The Invincible Young Master-Chapter 218 - - Great Danger

Ling Yan frowned as she listened to the commander's explanation, frustration simmering beneath her calm exterior.

How could they have entered the ruins so carelessly? Did they have no understanding of what kind of place this was? Of the dangers that lurked?

This wasn't just reckless, it was sheer stupidity. The other commanders, her own people included, had acted without discipline or foresight. Were they always this impulsive, or had their judgment been clouded by ambition and greed?

Just as she was about to speak, a shift in the air sent a ripple of awareness in her sense. There was a presence approaching.

She turned swiftly, her sharp gaze locking onto an elderly figure emerging from the depths of the forest.

His pace was slow, unhurried. His long silver beard flowed past his chest, his hands clasped behind him.

The elder from the Emperor Academy.

His keen eyes swept across the gathered soldiers, taking in the sight of the white-armored battalion, the Yan forces, and the ominous temple standing before them. He let out a thoughtful hum, his fingers stroking his beard.

"Did I arrive too early?" he muttered, though it was clear he was speaking more to himself than to anyone in particular. His gaze drifted across the clearing before settling on the temple's entrance. "Hmm… that little girl hasn't arrived yet either."

As if in response to his words, movement stirred at the edge of the clearing. Four figures emerged from the shadows. Their robes bore the insignia of the Emperor Academy, the Four Protectors.

They moved in perfect unison. Their eyes scan the area. Seeing the elder, without a word, they took their place behind him.

The elder, unbothered by their arrival, turned his gaze upward toward the towering temple. He studied the glowing runes etched into its obsidian surface.

Ling Yan hesitated only for a moment before stepping forward, her usual composure wavering ever so slightly. There was a flicker of unease in her eyes as she approached the elder.

Sensing her presence, he turned slightly, his gaze settling on her with curiosity. "What seems to be troubling you, Princess of Yan?"

Ling Yan exhaled softly, then began recounting what had happened, the reckless decision of the three armies, their impatience, their disregard for caution.

As she spoke, her voice remained steady, but there was an unmistakable restrained frustration that lingered beneath every word.

The elder listened without interruption, his expression calm yet unreadable. When she finally fell silent, he stroked his beard once more, letting out a contemplative sigh.

"I see," he murmured. "It seems recklessness and ambition are not traits limited to a few."

He shifted his gaze back to the temple, his sharp eyes tracing the ancient runes. "The Ruins are not a place for fools. Even the most experienced warriors would do well to tread carefully."

After a pause, he added, "We cannot undo what's been done… but we can still salvage what remains."

The conversation seemed to settle. But just as the silence stretched, the elder's eyes flickered ever so slightly.

He spoke in a calm but knowing tone. "Hm… stop hiding and come out."

The command was spoken lightly, but it left no room for disobedience.

A rustling came from behind one of the nearby trees. The leaves trembled, and a moment later, a head peeked out, vibrant green hair slightly disheveled, wide eyes filled with hesitation.

It was Lina.

She seemed to hesitate, as if debating whether to run or step forward. But when the elder's gaze didn't waver, she quickly scurried forward like a child caught sneaking sweets.

Reaching his side, she lowered her head slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "S-sorry I arrived late…"

She kept her head down, fidgeting slightly under the gazes many on her. But the elder only chuckled softly, his tone carrying a trace of amusement.

"It's rare for you to be slow," the elder remarked, though his tone carried no reproach, only mild amusement. "Did you run into trouble on your way?"

Lina hesitated, her shoulders shrinking slightly. A faint pink dusted her cheeks, and she looked away, suddenly finding great interest in the ground beneath her feet.

"I-I was stuck in an i-illusion," she admitted, her voice barely more than a whisper.

The elder raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued.

"An illusion?" he mused, a chuckle escaping him. "Now that's interesting. Just what did you see that managed to trap even you?"

At his words, Lina's face darkened several shades, the blush spreading rapidly. Her fingers clenched at the edges of her sleeve, and for a moment, she seemed lost in thought, caught in the memory of whatever vision had ensnared her.

Whatever it was, it clearly still lingered in her mind, its effect not yet entirely faded.

Then, as if realizing she had been silent for too long, Lina shook her head furiously, her twin braids bouncing slightly with the movement.

"I-it's nothing important!" she blurted.

The elders' chuckle deepened into quiet laughter.

"Ah, I see. No need to say it," he said with a knowing grin. "As long as you've returned safely."

Lina's shoulders slumped slightly in relief, but the warmth of his amusement was fleeting.

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Just as quickly as it had appeared, his expression shifted, growing serious. His gaze lifted to the ancient structure towering in front.

"Now that you're here," the elder said, his tone firm, "we will enter the temple."

Lina blinked in confusion, her mind still adjusting to the sudden change in tone. She tilted her head slightly, her usual hesitancy returning.

"A-aren't we waiting for the others?" she asked, glancing toward the soldiers still stationed outside. Her gaze flickered over the white-armored battalion and the personal guards of the Yan Empire, standing in disciplined ranks. Yet, despite their presence, something felt wrong.

"Others?" he repeated. "They have already entered."

For a brief moment, an expression of pure shock flickered across her face. But just as quickly as it came, it was replaced by something else, something rare.

Her usual timid demeanor shifted to a furrow. She turned toward the temple, her green irises glowing.

"There is a great danger inside," she said, and this time, her voice didn't waver. "If they are careless… they will all die."