As soon as everyone approached the temple, a tense voice came from inside, asking nervously.
"Who's out there?!"
The voice, underscored by an apparent pretense of confidence, resonated with a sense of panic and tremor that anyone could sense.
Upon recognizing the familiar voice, Ling Xiaoxuan's face lit up with joy and she hurried towards the temple entrance.
"Du Changheng, it's me. I've brought people to rescue you!"
The Ling family's bodyguard swiftly stepped in to stop her from advancing into danger.
Before anyone could react, the old temple door was opened from the inside.
A haggard and visibly sleep-deprived young man appeared, his countenance as pale as a sheet.
Several more men and women, each looking visibly terrified, stood behind him.
As he caught sight of Ling Xiaoxuan, Du Changheng's face deepened with a strange excitement, reaching out to embrace her.
Just as he was about to touch her, Qin Ruan took hold of Ling Xiaoxuan by her collar and pulled her back.
