Chapter 377: Zhou Ye Stares Intently at Gu Yang

In truth, Gan Hua had never fallen asleep; he had seen everything clearly, even when Kong Xiang went to speak with Su Yan just now.

Yet, Kong Xiang had told Kong Nian that he was going to relieve himself. This blatant deception left him trembling with fear.

One had to realize that whether it was the Ruan Tao on the surface or the Kong Xiang he suspected, both should have been one hundred percent loyal to Kong Nian. But now, he had lied to her?!

What did this signify? Gan Hua didn't even dare to think further.

What shocked him even more was Kong Nian's current state.

Originally, he thought Kong Nian had only suffered some external injuries, but looking at her now, that wasn't the case at all. At the very least, he was certain that Kong Nian had gone completely blind.

How could a perfectly fine person lose all of her sight?

Furthermore, Kong Nian remained tight-lipped about the matter, which was simply too abnormal.

To avoid letting the current Ruan Tao notice anything unusual, he feigned a casual turn, turning his back completely toward the two of them.

By the time the sun had fully risen, everyone had recovered from their exhaustion.

Zhou Li made one final confirmation with everyone. "If anyone wishes to withdraw early, I have no objections. Once you leave, you can go directly to the Zhou family to receive a generous reward."

Immediately, someone replied with a powerful voice, "Young Master Zhou, what are you saying? We all made up our minds before coming in. We must escort Young Master Zhou to obtain the ancestral treasure; there is no reason to retreat at the critical moment!"

As long as they passed the three trials, they would not only gain the backing of the Zhou family but could also enter the Zhou family's Treasure Pavilion to select a precious item of their choice. Such a massive temptation was something even a fool would know how to choose.

Zhou Li was not happy despite the other party's determined attitude; instead, his expression grew increasingly solemn.

"I thank everyone for your intentions, but the third trial is different from the previous two. It is extremely perilous within. Even we cannot protect you all; once you enter, it truly is a matter of life and death."

He was by no means alarmist. Even his father had repeatedly instructed him that his own safety was the most important, and that he must ensure he made it out alive!

The atmosphere instantly became incredibly tense. Everyone looked at one another.

Those capable of standing here were all exorcists who had experienced blood and storms; they naturally understood that if these three trials were truly that easy to pass, the Zhou family would not have failed to obtain that treasure for over a hundred years.

"Su Yan, what do you think?"

Ma Chulong lowered his voice to ask for her opinion.

He knew very well that the reason Su Yan had come along was likely because members of the Kong family were here, and she had always wanted to investigate her own origins. By now, entering the third trial was not a necessity for her.

Beside them, Du Jinsong and Zhang Ximing were also waiting for Su Yan's decision.

If she chose to leave, their mission would be considered complete.

Su Yan did not answer directly, but instead asked Ma Chulong, "Are you all going in?"

Ma Chulong nodded. This was a task assigned by his father; no matter if it was a mountain of blades or a sea of fire, they had to go in.

Su Yan smiled slightly. "Then let's go together."

Ma Chulong froze for a moment, then a look of emotion surfaced in his eyes.

He knew that Su Yan's choice to face danger was for the sake of their siblings.

Ma Chulan was even more grateful, grabbing Su Yan's arm. "I knew you wouldn't leave us behind."

Du Jinsong and Zhang Ximing exchanged a glance, also preparing themselves for a life-and-death struggle.

After confirming that no one was withdrawing, Zhou Li announced the opening of the entrance to the third trial.

The moment the entrance opened, a terrifying, sinister aura rushed toward them.

Even Su Yan frowned, realizing the extreme danger within.

"Everyone, get ready. Try not to scatter!"

Now she could fully control the power within her pupils, so even if it truly was a Shura hell inside, she could make the journey.

Whether it was Ma Chulong and Ma Chulan, or Du Jinsong and the others, everyone felt as if they were facing a great enemy.

Before entering, Zhou Li said one last thing: "There is nothing special about this trial. You can pass only by slaying every single evil entity inside!"

After speaking, he walked into the barrier without hesitation.

Zhou Chong led the other Zhou family disciples to follow closely behind.

At Ma Chulong's command, they also strode forward.

Some exorcists, upon seeing that terrifying entrance, felt the urge to retreat. But thinking of their righteous resolve from a few minutes ago, they could only throw themselves into the fray.

Kong Xiang was in no hurry to enter because he was bringing Kong Nian, and Kong Nian had become a complete burden to them.

Even though Kong Nian could not see, she felt an indescribable sense of pressure.

"Do we absolutely have to go in?"

She confirmed with Kong Xiang once more.

"Miss, please rest assured. I will definitely protect you. Moreover, we need to obtain the Zhou family's Profound Spirit Liquid; it will be very helpful for your future matters."

Kong Nian said nothing, but every cell in her body was resisting.

Gan Hua saw her hands trembling slightly beneath her sleeves.

She was actually afraid?

This discovery left Gan Hua utterly stunned.

But regardless, they had to enter that dangerous place.

"Let's go."

After Kong Xiang finished speaking, he signaled Gan Hua and Kong Yueling to pull Kong Nian along as they entered the third trial together.

***

Publisher Dormitory.

Gu Yang woke from his coma to find himself lying on a bed.

Someone was sitting in a chair beside him. That person was not Lu Feng, but someone he never expected to see.

Zhou Ye.

Noticing he had woken up, Zhou Ye unhurriedly closed the book in his hand.

"Awake?"

"Mr. Zhou, why are you here?" Gu Yang struggled to sit up from the bed, accompanied by a wave of dizziness.

The scenes from last night flooded back into his mind.

Those evil entities wanted to devour him, but at the critical moment, something had radiated from his body, and then he had lost consciousness.

"You'd better not move. Your body is currently no different from a three-year-old child in its weakness."

Zhou Ye was not mocking him; he was simply telling the truth.

"Last night, I..."

"I know. It seems those things have no intention of letting you go."

Gu Yang's words were interrupted by Zhou Ye.

Zhou Ye's expression grew a bit more serious as he stood up and approached the bedside.

Gu Yang's expression was incredibly complex; he had no idea what this meant.

Until Zhou Ye suddenly leaned in, closing the distance between them so abruptly that Gu Yang had to suppress all his thoughts and focus all his attention on the other man.

Zhou Ye seemed extremely interested in him. They only stopped when they were almost touching noses.

Gu Yang: "..."

From birth until now, this was the first time he had been this close, face-to-face, with a man.

So close that he could clearly see his own reflection in Zhou Ye's eyes.

"What... what are you doing?"

The hair on his entire body stood on end.

Zhou Ye remained silent, merely staring intently at him.

(End of Chapter)