Illus ran along, avoiding the roots and brush that would normally trip up any cultivator with ease, despite having his eyes closed. To his left and right, the three panthers ran. They could exceed Illus's speed do to their natural advantages, but chose to stick close and rely on his, ironically, superior senses.
Illus sighed and continued along.
"We're gonna have to split up. I'll deal with the wolf, you distract the outer court disciples and keep them away from the eastern area. This is gonna end badly, otherwise."
The panthers frowned, evidently worried about Illus and about the elders who were watching over. It wasn't an ideal situation, but Illus would rather risk his life than guarantee a win, but risk everyone knowing about their existence. That would ruin his current lifestyle, something none of them were keen on doing.
Knowing this and trusting in Illus, the panthers relented and split off from Illus. They would show their presence ever so slightly to the test takers and lead them on a wild goose chase away from the area. As they split off, Shade glanced back her gaze reluctant. She felt Illus was a kindred spirit who could understand her. She didn't want him to die. However, she accepted her role and chased after her parents a second after hesitating.
Despite their departure, Illus's expression remained the same. Though he was often mistaken as indifferent, those who truly knew him knew that wasn't the right word to describe him. More accurately, unbiased was the term to use. The only time Illus discriminated was in matters of intellect. His rankings went as such in the world:
3. Beings without self awareness
2. Beings with self awareness
1. The precious few, namely Mae, Shade, and an old friend he met while he was a mortal, whose company he enjoyed
Illus couldn't be bothered to think about the complicated things. Most people were annoying and lacked respect. However, this did not mean that he did not respect them. He believed that all beings with consciousness and intelligence were worthy of some semblance of respect. It was for this reason that he never took a life without a valid reason, either because they tried to take his or he made a promise. It should be noted that Illus never makes a promise that he does not keep, even if it involved killing a friend he would fulfill whatever duty he said he would fulfill.
However, there was another reason Illus sent them away;
'There's someone else here.'
Their presence was thin and they didn't seem particularly strong. At least, not compared to an elder. He guessed that he was probably around the same level as him. However, this was a problem. Illus had been keeping track of him, as he noticed that one person who wasn't wearing an elders robes, blending in with the outer court disciples. However, this was confusing. Why was he taking the test?
The only reason's Illus saw was either he is hiding his power, which was perfectly feasible. One could not see precisely through cultivation bases unless they were near 2 major realms above the person they were inspecting or the person was leaking their aura. They probably just thought he was a slightly skilled testee who knew how to keep his qi from leaking rather than an actual Practitioner. Even Illus was only guessing about the man's prowess, but it became more apparent as Illus got closer their similarities in strength.
However, there was another reason. This area of the Depths was claimed by the Heavenly sect and it would be difficult to get in without their permission. The outskirts were cordoned and going further in was suicide for anyone with insufficient strength.
Illus is not a genius by any means. He has good talent and has had some lucky encounters, but he has no heaven defying talent or skill. Nor does he have a revenge fantasy, or some shit like that. He just finds cultivation enjoyable, lighting up a slight spark in the desolate wasteland of his soul. A momentary burst of joy that was almost addicting for an empty person such as Illus.
However, he's not bad either and he could certainly be considered intelligent and mature. Illus's unbiased outlook gives him a unique take on a biased world and he rarely makes the same mistake twice, should he make one.
This is what Illus thinks of himself and he has no intention of changing his mind. As Illus runs, he ponders the possibilities and looks at the trajectories that he can sense from both the mysterious man and the Six Eyed Wolf.
'Fuck it. I can't understand emotional beings. Let's just see how it plays out.'
Illus speeds up, his path clear, his footing steady, as he heads for a seemingly inevitable confrontation. Though, now, he doesn't know with who.