Chapter 354: All Waiting for You

“Sis Lilith, be careful!” Lucy said softly as she saw the group about to set off.
“Don’t worry, nothing will happen!” Having spent so much time together, Lilith already treated Lucy like her own sister. Gently stroking Lucy’s head, she said, “I’ve got you.”
But Lucy didn’t seem to like this gesture. She shifted slightly, displeased, and said, “Sis… Lucy isn’t a child anymore. Stop touching me like that!” It was probably the first time she had resisted such behavior, but it was completely ineffective.
Lilith and Heibin exchanged understanding smiles. In their eyes, Lucy would always remain that child who never grew up. Even if she grew up, they still wanted to protect her.
“Nightingale, can you go with them?” Heibin asked, looking at Nightingale behind Lucy with a hint of hope.
Although this group hadn’t shown much of their strength, Heibin knew their combat power could possibly surpass his own team’s. Especially after watching Nightingale’s match against Viski and Sayer, he was shocked—even he wasn’t sure he could defeat those madmen. He could only think to himself that people really get the subordinates they deserve. Rod was crazy enough to have such insane followers—a bunch of madmen.
Of course, Heibin also knew that if these people were willing to help him and join him in going to Dark Moon City to support the opposition, it would undoubtedly add a terrifying force to their side. The aura these guys exuded was extraordinary—it was the aura of those who had wandered on the edge of life and death, whose hands were stained with blood from dealing with death itself. It was nothing he could compare to.
“We have to stay here to protect Lucy!!” Nightingale said with a bitter smile, glancing apologetically at Heibin and Lilith. Lucy had brought up this issue yesterday, and now Heibin was bringing it up again today!
“But Lucy is safe here!” Heibin was somewhat anxious, hoping to win over this powerful group.
“Of course. If you need any conditions, just state them. We’ll definitely meet them. I’m sure Rod won’t blame you!” Knowing that Rod had sent them down to protect Lucy, Heibin continued.

He also knew that it was impossible to ask others for help for no reason. He was even prepared for heavy losses. His gaze remained fixed on Nightingale; as for the others, he didn’t even look at them. On one hand, he could faintly tell that Nightingale was the leader of this group, and on the other hand, the expressions of the others were indeed too cold, making him feel uneasy.

“We won’t leave this place without orders from the leader!” Viski’s words forced Heibin to smile bitterly.

Looking at Lilith, who was also smiling bitterly, Heibin realized it was still impossible to get this group to follow him. With a sigh, he thought that it was fortunate for Rod to have such loyal subordinates—a powerful force that anyone would envy and despise.

“Then forget it. I won’t make things difficult for you. I’m leaving Lucy in your hands. I hope you’ll fight side by side on the battlefield!” With another sigh, Heibin gave up on trying to win them over. Now, he could only hope that Rod would return soon; otherwise, it would be a waste to leave such a powerful force here. Today should be the tenth day—the last day. Damn Rod, will he show up today? If he could make it out today, relying on his relationship with Aida, he would likely lead this group to Dark Moon City and meet up with him soon. Thinking of this, he felt a bit relieved.

“As long as one person remains alive, Lucy will be safe!” That was Nightingale’s promise.

Giving Nightingale a deep look, Heibin turned to his own people and shouted, “Set off!” With that, he whipped his horse and rushed forward.

The sky remained gray. Heibin led dozens of members of the Black Phoenix clan, along with ten dragons led by Lilith, in a rapid pursuit toward Dark Moon City. Taking advantage of the gloomy weather, they soon disappeared from Lucy’s sight.

“It’s the tenth day. I wonder if Big Brother has finished his cultivation!” Watching Lilith and the others leave, Lucy turned toward the direction of the Nether Peaks, worriedly saying.

If Big Brother really entered the Yangxuan realm, it would surely attract heavenly thunder, but so far, there was no reaction at all. Could something have gone wrong? Lucy knew well about the ferocity of that magma. If it weren’t for her nearly pure ninth-layer bloodline, which allowed her to blend into the magma, along with the protection of her clan elders and their family treasures, she might not have been able to complete that trial and obtain the Nether Hellfire.

What about our elder brother? Can he handle it? Father and the others said it’s very difficult to resist without the strength of the Yang Xuan realm! Our elder brother only has the strength of the Yin Huang realm right now—can he endure it? Although he’s at the peak of the Yin Huang realm, a difference of one level is enormous, even if it’s just a slight gap.

