The reason for the shock among the Xuanwu Sect's upper echelons is very simple—the soul lamps of the four blue-clothed youths have gone out!
Every disciple of the Xuanwu Sect, whether an inner or outer sect disciple, leaves a soul lamp in the Lamp Hall when they go out to complete tasks or train.
This soul lamp is mystically connected to the cultivator. If the person dies, the lamp goes out; as long as the soul lamp remains lit, it means the disciple out on training or assignments is safe.
Once the soul lamp goes out, it means the disciple no longer exists. The person guarding the soul lamps is a veteran elder of the Xuanwu Sect.
This elder is accustomed to seeing soul lamps extinguish, given the manifold crises in the Southern Domain of the Tianxuan Continent. Even core disciples cannot always avoid unforeseen dangers leading to their demise, let alone some of the outer sect disciples with less strength.
