The Cloaked Warden glanced at Evan Yang and Nina Ye, curiosity flickering in his eyes. Just moments ago, he'd only seen Evan come out—so how was there suddenly a woman with him?
Seeing the Cloaked Warden's surprised and suspicious look, Elder Whitebeard said, "Hey, you! Why so quiet? Feeling guilty for your tricks? You dared to lie to me, saying the two of them fell into the Death River—you nearly scared me to death!"
Evan Yang and Nina Ye exchanged glances. Though they didn't really understand what Elder Whitebeard meant, they just quietly stood there.
At this moment, the Cloaked Warden finally spoke. "There's no need to lie to you. Since he's already left the Fiend Realm, it's none of my business. But they were inside for over five years—you'd better make sure nothing went wrong with them." With that, he flashed away, looking annoyed.
"Ah, you!" Elder Whitebeard said, twirling his mustache.
Once the Cloaked Warden had gone, Elder Whitebeard grabbed the two of them, and within a few breaths, brought them to his planet.
The heavy gravity returned. Nina Ye quickly took out her Voidless Bead, shielding herself from the crushing force.
"Senior, who was that person?" Evan Yang asked curiously.
"He's from the Fiend Realm, in charge of the passage there. He also prevents Human World experts from causing trouble on their side," Elder Whitebeard replied.
"So that's how it is," Evan Yang muttered.
"You two stayed inside for over five years without harm—that means your inner-world treasure is truly independent, completely cut off from the outside world," Elder Whitebeard said, shifting the topic back to how long Evan and Nina had spent inside.
"Senior, why can't we stay there for three months?" Evan Yang asked, wanting to confirm his thoughts.
"The Fiend Realm is filled with sha-qi, though it's thin. Ordinary people can stay at most three months; those with special physiques or strong cultivation can last up to five years. So I estimate you two managed five years because of your treasure—and your constitution is much tougher than most," Elder Whitebeard explained.
Evan nodded, understanding. Nina Ye was less concerned about sha-qi—she just cared that they were safe now.
"Senior, how is the Ye Clan doing now?" Nina Ye, who had been away for years, asked anxiously.
"The Ye Clan is safe for now, but they've been searching for you everywhere. The Feng Family is hunting for you too," Elder Whitebeard replied.
"I want to go back and see them," Nina Ye said, worry for her family clear in her voice.
"Better not go back. This place is safer than anywhere else," Elder Whitebeard replied.
Nina Ye looked uneasy. After thinking it over, Evan Yang said, "Senior, why not come with us and keep her safe?"
"Kid, you think I don't want to? Someone like me can't just wander other planets. If those old monsters find out I'm with her, they'll bring her endless trouble," Elder Whitebeard said gloomily.