Cultivation Simulator: Shocking the Academy-Chapter 478 - 331: The Empty City Strategy

"A large group of people is approaching." Latis’ eyes were incredibly deep, as if they could pierce through the endless darkness and see the truth in the distance.

"Who are they?" Luo Chen continued to ask, though his heart was already prepared for all possible situations.

"Unknown." Latis shook his head, his face still maintaining that elusive calm.

"Hmph, certainly no good people." Li Xin snorted coldly, her tone full of certainty and vigilance. She drew an arrow from the quiver and lightly placed it on the longbow, ready to strike at any moment.

However, Latis displayed unexpected calm at this moment. He gestured to Li Xin to stay calm and watch what unfolds.

Luo Chen noticed this, and his mind grew increasingly perplexed. Latis’ calmness seemed beyond the typical demeanor of an ordinary guard. What secret was he hiding? Or could it be that he had some unknown connection with the incoming group?

"Why not take action?" Luo Chen finally couldn’t suppress a cold snort and questioned, "If we wait till they’ve drawn nearer, Miss Li Xin’s archery might be rendered useless."

"Yeah!" Li Xin, who had initially lowered her longbow, was taken aback, then quickly raised it again, targeting a direction in the darkness.

"We can’t act rashly when the enemy isn’t clear; it would only alert them." Latis hurriedly explained, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness and anxiety. He seemed not to want a conflict with the approaching group but couldn’t explain the reasons.

"Latis, your duty is to protect the lady." Luo Chen suddenly shouted, his tone filled with authority and undeniable command, "The lady’s safety is the utmost priority! Why do you hinder at every turn? Putting the lady at risk! Tell me, was it your master who sent someone to assassinate the lady?"

This shout exploded like thunder in the night sky, shocking everyone around. Luo Chen’s gaze was sharp, fixed on Latis’ eyes, seemingly trying to see through his heart.

Latis was caught off guard by Luo Chen’s sudden questioning. He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to explain something, but it turned into a bitter smile. He knew nothing he said now could dispel Luo Chen’s doubts.

"Young Master Luo Chen, you misunderstand." Latis took a deep breath, trying hard to remain calm, "I didn’t mean to hinder Miss Li Xin from taking action, but since the situation is unclear, we must act cautiously."

"Misunderstood?" Luo Chen sneered, "I doubt it! Latis, you’d better explain clearly, or don’t blame me for being rude!"

After speaking, Luo Chen’s aura suddenly shifted, a sharp killing intent emanating from him, directed straight at Latis. Although he didn’t know the connection between Latis and the group in the darkness, he would by no means allow anyone to threaten Li Xin’s safety.

Facing Luo Chen’s questioning and killing intent, Latis could only smile bitterly. He knew this time he was thoroughly compromised. However, as he was about to explain, a sudden sound of urgent hoofbeats came from the darkness.

This sound of hoofbeats beat like a war drum on everyone’s heart, intensifying the already tense atmosphere. Everyone gazed intently towards the direction in the darkness, awaiting the unknown fate approaching.

Latis could no longer bother with explaining to Luo Chen; his figure flashed, already standing by Li Xin’s side, ready to defend her at a moment’s notice. He knew that no matter what happened now, ensuring Li Xin’s safety was his most crucial responsibility.

The hoofbeats drew closer and closer, as if they would break through the shackles of darkness any second and appear in everyone’s sight. Luo Chen ceased his pressing questions towards Latis and focused entirely on the impending crisis. He knew that any distraction at this time could lead them to a point of no return.

"What nonsense are you talking?!" Latis’ voice suddenly turned sharp, his face showing a flash of panic. This momentary change, though not obvious under the dim firelight, was enough to instill a sense of inexplicable tension among those present.

Luo Chen looked at him coldly, the corner of his mouth lifting into a suggesting smile. "You know perfectly well what I mean, your master, ambitious and proud, unwilling to stay beneath others. You understand better than anyone!" His words carried an inexplicable confidence, as if he had already unraveled all secrets.

In fact, Luo Chen’s words weren’t entirely fabricated. He keenly sensed the unease in Latis’ demeanor and the hidden unusual emotion beneath it. He speculated that someone as skilled as Latis must have powerful backing if he indeed bore ill intent. Thus, he deliberately invented a "master" to disrupt the other’s composure.