Chapter 521 The Spirit Hall People Are Here As Expected

Elder Su pondered for a moment, and seemed to think that Lu Yu's words made some sense. "You mean... there are other purposes?"

"It's very likely." Lu Yu narrowed his eyes and spoke in a low voice, "Especially the Elephant Armor Sect. You know, Hu Yanzhen has always been personally involved in the affairs of the Elephant Armor Sect and rarely participates in such exchanges. What's more, the number of people in the Elephant Armor Sect this time is twice that of the average academy."

Elder Su nodded. "It's indeed strange. So what do you think the goal is?"

"It's not clear yet." Lu Yu's eyes flickered, "But I suspect it may be related to the special itinerary of this exchange group. I heard that the day after tomorrow, we will go to an area where magical beasts are active, called Black Wind Ridge. The terrain here is complex and dangerous, but it is an important node where the borders of the two countries meet."

"Black Wind Ridge..." Elder Su's eyes flashed with hesitation, "Do you suspect there is movement there?"

Lu Yu nodded, "This possibility cannot be ruled out. More importantly, there seem to have been several monster riots near Black Wind Ridge recently, and this exchange group's itinerary still chose to pass through there, which itself is unreasonable."

Elder Su took a deep breath and lowered his voice, "If it's really as you said, we have to be careful. Especially the Elephant Armor Sect, which has a complex power and a deep background. If we are not careful, we may get into trouble."

"Elder," Lu Yu said with a resolute look, "Since we have already noticed something unusual, we cannot take it lightly. I suggest that we step up our guard in the rest of the journey and send people to secretly observe the movements of the Tiandou Royal Academy and the Xiangjia Sect."

Elder Su nodded, "Okay, I'll arrange this. But you have to be careful not to get exposed."

"I understand." Lu Yu put down the teacup and looked at the fire again, as if thinking about his next plan.

At this moment, footsteps were heard in the distance. Lu Yu quickly stood up and looked in the direction of the sound vigilantly. A moment later, a tall figure appeared in the firelight. It was the leader of the Xiangjia Sect, Hu Yanzhen.

"Lu Yu, Elder Su, why haven't you rested yet so late?" Hu Yanzhen's voice was deep and full of unquestionable majesty.

"Sect Master Huyan." Elder Su stood up and bowed slightly, "We are just chatting about tomorrow's schedule."

"Oh?" Hu Yanzhen's eyes swept over Lu Yu, and a meaningful smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. "It seems that the young people in your academy are really cautious. However, tomorrow's itinerary is not complicated. Although Black Wind Ridge is dangerous, with our Xiangjia Sect here, there will naturally be no problems."

Lu Yu's heart trembled, but he remained calm on the surface. He smiled and said, "Master, you are right. With you here, we are indeed relieved."

Hu Yanzhen laughed, "Young people are indeed courageous. However, it is late at night, you should go to bed early, as we have a tough battle tomorrow."

After saying this, he turned and left, disappearing into the night.

"Lu Yu, has he noticed anything?" Elder Su asked in a low voice.

"It's hard to say." Lu Yu stared at the direction where Hu Yanzhen left, frowning, "But it is certain that he came here not just for the purpose of escort."

Elder Su did not speak. After a moment of silence, he sighed, "It seems that tomorrow will be an uneasy day."

In the morning, just after dawn, the exchange group was ready to go. Lu Yu stood in the crowd, his eyes occasionally sweeping over the teams of Tiandou Royal Academy and Xiangjia Sect. His intuition told him that something unexpected might happen today.

Sure enough, just as the team was about to enter Black Wind Ridge, the vice-president of Tiandou Royal Academy suddenly made a suggestion.

"Everyone," the vice president smiled slightly, but his tone was unquestionable, "For safety reasons, I suggest that the team be divided into two parts. The stronger ones will go first to explore the way, and the rest will wait on the spot to ensure that everything is safe."

This proposal immediately caused discussion. After hearing this, Lu Yu felt nervous. He was keenly aware that this might be the beginning of a conspiracy.

Elder Su asked quietly: "Lu Yu, what do you think?"

"We can't agree to this." Lu Yu whispered, "Once we separate, the weaker party will likely be targeted."

As night fell, insects chirped in the forest. The campfire flickered, casting a few shadows. Lu Yu sat cross-legged, eyes closed, holding a wooden sculpture in his hand, as if he was thinking. However, his heart was far from calm as it seemed.

