"You’re right. The array won’t hold for much longer. If we’re more or less prepared, then let’s open the gates and meet the enemy."
As they spoke, another calm voice sounded out. The distorted void solidified once more, and Elder Wei’s figure appeared beside them.
"Elder Wei."
This time, even Yuan Menghua bowed respectfully to Elder Wei. After all, they all knew of Elder Wei’s special status. In terms of seniority, he was a true living fossil.
"Mm."
Elder Wei nodded lightly, his gaze sweeping over their surroundings. It paused for a moment on Yuan Menghua, his eyes flickering and dimming for a fleeting instant before he spoke calmly:
"In a moment, I will hold back three of their Purple Mansion cultivators. Menghua, Ruan Hao, and Tian Heng, you will keep the remaining two Purple Mansion Cultivators occupied. How does that sound?"
"This disciple obeys," Ruan Hao nodded, indicating he understood. But when his gaze fell upon Elder Wei, it carried a hint of hesitation.
"But, Elder Wei, for you to face three Purple Mansion cultivators alone... Your cultivation hasn’t recovered yet. This..."
"It’s fine. Just do your best to hold them back. Things have come to this; the sect is in such a state that we can’t afford to worry about such things."
In response to Ruan Hao’s concern, Elder Wei waved his hand dismissively. His brow furrowed as he looked up at the world beyond the array, let out a soft breath, and spoke in a low voice.
"...Alright."
Ruan Hao fell silent. He sighed inwardly, his expression growing even more solemn. As he looked up at the people outside the Sect Protection Array, his killing intent surged.
Yuan Menghua, likewise, had no objections.
"Open the array."
Seeing this, Elder Wei said no more, speaking slowly to Zheng Tianheng.
"Alright..."
Zheng Tianheng grit his teeth hard. Nodding, he took out a Jade Token. His hand gestures changed continuously as he struck it with one seal after another. A moment later, the Sect Protection Array trembled gently before finally dissipating. A vast, surging voice came from outside, echoing throughout the entire Wanxiang Sect.
"Hahaha! You old ghosts of the Wanxiang Sect! What’s this? Done hiding in your shells? You know you’re about to be annihilated. Are you planning to surrender?"
The voice was deep and mocking. Following it was an overwhelming tide of Black Qi that surged forth, instantly darkening the sky and blocking out the light. Only a few terrifying figures stood upon it, looking down on Zheng Tianheng and the others.
"Hmph! Betraying the Martial Continent, colluding with foreign enemies... Spirit Dragon Sect, Yang Family, and Dark Stream, you’ve truly managed to surprise me. Sect Leader Jiang, is this your choice? Aren’t you afraid of being cursed by countless cultivators and having your soul extinguished after you die?"
Zheng Tianheng snorted coldly. With a flicker of his body, he led the others swiftly toward the sky. His voice echoing, they faced their enemies from a distance.
"Cursed? The Martial Continent has been peaceful for far too long. It’s time to stir up some waves. As for what you said, once the Martial Continent has a new master, none of that will be a problem."
Jiang Tiancheng chuckled and took a step forward. He looked at Zheng Tianheng, his gaze finally settling on Yuan Menghua with a mocking expression as he spoke:
"I never thought even an old fossil like you would show up, Yuan Menghua. You’re not dead yet? But what’s the use? I was planning to let you live out your golden years in peace, but since you’ve jumped out on your own, you might as well stay here for good!"
"Today, I will send your Wanxiang Sect into Silent Extinction and turn it to dust!"
The moment his voice fell, Jiang Tiancheng’s eyes turned cold. He transformed into a world-shocking streak of light and charged toward Zheng Tianheng, his Heaven-reaching cultivation at the Golden Core Peak, a Half-Step Purple Mansion, erupting forth!
Charging alongside him was the Yang Family Patriarch, Yang Pengju, also a Half-Step Purple Mansion cultivator. He shot toward Lu Ruikai with vicious intent.
As for the five Purple Mansion cultivators, they exchanged a glance, chuckled, and flew forward together toward Ruan Hao and Yuan Menghua.
"Let’s get rid of these two Purple Mansion cultivators first. The rest won’t be a threat."
Their thinking was simple: use their numerical advantage to eliminate Ruan Hao and Yuan Menghua first. With their cultivation, the rest would be easy.
As for losing face by ganging up on them? To them, having reached their realm, such things were of no concern.
"Master, be careful."
Ruan Hao’s expression was grave. He stood beside Yuan Menghua, his lips pressed tight and his eyes cold as he watched the five approaching cultivators. He whispered a warning, then took a small step forward, positioning himself in front of Yuan Menghua.
"A Purple Mansion Peak who’s about to die of old age, how much of his strength can he even use? And a wet-behind-the-ears brat who just stepped into the Purple Mansion Realm. Why bother with such futile resistance?"
Yang Ninghong said leisurely, his tone nonchalant but laced with a faint, mocking edge.
"Is that so? Then what about me?"
Elder Wei’s figure suddenly materialized, blocking the path in front of the two. His eyes became sharp, and a Heaven-reaching intent surged from him. A sea-like Power of Divine Soul shook the heavens and earth.
"You are..."
The pupils of the three Purple Mansion True Monarchs from the Spirit Dragon Sect all contracted. They stared at Elder Wei’s figure and cried out in shock, their voices filled with disbelief and confusion.
"How is that possible? You’re not dead?"
"If you all aren’t dead, how could this old one have fallen?"
Elder Wei chuckled softly. Facing the three alone, he showed no fear, his expression calm.
"Heh heh, this works out too. Old fossil, if your cultivation were restored, we might have been a bit afraid of you. But now that you’ve served yourself up on a platter, you can be destroyed along with the Wanxiang Sect!"
Illusion Dragon True Monarch sneered. After licking his lips, he exchanged a look with the others, and with a low roar, they charged at Elder Wei.
"You two, hold back Ruan Hao and Yuan Menghua! This old fossil is ours to deal with!"
It was clear that the three True Monarchs of the Spirit Dragon Sect took Elder Wei very seriously; otherwise, they wouldn’t have chosen to surround and kill him with all three of them at once.