Lin Xiao's expression instantly darkened. So it was this statue meddling in affairs! However, he quickly let out a cold sneer. What could Yun Jin do even if she knew? Beyond the main city, no communication was possible.
She couldn't notify those disciples outside to return. The area outside the city was vast. Even if she went personally to notify them one by one, in the span of two short periods of time, how many could she actually reach?
After two periods of time, the spatial blockade would be complete, and those disciples would be trapped with no way out!
"The beast tide is about to descend! The number of ferocious beasts appearing will be a hundred times that of our current disciples outside the city! This is a massive disaster. Without reinforcements, most of our disciples will die outside. Among them are your relatives, your friends, your companions. Shall we really just stand aside and do nothing?" Yun Jin's voice was sharp and commanding.
The expressions of those present shifted slightly.
Yun Jin continued, "Beasts are indeed terrifying, but here, all the elites of the Qingxiao region are gathered! If we unite our strength, these beasts might not even be our match. I suggest all cultivators of Mahayana or Tribulation stage and above mobilize to form squads. The highest-level beasts are only at the Unity stage. With high-rank cultivators leading the charge, our chance of annihilating the beasts increases greatly.
Furthermore, for beasts of Super Spiritual Beast level, their flesh, blood, and bones—might they hold unique properties? For pill refinement or artifact forging, wouldn't they be even more valuable? If we handle them properly, this disaster could become an opportunity!
The number of beasts is a hundred times that of the disciples outside the city, but our human numbers are far beyond theirs. If we act in unison to provide aid, the odds of success are not small!
I have spoken. Everyone, make your decisions quickly. The teleportation array is about to close!
Those willing to venture outside and aid our people, join me to battle the beasts.
If you hesitate, consider my words unheard.
The disciples outside, Wushuang Sect will rescue them ourselves!"
As Yun Jin finished speaking, all Wushuang Sect disciples, led by Hong Ye and Qin Ping, had already arrived.
Even Bai Yiran, newly inducted into the sect, was among them.
"All disciples, heed my order!" Yun Jin commanded sharply.
"Yes!"
The Wushuang Sect disciples responded in unison.
"Form squads of five instantly. Each squad must have at least one Mahayana or Tribulation stage cultivator!"
The Wushuang Sect disciples, disciplined as always, quickly formed teams.
Yun Jin glanced over them and swiftly handed each disciple a storage bag.
"Inside each bag is a powerful artifact suited for you. Upon reaching the city outskirts, immediately form a contract with it," Yun Jin instructed.
The disciples acknowledged her instructions.
"These are teleportation talismans. Take one each. Once the spatial blockade is lifted, you may use it to return to the main city.
Now, depart from the main city immediately. Mission: protect yourselves amidst the beast tide, aid your comrades, and hold out for three days! Return immediately after three days!"
Yun Jin issued her final order.
Expressions shifted as everyone watched the Wushuang Sect disciples' reactions. All knew the outskirts of the city were fraught with danger.
Yun Jin's command was meant to place them all in peril. Would these disciples obey?
Under the shocked gazes of all, the Wushuang Sect disciples hesitated not at all. They moved according to their squads through the teleportation array to the city outskirts.
Even little Su Lingling showed no trace of hesitation.
"I can do no more here. Before the spatial blockade, I will also go outside," Yun Jin said calmly. "A thousand years ago, the predecessors of Wushuang Sect protected all beings. A thousand years later, I cannot let it be said that the spirit of Wushuang Sect has vanished.
Today, I tell you all: the newly reborn Wushuang Sect differs from the past in many ways. Only the spirit has been passed down unbroken."
Yun Jin looked at everyone calmly. "Wushuang Sect alone cannot save many. Whether you go or not, decide quickly."
Silence blanketed the square.
Lin Xiao spoke slowly, "If what the statue said is true, there are no safe zones outside the city. All areas are dangerous. Rashly venturing out may not only fail to save anyone but endanger ourselves."
Yun Jin gave a cold laugh. "Pavilion Master Lin, fear is not universal. We cultivators, if we cannot protect our own, what use is all our strength?