Hu Yanzhen's appearance was too coincidental, and Xue Qinghe - no, it should be said that Qian Renxue's disguise also made him wary. He knew very well that the conspiracy of the Spirit Hall would never be simple, and this road was destined to be full of dangers.

"Lu Yu, what are you thinking about?" A soft voice broke the silence.

Lu Yu opened his eyes and saw Xue Qinghe looking at him with a smile. He was moved, but his face showed no abnormality.

"Nothing, I just feel that the journey ahead might not be peaceful." He answered calmly, his eyes sweeping over Hu Yanzhen who was sorting his equipment not far away.

"Do you think the Spirit Hall might catch up with us?" Xue Qinghe blinked, with a hint of tentativeness in his tone.

Lu Yu did not answer immediately, but asked: "What do you think?"

Xue Qinghe chuckled, sat down next to him, and looked towards the fire. "The Spirit Hall is a huge force. If we act under their noses, it is indeed possible that we will cause trouble. But isn't this exactly your plan?"

There was a hint of deep meaning in Lu Yu's eyes, "My plan?"

"That's right." Xue Qinghe smiled slightly and continued, "You planned from the beginning to use our actions to attract the attention of the Spirit Hall so that people from other places can complete their tasks more smoothly, right?"

Lu Yu did not answer directly, but pondered for a while, "Then do you think this plan is reliable?"

Xue Qinghe did not respond immediately, but lowered his head and thought for a while, "I believe in your judgment. However, will Hu Yanzhen's joining make things more complicated?"

"Complicated?" A cold light flashed in Lu Yu's eyes. "What do you think is wrong with him?"

Xue Qinghe glanced at him with a half-smile, "You don't really trust him, do you?"

Lu Yu snorted coldly, with a hint of sarcasm in his voice, "Trust? Who in this world is trustworthy?"

When Xue Qinghe heard this, the smile on his face deepened, but he didn't say anything else. Instead, he turned to look at Huyan Zhen.

"Huyan Zhen, do you think the Spirit Hall will take action against us?" Xue Qinghe asked in a gentle voice.

Hu Yanzhen stopped what he was doing, looked up at her, frowned slightly, "Your Highness Xue Qinghe, you are the prince of the Spirit Empire, the Spirit Hall should not be against you, right?"

"That may not be the case." Xue Qinghe shook his head. "Although the Spirit Hall and our Xue Ye Empire are friendly on the surface, they actually have their own plans. If they really want to attack us, they may not be too cautious."

"Your Highness, what you said makes sense." Hu Yanzhen nodded, his eyes flickering slightly, "However, if there is real danger, I will naturally do my best to protect you."

"Really?" Lu Yu suddenly spoke, with a hint of sarcasm in his tone, "To protect His Highness? Hu Yanzhen, what exactly is your purpose?"

Hu Yanzhen was stunned for a moment, then asked seriously, "Brother Lu Yu, what do you mean?"

"My meaning is very simple." Lu Yu stood up and looked at him coldly, "You suddenly appeared and took the initiative to ask to join us, saying that you wanted to protect His Highness Xue Qinghe, but are you really that simple?"

Hu Yanzhen's face changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. "Brother Lu Yu, are you too suspicious? His Highness and I have known each other since childhood, and protecting him is my duty."

"Duties?" Lu Yu sneered, "When did you start fulfilling so many responsibilities? From what I know, your family has a special relationship with the Spirit Hall, right?"

As soon as these words came out, the air suddenly froze a little. The smile on Hu Yanzhen's face completely disappeared, replaced by a hint of coldness.

"Lu Yu, are you questioning me?" His voice was low and a little dangerous.

Lu Yu did not back down, his eyes were like knives, "Yes, I am questioning you. Hu Yanzhen, I advise you to be honest, otherwise, don't blame me for being rude."

The atmosphere suddenly became tense, and Xue Qinghe suddenly said, "Okay, stop arguing."

She stood up and stood between the two of them, with a helpless look on her face. "We are in the same boat now. Quarrel will only give the enemy an opportunity. Lu Yu, I understand your concerns, but if Hu Yanzhen really has a problem, we will keep an eye on him and won't give him any chances."

Lu Yu snorted coldly, but said nothing more. He just turned and walked into the depths of the forest.

"I'm going on patrol." He threw down these words and his back disappeared into the night.

Xue Qinghe looked at his back, sighed softly, then turned to look at Hu Yanzhen, "Hu Yanzhen, don't take it too seriously. He is just like that, suspicious, but not a bad person."

