Their destination was still thousands of miles away. With Demon scouts already spotted up ahead, a fierce battle was likely inevitable. This contingent currently had only two Emperor Realm cultivators, both severely wounded. How could they possibly break through the Demons' blockade?
To survive, their only hope was to rely on Yang Kai's strength.
"Left Guard Han need only lead the way. I will act when the time comes," Yang Kai said with a smile and a nod.
Han Zhengqing bowed again. "Many thanks, Palace Master Yang."
His mood lightened considerably. He had witnessed Yang Kai's strength earlier—the man slaughtered Demons like chickens and dogs, and even a Demon King was weak and insignificant before him. Such power was in no way inferior to the strongest Beast Martial Guards. With his protection, their chances of reaching the outpost had increased tremendously.
After offering his thanks, Han Zhengqing turned to leave.
However, moments later, he flew back, extending his hand. "Please, Palace Master Yang, join the formation."
Yang Kai and Fan Xin had been trailing a hundred zhang behind the group, which made them far too conspicuous. Now that Demon scouts had appeared, a clash between the two sides was imminent. Yang Kai was their strongest asset, so the later he was revealed, the better.
Han Zhengqing hadn't invited them before because he couldn't ascertain whether Yang Kai was friend or foe. Now that even the Seven Mist Sea hadn't replied, there was clearly no issue. Besides, judging by the strength Yang Kai had displayed earlier, if he truly intended them harm, they couldn't have resisted anyway.
Since that was the case, why not be generous?
Han Zhengqing had returned to invite him, and Yang Kai didn't refuse. After nodding, he followed him back to the group.
Fan Xin was delighted, and so were several Ice Heart Valley female disciples. They all came over to greet Yang Kai and pay their respects to this Martial Uncle. Compared to other sects, the relationship between Ice Heart Valley and Ling Xiao Palace was the closest, so its disciples felt a natural warmth toward Yang Kai.
Others in the group also stole glances at Yang Kai, but none dared approach and strike up a conversation due to his status and cultivation.
Only the Emperor Realm cultivator from Right Guard Liu's detachment came over, though it was merely for a formal greeting.
Two thousand remnants crossed the desert gobi, heading for the outpost. The atmosphere was silent and heavy; on the eve of a major battle, everyone was tense and wary.
When night fell, they found a place to rest. Under normal circumstances, cultivators with established Cultivation were energetic and could travel continuously without issue. But the Bingchen Corps had just endured a major battle, sustaining heavy losses. Over half of these two thousand were injured, so conserving their strength for the upcoming fight was essential.
Though they had only just formed this combined unit, military discipline was strict. Under Han Zhengqing's command, three shifts took turns keeping watch on all sides, guarding against a sneak attack by the Demons.
They had expected a battle that night, but unexpectedly, dawn arrived peacefully.
At first light, the contingent set out once more.
The two Emperor Realm cultivators approached Yang Kai together. Han Zhengqing asked, "Palace Master Yang, can you detect any movement from the Demons?"
After waiting all night with no enemy in sight, Han Zhengqing felt no relief, only growing anxiety. The lack of a night raid meant the enemy was planning something significant; they had to be on guard.
Yang Kai was direct. "Five hundred li ahead."
Han Zhengqing exchanged a glance with the other Emperor Realm cultivator, then took out a jade slip to check the situation. Moments later, his face darkened. "These damned Demons... they're awfully greedy." After speaking, he looked up at Yang Kai. "Five hundred li ahead, there's a mountain pass—shaped like a gourd. It's the only way back. They probably intend to swallow us whole."
Yang Kai smiled. "Then they might just break their own teeth."
Han Zhengqing's expression was grave. "Does Palace Master Yang feel confident? If not, we can take a detour. It will only cost a few days."
Yang Kai slowly shook his head. "No need. Even a detour won't avoid the Demons. There are large Demon armies on both flanks."
Han Zhengqing's expression shifted slightly at this. After a moment's contemplation, he nodded. "Very well. Then we proceed straight ahead!"
Once the orders were relayed, the atmosphere within the contingent grew solemn, a hint of killing intent permeating the air.
Five hundred li wasn't too far, but for this battered remnant force, it took most of the day to cover the distance. Along the way, Demon scouts periodically revealed themselves in the distance, exerting silent pressure.
Beyond the pass lay a broad canyon with cliffs rising sheer on both sides. The further in, the narrower it became. No Demons were visible, yet everyone could sense them lying in ambush within.
Han Zhengqing turned to Yang Kai, about to ask another question, only to see Yang Kai already stepping forward, moving from the middle of the formation to its front.
He walked steadily, a faint smile on his lips, his expression utterly calm.
After only a brief hesitation, Han Zhengqing called out in a low voice, "Follow him! Guard the flanks!"
The two thousand strong group instantly split into ten smaller units, supporting each other from a distance, and followed closely behind Yang Kai.
Entering the pass and stepping into the canyon, after ten li, demonic energy suddenly surged. The ground beneath their feet seemed to come alive, writhing rapidly. The solid earth transformed into rolling quicksand in an instant, and everyone's bodies sank sharply downward.
Han Zhengqing's face changed. He immediately shouted, "Sand Demons! Take to the air!"
Only Sand Demons could cause the earth to undergo such a silent transformation so quickly. Moreover, the one striking had to be a Demon King-level Sand Demon; otherwise, such a large-scale technique would be impossible.