"All of you are gathered here tonight for the departure of this Retaliatory Division under my Command. Mine calls, you will heed, and mine voice will usher your last warning.
"As of now, we Cultivators are to expect, repel, and survive an ordeal no less than a natural disaster, and lay our lives on the line to protect our designated Settlement—Qing Mao Dao Settlement of Wind Shaven Mountain.
"In honour of your bravery, you have my respect."
A strong tone of authority rang through the air, echoing off the hall's walls with a hint of superiority, moving the hearts of the people around.
His stern gaze fell to the people before him, and Silver Extreme continued,
"I will communicate to you, the militia under my command, the details of our retaliation.
"Upon our arrival, the first action we will take is to unload our provisions and settle into your accommodations. There will be little time for respite, so you must acclimate to the situation.
"Soon after our arrival, I will hold a meeting and discuss with you all the deeper intricacies of our retaliation.
"However, we still have time before we can disembark. I would like to introduce you to another key figure in our Retaliatory Division."
With a gesture of his hand, Silver Extreme introduced a man dressed in green robes.
His clothing was made of many layers, free-flowing, and embroidered with verdant imagery.
The green and brown aesthetic gave him an air of tranquillity, and his long, dark hair had a faint shade of green.
"From our neighbouring, albeit unaffiliated, Bian Mu Sen Settlement, Warrior of Spring has agreed to lend us his aid.
"And alongside him, Shade of Autumn, is lending us aid, as well."
The second figure walked forth and stood beside the taller man.
She was robed in dull and rich browns, her clothing was more rigid, and her hair was an ordinary black.
There were quiet gasps among the crowd, and whispers rose among the people.
Sun looked around and took note of the slight flicker of light within Liming Zi's eyes.
Shade of Autumn bowed lightly to the crowd, while Warrior of Spring smiled gently towards Silver Extreme.
"Heh... Brother Silver, I still think that we didn't need such an introduction."
"It is the least we can do to honour you. Although your presence and attitude are humble, your identity reaches to the far lands of the Western Region."
"Okay, okay. I understand, but I'm not sure I can deliver such a strong speech..."
Warrior of Spring cleared his throat as he addressed the people before him.
"It is as Brother Silver has said. We of Bian Mu Sen Settlement are offering a hand to the people of Union Settlement and the Subsidiary Mortal Settlements facing this ordeal.
"How could we turn away? Such a difficult time will not be overlooked, and I, as well as my Junior Sister, will offer our aid to this Retaliatory Division, and wish for the safety of the people under our care."
The whispers of wonder changed to admiration.
Already, the quiet, leisurely atmosphere has changed to that of stifled excitement.
Sun felt awe at such charisma, and the declaration was definitely audacious.
"It is as spoken. As a result, Warrior of Spring will hold a portion of my command, and his position will be like mine."
"I hope we can have a chance to know each other well. I also hope you can get to know my Junior well, too!"
He chuckled lightly as he patted Shade of Autumn on the shoulder.
Silver Extreme coughed to return the announcements to their intended topic.
"As you all should know, we, the first Retaliatory Division, will not be the last. The other Disciples of Union Settlement are preparing to disembark the following nights."
"Use our current militia as a reference for the severity of the coming ordeal, and magnify that by the number of Retaliatory Divisions being deployed.
"Steel your hearts, cradle your Way, and fight to see another night. I, Silver Extreme, owe you all these words at least.
"Let us disembark in ten minutes. Please remain here, and enjoy the last of your respite."
Silver Extreme concluded this short assembly, but the sentiment ran through the crowd.
Sun, too, was letting his words run through his mind.
'The tides of fog...'
Converging with those words were the memories of the fall of Star Gazing Settlement.
Sun himself understood the severity of the situation and even felt a bead of sweat slip down his brow.
Still, he resolved himself.
'I will fight... If I can not stand my ground, if I were to run away now, then what would be the point of all my efforts?
'What would I make of myself then? I wouldn't be able to face Mother or Father.
'...
'I will fulfil my promise...'
He solemnly, resolutely declared to himself.
...
The minutes ticked away quickly.
The fourth hour of Rising Hour was nigh, and the Earth Overturning Centipede was showing signs of liveliness.
Sun and Liming Zi straddled one of the segments; behind them were two other people.
Silver Extreme took his spot at the head of the giant centipede.
Sitting behind him was a woman Sun was awfully familiar with—Heart Tethering Maiden.
On the segment behind the head was Warrior of Spring and Shade of Autumn. There was also another peculiar man sitting beside them, chatting with them leisurely.
Sun and Liming Zi were around the middle segments.
'Li Zi seemed to recognise those two from... was it Bian Mu Sen Settlement? I should ask her about them...'
Gradually, the entire body of the Earth Overturning Centipede was boarded by the Retaliatory Division, and the beast started moving.
They exited the courtyard and the general area of the United Army Hall, travelling down a desolate stone-paved street.
The Earth Overturning Centipede's scurrying was all that filled the air; it was like a constant reminder of their choice to leave.
The trepidation and anticipation within Sun's heart were sending light tremors down his body.
He tried to quell them, but could only turn his gaze outwards.
By the time they left through a giant gatehouse, any chance to leave felt stripped from the Retaliatory Division.
This was their decision, and it was set in motion.
Sun did not feel any lamentations in his decision, and quietly watched as the world moved behind him.
Thus marking the beginning of a new chapter in Sun's life.
...
...
...
In another part of the Western Mountains and Valleys...
The earth seemed to open and reveal a vast river of white; the water rushed and roared incessantly, stretching far beyond the northern horizon and beyond the southern horizon.
Waves of white water crashed against the walls of earth, gradually eating away at the bedrock of the lands.
Yet, within the vast river and its violent waters were five black columns which protruded some hundred meters high.
They were resilient, unwavering in the waters.
On one such column was a monastery of a black and red aesthetic.
In one room of the monastery was a girl who was gradually awakening.