Lucy frowned slightly, worried inwardly. If things went wrong, the consequences would be unimaginable—Rod might very well die…

“Don’t worry, nothing will happen to Rod!” Nightingale reassured her as she stared blankly in that direction.

“Mm, Brother Rod will definitely succeed. No difficulty can stop him!” Nightingale’s words restored Lucy’s confidence, and she nodded in agreement.

…

“Still no sign! Could that kid really…” As the sun set, Merk muttered, gazing toward the Peaks of the Netherworld. Behind him were the Supreme Elder Dolon and several clan elders. Of course, Lucy was there too. Wherever Lucy was, Nightingale and the others were as well.

“Ten days have passed. That kid should have returned by now, but…” Dolon frowned, also troubled. He hoped nothing had happened to him. Looking at Nightingale and the others behind him, he wondered if they would go crazy if something unexpected occurred.

“The Guardian Elder sent word to tell us not to disturb him. There’s probably nothing wrong; he must still be practicing. If that’s the case, let’s give him more time. That’s what the Guardian Elder said, right?” The elder pondered for a long time before speaking softly.

From initially opposing to now supporting, this change was closely tied to the messages and orders from the Guardian Elder.

“We can only do this! Hopefully, he’ll return soon. Logically, if his strength really reaches that level, even if he can’t escape using the Netherworld Hellfire, it shouldn’t be too difficult for him!” Merk said slowly, frowning slightly.

“Brother will be fine!” Lucy, who had somehow moved to the front, said firmly, looking at them.

Her rare expression left everyone momentarily stunned. They sighed inwardly. They were all seasoned individuals—how could they fail to see Lucy’s attitude toward Rod?

“Well, then give him more time! It’s time for our Black Phoenix clan to make proper preparations as well. It is said that the pro-war faction is now less than five days away from Dark Moon City, and a great battle is imminent. The Mi Jiao clan is also acting strangely, seemingly moving closer to our Black Phoenix clan—we must be cautious. Gather everyone from the clan back for now; unless necessary, no one is allowed to leaveYuming Mountain without permission!” Dorong ordered in a serious tone, with a hint of concern.

With the pro-war faction less than five days from Dark Moon City, it seems that Hei Yin and the others should be able to reach there in time. But what’s worrying is the Mi Jiao clan. They haven’t sent many troops this time—could they take advantage of this chaos to attack the Black Phoenix clan?

“Lucy, let’s go too!” After everyone left, Nightingale softly spoke to Lucy, who stood there, staring into the distance in a daze.

That day, Lucy was in a dazed state, especially as time passed, with an increasing sense of anxiety and unease. Everyone knew she was worried about Rod. It was the tenth day since Lilith and the others left in the morning, and Lucy’s heart had been tied to this place the whole time. If not for the clan leader’s explicit orders, she would have rushed toYumingshan Peak to find out what was going on. Unfortunately, all she could do now was wait.

Not only Lucy but also Nightingale was worried about Rod. Her mood wasn’t much better than Lucy’s. However, thanks to her few extra years of experience and having gone through many things, she had learned to hide her true feelings beneath a calm exterior so that others wouldn’t notice.

Not only her—Wiski, Ciel, and the others also seemed calm and cold, but it was obvious they were distracted more often, gazing into the distance. After nearly five years apart, they had reunited with the goal of achieving something great, fulfilling their dreams. If anything happened to Rod now, it would be something no one wanted to see or bear.

It was a day destined to be turbulent! As night fell, the world was covered in darkness and silence, with only a sense of gloom and solemnity in the air.

“Do you think Brother Hei Yin and the others might be in danger?” For some reason, Lucy asked Nightingale this, perhaps to distract herself.

“No!” Nightingale reassured her.

“Well, I believe it too! Brother Rod will probably go to Dark Moon City soon. We can go together then, fight together. Lucy has never seen a real battle yet!” There was a hint of longing in her eyes as she said eagerly.
It made Nightingale laugh—no one wanted to face such things. It seemed Lucy was truly naive, but that was fine too. Looking into the distance, she said, “Rod, when will you be able to return? The situation has changed. Now is the best time for us to prove ourselves. Our brothers are all waiting for you!”