She hesitated for a moment, seeing Ye Cangtian's gaze remain steadfast. Then, she spoke, "Alright! I'll accompany you on this journey!"
Her thought was simple: since Ye Cangtian was determined to go, she would definitely follow. Perhaps she could use her own flesh and blood to shield him from disaster!
"Thank you."
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian bowed deeply to Lan Yue.
After a long while, they reunited.
When Ye Cangtian saw Hong Mo again, he noticed over ten people following behind him.
They all bore some injuries. Among them was a familiar figure, none other than Sha Ying.
When Sha Ying and the others arrived, all they found before them was an empty, barren disc.
Accustomed to traversing the desolate desert, they were acutely aware of its dangers and remained exceptionally vigilant. As they dispatched one person to scout the situation,
they suddenly discovered the quicksand.
This saved most of them from disaster.
Because of this, and the absence of any further markers in the surroundings, Sha Ying boldly speculated that the vanguard, the Bright Squad, had likely been swallowed by the quicksand.
Later, after deliberation, they ultimately decided to conceal themselves in the vicinity.
Firstly, to see if anyone would emerge alive.
Secondly, to await Hong Mo and his group, and to discuss their next course of action.
Listening to Sha Ying's account, Ye Cangtian fell silent for a moment before asking, "Did you discover anything along the way?"
"We only found traces of combat, but we did discover quite a few severed limbs and arms. Based on my estimate, at least four Cardinal Bishops perished in the fighting along the route..."
Sha Ying elaborated on the specifics. They had collected the dismembered parts, hoping to create a false impression for the pursuing Bright Squad.
Ye Cangtian looked at him approvingly and then quickly began to strategize in his mind.
From the current situation, it seemed the vanguard, the Bright Squad, had already suffered heavy losses and their strength had significantly diminished upon reaching this point.
Their chances of survival after entering were slim to none; they could be disregarded!
Since that was the case, they only needed to focus on the combined squad from the Bright Hall that followed.
This group comprised sixteen Cardinal Bishops and over thirty intelligence personnel. Their combat effectiveness was intact, and they should be able to hold out for a longer period.
"Everyone, gather around!"
"The people from the Bright Hall have now been consumed by the quicksand. There are two outcomes: either they are certain to die, or they have been teleported to some hidden realm!"
"It's difficult to definitively conclude, so let's take a vote. Should we risk it?"
After considerable thought, Ye Cangtian summoned everyone and stated his proposal.
Although he knew that the quicksand led to a hidden realm, he could not reveal this directly, as it would surely arouse suspicion from others.
"I have decided to take the risk and investigate!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Hong Mo spoke up first.
Throughout their journey, he had felt a peculiar sense that he was drawing closer to the secret of his father's disappearance.
And although this venture was perilous, as Ye Cangtian had previously said, the more dangerous the place, the closer one would get to the truth of Ba Dao's disappearance.
Therefore, even if he were to perish here, he would have no regrets!
After all, after searching for so many years, this was the strongest feeling he had ever experienced.
"Young Master, you must reconsider..."
Upon hearing Hong Mo's words, Sha Ying immediately stepped forward.
Although he also wished to find his master, Ba Tian, he absolutely could not let Hong Mo endanger himself. However, before he could finish speaking, Hong Mo interrupted him.
"Sha Ying, if you consider me your Young Master, then do not stop me this time!"
With those words, coupled with Hong Mo's cold and resolute gaze, Sha Ying knew he could no longer dissuade him.
"I disagree!"
With Hong Mo having made his final decision, Huang Shan and Luoluo then stepped forward.
In their view, regardless of whether the depths of the quicksand were a deadly abyss or held some other secret, it was secondary. What was important was that the people from the Bright Hall were likely doomed.
Therefore, their mission was essentially complete. At most, they needed to hold their position here for a few more days to see if anyone emerged.
There was no need to take further risks!
