike Ruoxuan, Wang Qing never approached Lin Fan or Chen Daolin, instead keeping close to Shen Yan and his companions.

Yet Wang Qing’s charm was undeniable; the moment she spoke, everyone turned their gaze to her.

"Rest assured, we understand the gravity of the situation. With Senior Brother Shen leading us, we are certain to escape misfortune." Lin Fan smiled, unwilling to provoke conflict over this matter, even though his strength likely surpassed Shen Yan’s by far.

Chen Daolin remained silent as well, tacitly accepting this arrangement.

"Very well. Since you all trust me, I shall not let you down." Shen Yan nodded, satisfied, his spirits high.

"The stronghold lies ten thousand miles ahead, but it is clearly crawling with demon clan elites. If we go directly, we risk utter annihilation. We cannot force our way through; instead, we must proceed with caution."

"To the east lies a ruin—once another stronghold of our human race, later massacred by the demons. From what I know, there is a spatial teleportation portal there." Shen Yan, as befitting the eighteenth-ranked inner disciple of the Heavenly Capital Sect, knew many secrets, and all of them were crucial.

"Senior Brother Shen, wouldn't there be many demons within that stronghold? If we go, aren’t we walking into the lion’s den?" Wang Qing furrowed her brows, worry coloring her delicate features.

"I’ll take care of that when the time comes. You need not fret," Shen Yan replied calmly, without revealing how he planned to avoid the demons.

Lin Fan and Chen Daolin exchanged glances, both sensing something amiss, but neither spoke of it.

The journey continued in silence.

The place Shen Yan spoke of was not far, at most two thousand miles. The six of them were all formidable, moving at incredible speed; it took only half a day to arrive.

"So this is the former stronghold?" In the distance loomed a vast city, crouched like a primordial beast, exuding a thick aura of death.

It was a real fortress, infused with the laws of the heavens—a veritable weapon in battle, its solidity inspiring awe.

Now, however, the city lay in ruins. The thick walls were breached, the structures within reduced to ash.

Lin Fan’s eyes were filled with horror. To destroy such a stronghold required extraordinary power; the strength of the demon clan was beyond reason.

"Breaking through a city like this would require at least two overlords of the Heaven-Man Realm acting together. The demon clan is terrifyingly strong." Chen Daolin took a deep breath, his eyes full of disbelief. Though he knew the stronghold had been destroyed, witnessing it firsthand was nonetheless shocking.

"Senior Brother Shen, what is your plan? It’s obvious there are still many demons inside." Wang Qing voiced her doubts, unable to think of any way to bypass the demons.

"It’s simple. Someone just needs to draw the demons away." Shen Yan sneered coldly, his intentions finally revealed.

"What?!" Cries of astonishment rang out. Wang Qing covered her mouth, breathing heavily, her chest heaving.

"There’s nothing to be surprised about. Sometimes, sacrifices must be made."

Shen Yan cast a greedy glance at Wang Qing, then shifted his gaze to Lin Fan and Chen Daolin.

"Senior Brother Shen, isn’t this a bit much?" Lin Fan frowned, a trace of murderous intent flickering in his eyes. Shen Yan’s meaning was clear—he wanted Lin Fan and Chen Daolin to be the sacrificial pawns.

"A true man knows what must be done and what must not. At this moment, you should understand: if one life can save so many, what isn’t worth doing?" Shen Yan spoke righteously, clearly unconcerned for their lives.

"Then why don’t you go? You’re stronger than Lin Fan and Daolin, and would surely be more effective." Ouyang Ruoxuan could not stand it any longer. Young as she was, she could not tolerate such injustice, especially since she was close to Lin Fan and Chen Daolin.

"Watch your tongue, girl. Senior Brother Shen's strength is unfathomable, his status exalted. Such dangerous tasks are not his to undertake." Xiang Yang seemed to have known Shen Yan’s plan all along, remaining unfazed.

"Then why don’t you go?" Ouyang Ruoxuan turned her sharp words on him, pressing relentlessly.

"Innocent words of a child—I won’t hold it against you. Wang Qing, keep your cousin in check." Shen Yan’s brows furrowed, angered at last.

Wang Qing hurriedly pulled Ouyang Ruoxuan close, covering her mouth to prevent further words.

"My strength allows me to protect more people. You two are merely at the ninth level of physical cultivation, far beneath me. Moreover, only I know how to activate the spatial teleportation portal. You should know what choice to make." Shen Yan stepped forward, blood energy surging like a dragon, clearly intent on using force.

Lin Fan’s lips twitched; he wished he could slap this arrogant fool dead. Yet he knew Shen Yan spoke truth—if the portal could not be opened, they would all perish at the hands of the demon clan.