The most powerful of those beasts are only at the Unity stage. With high-rank cultivators stepping up, the danger is not as great as imagined.
If you refuse to act, Wushuang Sect will do as it sees fit, seeking only a clear conscience!" Her words struck one by one.
At the next moment, Lin Ya's voice rang out, "I, Tianxing Sect, am willing to go."
After a brief pause,
"I, Luoying Sect, am willing to go."
"I, Huangji Sect, am willing to go."
"I, Lingtian Sect, am willing to go."
One by one, disciples from each sect stood forward, their faces resolute.
Clear conscience.
These words were perfect.
Today, they also sought a clear conscience.
"There is no need for blind sacrifice. Only squads led by high-rank cultivators may go," Yun Jin said. Everyone understood this.
Time was critical. Teams formed rapidly.
Each squad received a storage bag from Yun Jin. The treasures of the Celestial Divine Palace were useless to her at this moment. Now, they were perfectly suited for the occasion. This fervent atmosphere stoked the bloodlust of the disciples.
Many sect masters hesitated in silence. Yet their disciples contacted each other, forming temporary squads, and quickly departed the main city. Even if some did not know each other before, the words clear conscience alone united them.
With only minutes remaining,
Ten super sects had yet to respond. Yun Jin paid them no mind. Many had already stepped forward, proving to her that Lin Xiao could not control everything alone. The spirit of the Qingxiao cultivators still endured.
"Bitao Sect disciples, pay respects to Sect Master!" A sharp, unified voice rang out.
Hua Ran's tone was calm. "You all should know the situation. Those willing to go outside, form your squads immediately!"
The Bitao Sect disciples responded promptly.
Yun Jin glanced at Hua Ran in surprise. This was the first super sect to react.
Hua Ran remained calm. She knew that by standing up now, she would likely earn Lin Xiao's enmity. But she had no regrets. Cultivators must act where justice demands.
The other nine super sect masters looked at Hua Ran incredulously.
She openly sided with Yun Jin?
Hua Ran spoke earnestly, "This is not taking sides. This is righteousness. To watch so many compatriots fall to beast prey would bring me no peace in life."
"Foolish!" Liu Hua sneered. "Yun Jin is but a child, and you have all been stirred by her words. Luckily, among us, only you act foolishly. You will drag Bitao Sect to ruin!"
As Liu Hua's words fell, another unified voice rang out.
"Juling Sect disciples, ready to follow the Sect Master's command!"
Even the super sect Juling Sect had arrived.
Yun Jin was surprised, glancing at Feng Yuan. She and Feng Yuan were at odds. Previously, she had even enraged him to the point of vomiting blood.
Feng Yuan seemed to understand her intentions. He snorted coldly, "I still dislike you, but Juling Sect also has disciples outside the city. As Sect Master, I cannot abandon them. This is not for you, Yun Jin. This is for my Juling Sect disciples!"
Yun Jin's lips curved in a genuine smile. "Sect Master Feng is correct."
With two super sect masters standing up, the crowd stirred further.
Liu Hua and the others glanced at Lin Xiao. His gaze was cold and silent. Now that Yun Jin had stirred the blood of the cultivators, the less he said, the clearer his stance became.
The remaining super sects did not speak.
However, the super sect Xinghe Sect did.
Talented disciple Ji Heng stepped forward. "Sect Master, my friend remains outside. I wish to go personally during this beast tide."
Liu Hua's lips trembled. He could remain silent, but if he opposed now, Xinghe Sect's reputation would be ruined.
Liu Hua finally said nothing.
Ji Heng calmly instructed, "Those willing, come to me immediately."
Five gathered around him instantly, forming the squad Yun Jin had designated. All other sects then followed this rule silently.
Yun Jin smiled and handed Ji Heng a storage bag.
He hesitated briefly but did not refuse.
It seemed to trigger a wave.
Jingshi Sect.
Yuehua Sect.
Wanli Sect.
One by one, disciples stepped forward, formed squads swiftly, and departed the city.
Many stayed silent, some fearing entanglement, leaving Sky City immediately.
Yet Yun Jin's smile only grew brighter as she observed those who stood.
See.
The world, in the end, was still far better than she had imagined.