Of course, while they voiced their opinions, their hearts still did not wish for Ye Cangtian to take such a risk.
After all, he was their son-in-law and Tang Xinwan's lifelong happiness.
"Coward!"
Hearing the words of the two, Hong Mo's gaze immediately turned contemptuous. In his eyes, the pair were simply afraid of death.
However, neither of them paid him any mind.
On the other side, Ye Cangtian glanced at the silent Zi Long and said, "Zi Long, it's your turn to state your position."
"I..."
Zi Long hesitated upon hearing this.
He truly hadn't made up his mind. If there was indeed a hidden realm beneath the quicksand, there might be treasures. Furthermore, eliminating the Bright Hall squad would undoubtedly be a great achievement.
It could earn him renewed favor with Xing Yuan.
However, on the other hand, if it wasn't so and he were to die here, he would be unwilling.
"It seems you haven't made up your mind! Then think about it some more!"
As he spoke, Ye Cangtian glanced at Lan Yue and asked, "Lan Yue, what is your decision?"
Upon hearing this, Lan Yue smiled slightly and said, "Fortune favors the bold; of course, I choose to take the risk!"
Since the two had discussed it beforehand, Lan Yue showed no hesitation at this moment.
"I also choose to take the risk!"
Hearing Lan Yue's statement, Ye Cangtian immediately declared his stance.
With that single sentence, Huang Shan and Luoluo's expressions changed.
Their earlier declarations were meant to tell Ye Cangtian not to act impulsively.
Yet, in the end, Ye Cangtian still chose to take the risk, which greatly annoyed and agitated the two of them.
But this was a fair vote, and in front of everyone, they could not say anything more. They could only place all their hopes on Zi Long.
As long as Zi Long cast a dissenting vote, it would be three against three, and there would still be room for maneuver.
Feeling everyone's gaze, Zi Long gritted his teeth and said, "Let's do it! What's the big deal about dying!"
In Zi Long's view, Hong Mo and Po Xiao held higher statuses than him. If even they did not fear death, how could he back down?
Moreover, Lan Yue had also declared her intention. If he truly retreated, wouldn't he be inferior to even a woman?
Most importantly, if he could return alive, he would still have a chance to redeem himself.
"Good, four to two. According to the rule of the minority obeying the majority, we choose to take the risk!"
"Now, let's proceed with the arrangements for the final phase of the operation..."
Ye Cangtian announced the result and directly made his decision.
Those who would undertake the risky venture were Po Xiao, Hong Mo, Zi Long, and Lan Yue.
Huang Shan and Luoluo would remain behind to guard the perimeter.
If, after ten days, no one emerged, they could leave and return to the headquarters of the Dark Association.
This would indicate that everyone had perished within.
However, if the people from the Bright Hall emerged alive, the situation would be assessed. If they could be eliminated, they would be, and if not, they would also retreat to headquarters.
In any case, Huang Shan and Luoluo were the core strength he was leaving for the Dark Association; they could not perish here.
As for the Sha Ying team, Ye Cangtian suggested that it would be best for Huang Shan and Luoluo to withdraw together.
After all, the Sha Ying team's mission had been successfully completed.
Moreover, with their limited strength, they would be of little help even if they entered, so it would be better for them to withdraw first.
However, this suggestion was met with strong opposition from the Sha Ying team, who vowed to stay with Hong Mo until death.
In the end, it was Hong Mo who stepped forward and, after a stern lecture, managed to persuade the Sha Ying team to abandon the risky venture and instead guard the surrounding area.
"Po Xiao, I wish to speak with you alone!"
With all arrangements finalized, Huang Shan approached Po Xiao and said calmly.
Without waiting for his agreement, he turned and walked away.
Seeing this, Ye Cangtian could only follow.
The two moved away from the group until Huang Shan finally stopped, turned his head, and looked at Ye Cangtian with ill intent.
"Do you know what your decision means!"
"What about her if something were to happen to you!"
Huang Shan questioned him indignantly.