Wushangzi observed the agitated crowd, momentarily uncertain how to proceed.

The sect leader had indeed forbidden disciples from leaving the mountain freely.

Yet he'd also instructed Wushangzi to act according to circumstances.

Now that the Xuantian Sword Sect had openly attacked Shushan disciples, this matter carried grave implications.

Yu Yangzi turned to the deputy leader and continued:

"The Xuantian Sword Sect wouldn't attack our disciples without reason. Surrounding them now would prevent any escape."

Several other peak masters nodded in agreement.

Wushangzi then looked toward the venerable elders.

These elders who had witnessed Shushan's golden age unanimously nodded as well.

With the sect leader absent, Wushangzi held temporary authority.

Every decision must command respect.

"Very well. Junior Brother Yu Yangzi, you shall lead..."

A secret jade sword missive suddenly arrived.

Wushangzi accepted the encoded command and passed it to a nearby disciple.

Soon, the disciple returned with the deciphered message.

"Read it!"

"By the Sect Leader's decree: All disciples must remain on Mount Shushan regardless of circumstances!!

Issue immediate orders to all Shushan branches - destroy all documents, trust no sect or faction.

Prioritize personal safety, return to headquarters immediately.

Disciples return to respective peaks, no unauthorized movement.

Mount Shushan enters lockdown!! Sect Leader's Jade Token.

This is the highest command - violators will face sect law!"

Everyone present paled.

What could possibly warrant such extreme measures?

Even when the Eastern Desolate Demon Territory occupied Cangzhou,

Shushan hadn't mobilized to this degree.

Beneath a thatched hut,

Li Xuanxiao massaged his temples.

Where would the enemy strike? If he wanted to attack Shushan, what method would he use?

"Sect Leader's order - all external disciples return to Shushan..."

Lu Ziyin frowned at the urgent sword missive.

Return to Shushan?

At this critical juncture, instead of reinforcements,

they were being recalled?

But seeing the message's security level, Lu Ziyin immediately prepared to summon Silver Sword Peak disciples.

Suddenly, he looked up.

Two figures stood in the sky above -

two Consolidation Stage cultivators from the Profound Sword Sect.

Lu Ziyin's eyebrow twitched, sensing their hostility.

Remembering the warning about avoiding other sects,

his guard rose instantly.

"Honored Seniors, have you come to assist with disaster relief?"

The two experts smiled faintly.

"Peak Master Lu, we have urgent matters to discuss. Accompany us back to our sect."

What were they planning?

Lu Ziyin noticed Profound Sword Sect disciples converging rapidly.

"I've received Shushan's emergency recall. My disciples and I must return immediately."

"Such a major disaster," one expert sneered, "Who will manage it if not Shushan? Your sect loves meddling, does it not?"

Lu Ziyin's eyes narrowed.

"Honored Seniors, I take my leave."

He bowed and turned away.

The instant he turned:

"You're not leaving today!!"

A thunderous voice shook the heavens.

Lu Ziyin froze as the sky darkened violently.

From rolling black clouds emerged a colossal palm -

mountain-crushing pressure descending upon him.

Facing two Consolidation Stage experts far surpassing him,

Lu Ziyin remained calm.

His sword flashed, white robes swirling.

The blade's light split clouds for miles.

Every leaf hung between life and death,

birds frozen mid-wingbeat.

A single thrust shattered the expert's spatial confinement.

"Hah! Worthy of being Shushan's youngest peak master!"

The green-robed expert manifested a dharma idol,

space rapidly collapsing around them.

"Let's see you handle this!"

The sundered clouds reformed instantly,

disgorging countless black shadows -

a cavalry charge resolving into

thousands upon thousands of flying swords.

Lu Ziyin stood sword in hand,

other arm behind his back.

Without fear, he declared:

"Shushan disciples! Profound Sword Sect attacks us! Return immediately!"

Simultaneously, his mental message reached all Silver Sword Peak disciples in the area.

Before the spatial laws fully entrapped him,

Lu Ziyin sent forth his lifebound sword:

"Junior Sister Lin, get them out!"

Lin Wanqing received the order

just as ambushing Profound Sword disciples struck.

She beheaded several Nascent Soul cultivators instantly,

her sword tearing through their formation.

As a fellow Transformation Spirit expert,

none could match her speed.

......

Feng Liuli battled several cultivators,

suddenly hurling two vials into their midst.

Emerald poison mist erupted,

allowing her escape -

Until a sword barred her path.

Blades clashed repeatedly.

Her superior swordplay broke the enemy's defenses,

but at the critical moment -

The opponent yanked a civilian as a human shield.

Feng Liuli's blade wavered aside.

The Profound Sword cultivator smirked,

sword flashing toward her heart.

More enemies closed in,

trapping Feng Liuli completely -

When a sword erupted from the earth,

skewering attackers like meat skewers.

A figure leaped from the ground,

blade gleaming.

Knowing this foe dangerous,

the cultivator repeated his tactic -

grabbing fleeing civilians with psychic grip

to form a living barrier.

"Despicable!" Feng Liuli spat.

A captured civilian suddenly stabbed through the cultivator's chest.

"Who said you could grab people? How presumptuous."

"Senior Brother, I..." Feng Liuli began explaining her failure.

Li Xuanxiao had no time for excuses.

Mountains tilted, the ground shattered.

A supreme law's power encased the area

like transparent film.

Silver Sword Peak only had Lu Ziyin at Transformation Spirit,

Lin Wanqing newly advanced.

Yet against them,

the Profound Sword Sect deployed three Consolidation Stage experts.

Such importance placed on them.

Three Consolidation Stage experts?

Li Xuanxiao smirked contemptuously.

"With Lin Wanqing here, I worry three might be too few for you."