Hu Yanzhen forced a smile, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I won't bother with him."

However, his gaze lingered for a while in the direction where Lu Yu disappeared, and a hint of gloom flashed in his eyes.

On the other side, Lu Yu was walking in the forest, but his heart was getting heavier. His martial soul had already sensed a hint of danger, and it seemed that something was hidden not far away.

"The people from the Spirit Hall are here as expected." He whispered to himself and clenched the spirit in his hand.

At this moment, a cold voice came from the darkness, "Lu Yu, you are really sharp."

Lu Yu turned around abruptly and saw a man dressed in Spirit Hall uniform slowly walking out of the darkness with a cold smile on his face.

"Who are you...?" Lu Yu asked coldly, releasing the martial spirit in his hand.

The man smiled slightly, "You don't need to know who I am. Anyway, you won't leave here alive today."

"Really?" Lu Yu sneered, "Then let's give it a try."

Before he had even finished his words, the battle had already broken out.

"Your Highness Xue Qinghe, the border of the Xingluo Empire is three miles ahead." A royal guard dismounted and respectfully reported to Xue Qinghe in the carriage.

The curtain of the carriage was slightly opened, and a pair of warm but cold eyes peeked out. Xue Qinghe was wearing a moon-white robe, with a face as beautiful as jade. His voice was soft but full of majesty, "Increase your vigilance and do not attract the attention of the Xingluo Empire's guards. Teachers from all colleges should also remind the students not to act without authorization."

"Yes!" The guard saluted and quickly passed the order down.

Lu Yu was riding on his horse, looking at the border sentry tower that gradually appeared, but he felt a little uneasy in his heart. He looked back at the young students in the team and couldn't help frowning, "These children are still weak. If something unexpected happens, I'm afraid they won't be able to handle it."

Lan Qingfeng, who was standing next to him, was a teacher at the Tiandou Royal Academy. Hearing this, he smiled bitterly and shook his head. "This is just a training for the students, but the royal family has mobilized so many troops. Captain Lu, do you know something?"

Lu Yu pondered for a moment, then lowered his voice and said, "The Xingluo Empire has not been friendly to the Tiandou Empire in recent years, and our trip this time is chosen at a time when the relationship between the two sides is delicate. In addition, His Highness Xue Qinghe is accompanying us personally. Don't you think it's a bit unusual?"

Lan Qingfeng looked worried after hearing this. "You mean, someone will do something here?"

"Not necessarily, but it's always better to be careful." Lu Yu glanced at the guards around him, "It is our responsibility as teachers and guards to protect these children."

At this time, Xue Qinghe's voice came from the silent carriage, "Captain Lu and Instructor Lan, don't worry. Since I am here, I will not let any danger hurt you."

Before he finished speaking, the carriage curtain was completely opened, and Xue Qinghe walked out. He was very graceful, and exuded an irresistible majesty, which even surprised Lu Yu.

"Your Highness, your safety..." Lu Yu started to speak, but was interrupted by Xue Qinghe raising his hand.

"This place is close to the border of the Xing Luo Empire. Any slight movement may be detected by the other side. If I sit in the car, it will only make people more alert. It is better to stand here and let them see the confidence of our Tiandou Empire."

Lan Qingfeng quickly advised, "Your Highness is right, but you must not be careless about your safety."

"That's fine." Xue Qinghe smiled slightly, his tone calm but revealing unquestionable strength, "Since I'm leading the team myself, I won't hide behind."

His words made everyone in the team feel inexplicably relieved, and the students involuntarily straightened their backs. However, Lu Yu's brows furrowed even more tightly. He whispered to Lan Qingfeng, "It seems that His Highness is not only trying to train these students, but may have other intentions."

"Da Da Da—" The sound of horse hooves echoed on the small road along the border, and the team advanced slowly under Xue Qinghe's command. The cold wind at the border was biting, but everyone felt that the atmosphere was becoming more and more tense.

“Your Highness!” Suddenly, the pathfinder in front of him rode back with a serious look on his face. “An unknown team appeared in front of us. There are about fifty people, all wearing the military emblem of the Xingluo Empire!”

"The Xingluo Empire's army?" Lu Yu gripped the reins tightly, his eyes stern, "Why are they here at the border?"

Xue Qinghe's expression remained unchanged, and he said calmly: "Keep the formation, don't panic. Captain Lu, notify the guards to prepare for defense."

Lu Yu immediately shouted, "Everyone, be on alert, protect the students, and be ready to respond to any possible emergencies at any time!"