Everyone in the arena fell silent. Even though they had already expected it, when the Wang Clan Patriarch said they would depart immediately, everyone's hearts still felt heavy.
There was no escaping this.
Otherwise, if there was reckoning afterward, not even the Green Ox Bladesman could bear the consequences, let alone those with large clans and great wealth—one may flee, but the sect and family remain, and sometimes not even the person can get away.
The only option now was to go and adapt as needed, doing their best to survive.
Daoist Longshan bowed slightly to everyone and said with a hint of apology:
"Everyone has come from afar. It's fate that we're going together to eliminate the Demonic Sect. When the time comes, let's act as a group and stay close to me and the Heaven-Man Realm experts, to avoid being ambushed by the Demonic Sect."
Although this matter started because of the Wang Clan Patriarch, and Daoist Longshan himself had been dragged into the scheme, ultimately it was because of his Heaven-Man Ceremony that everyone was caught in this disaster, so naturally, he felt some guilt.
It was just that some things couldn't be said outright.
Daoist Longshan's words were somewhat subtle, but the Core Formation Realm experts all understood.
They looked at Daoist Longshan with gratitude and said in unison:
"Many thanks, Daoist!"
Daoist Longshan then clasped his hands toward the three Green Ox Bladesmen. The Green Ox Bladesman had already adjusted his mindset and waved his hand slightly:
"When the time comes, let's support each other. It's only a branch of the Demonic Sect—it shouldn't be a big issue."
Lord Xiaoyao and Daoist Baihe also nodded, signaling Daoist Longshan to be at ease.
The four of them had quietly formed an alliance for offense and defense, tacitly excluding the Wang Clan Patriarch.
The Wang Clan Patriarch also knew he wasn't welcome, so he spoke up:
"In that case, let's depart now!"
As he spoke.
He was already flying ahead.
Daoist Longshan glanced at his disciples, exhaled lightly, and finally fixed his gaze on Ning Qi, sending a voice transmission:
"Little Nine, so many people are staying behind at Zhenwu Mountain this time. If something happens in the shadows, keep an eye out."
He knew the strength of his little disciple. Now that both the Heaven-Man Realm and Core Formation Realm experts were leaving, Ning Qi was the strongest left. He worried that if the operation to eliminate the Demonic Sect didn't go well, those left behind might become restless. 𐍂𝘈𝐍ő𐌱Ê𝒮
Ning Qi's feelings were also complicated at this moment.
He worried about his master, but without decisive strength, going along wouldn't help—instead, it might create unnecessary complications.
He silently nodded in response to Daoist Longshan.
Then looked deeply at the figure of the Wang Clan Patriarch.
Several Heaven-Man Realm experts stepped into the air.
One by one, the Core Formation Realm experts gave final instructions to their juniors, some even sounding like last words, causing many juniors' eyes to redden. After all, aside from a few wandering martial artists, most were from sects or clans. They had come to this Heaven-Man Ceremony to gain experience—not expecting this sudden twist.
After giving their instructions, one by one the Core Formation Realm experts activated their Qi and soared into the sky.
Why did the Wang Clan Patriarch only take Core Formation and Heaven-Man Realm experts? Naturally, it was so they could move at the fastest speed to reinforce the frontlines.
"Let's go!"
The Wang Clan Patriarch was high-spirited, while the others silently followed.
Dozens of experts' figures quickly disappeared into the horizon. The once lively Zhenwu Mountain fell into a somber stillness. What was supposed to be a perfect Heaven-Man Ceremony now bore a significant blemish due to this unexpected development.
Many disciples of the Zhenwu Sect silently cursed the Wang Clan Patriarch who had disrupted the ceremony.
But there were still many people left behind who needed to be organized.
Luo Wentian took a deep breath and said loudly:
"Since this is about eliminating the Demonic Sect, I ask everyone to remain at Zhenwu Mountain for the next few days and refrain from going down the mountain. It's rare for so many fellow martial artists to gather, so let's take this chance to exchange insights into the Martial Dao. Also, please keep watch on one another to prevent any Demonic Sect spies from sneaking out at night."
He understood that when the Wang Clan Patriarch asked everyone else to stay behind, it was to prevent news from leaking out.
Although there were many people and rumors would eventually spread,
At least not immediately.
This would buy some time for the anti-demon operation to create a timing advantage—after all, Core Formation and Heaven-Man Realm experts moved with extreme speed.
Luo Wentian had already come up with an excuse: tomorrow, he would send someone down the mountain to spread the message that all the experts attending the Heaven-Man Ceremony were staying to exchange martial knowledge—this would prevent suspicion from the martial artists in Zhenwu City. If they could delay a day, that was a win.
This wasn't helping the Wang Clan Patriarch—it was helping Daoist Longshan.
The smoother the operation to eliminate the Demonic Sect, the safer Daoist Longshan would be.
Luo Wentian wasn't arrogant enough to believe that his master was invincible just because he'd stepped into the Heaven-Man Realm. The danger level of this mission was still an unknown variable.
And since the Wang Clan Patriarch had proposed it, to a certain degree, it meant the responsibility had been placed on the Zhenwu Sect's shoulders. If something went wrong, someone might come to hold them accountable later.
He had already started organizing Zhenwu Sect disciples to do a quiet headcount and keep watch on everyone.
The crowd was highly cooperative:
"We definitely won't leave the mountain. If anyone does, we'll attack them together!"
At such a critical moment, anyone daring to leave—regardless of the reason—would be treated as a Demonic Sect spy.
Luo Wentian was slightly relieved.
Then he began calming everyone down, especially those forces whose Core Formation Realm experts had departed—they needed the most reassurance to prevent them from panicking and causing problems.
Ning Qi exhaled softly.
Beside him, Zhuang Chen showed rare worry on his face and asked:
"Ning Qi, do you think my master... will be okay?"
Ning Qi patted his shoulder and said:
"Don't worry. Senior Divine Sword is very strong, and my master will definitely take care of him. They'll all return safely."
Zhuang Chen nodded firmly.
He spat angrily in a low voice:
"It's all that old b*stard Wang Clan Patriarch's fault..."
Normally, he wouldn't have dared to say that—not even in a whisper.
After all, there were still Wang Clan disciples around. But now, the remaining Wang Clan disciples were suffering. Glares and hostile looks came at them from all sides, making their skin crawl—especially from those whose Core Formation Realm elders had been taken. They were on the verge of cursing aloud.
The Wang Clan disciples didn't dare linger in the arena, afraid of being swarmed. They apologized to Luo Wentian and fled, being escorted to the guest quarters.
Night had fallen, and the guests all headed to their rooms.
Ning Qi looked at the rising moon and sighed inwardly.
This was the first time he truly felt the domineering might of the Great Yan Dynasty. When it was time to keep a low profile, he really had to keep a low profile.
"This land, after all, is ruled by the Great Yan Dynasty. Just a single Martial Saint Token is enough to make four Heaven-Man Realm experts bow and obediently go eliminate the Demonic Sect."
Ning Qi wasn't worried about any trouble arising at Zhenwu Mountain. Now, the strongest left was only at the Jade Liquid Realm. With his strength, he could fully maintain order.
He only hoped everything would go smoothly for his master's group.
"Little Junior Brother, don't worry. I could see the Wang Clan Patriarch is very confident. This time, with the support of five Heaven-Man experts, it should be fine. Don't worry—Master will return safely," Ye Qinghe said softly in comfort.
Ning Qi just nodded slightly.
He couldn't shake the feeling that this mission to eliminate the Demonic Sect wouldn't be that simple.