If Fangsheng followed Ulysses's instructions, he might still have a sliver of a chance of survival. But if he did not, then not only Corell, but Lewan and the knights who had come to rescue him would be implicated and likely lose their lives.
This was something Fangsheng did not want to see. In this Transcendent world, to be able to become a state preceptor, to be hated by so many and mocked as a sorcerer, and yet still remain alive—his strength was evident. Fangsheng did not believe that he, alongside Lewan and those knights, could deal with Ulysses. Therefore, he had to temporarily avoid taking the brunt of his force and find a way to exploit the gaps to carve out a sliver of survival.
Though the hope was slim, Fangsheng prepared to try.
Chapter 281