Chapter 65: Calamity Approaches

A Nascent Soul cultivator's self-detonation unleashed a storm of destruction that swept across the entire Xuan Dao Sect, more than enough to obliterate it completely. Elder Xuan Yin's expression changed drastically as spiritual energy surged from his body, forming a massive barrier of light to envelop the annihilating storm.

Even so, the terrifying force was beyond what Elder Xuan Yin could withstand. Blood spurted from his mouth, and his aura instantly weakened.

It was a long time before the horrifying storm finally died down. Elder Xuan Yin, utterly drained, slowly descended to the ground, gasping for breath, his face so pale it was almost frightening.

"Master Xuan, are you all right?" Qian Chuan hurried over, concern etched across his face as he looked at the wan, exhausted elder. Elder Xuan Yin glanced around and let out a soft sigh.

In just a few moments, countless disciples of the Xuan Dao Sect had perished or been wounded. The heavy scent of blood hung in the air, and many buildings had been destroyed in the earlier battle between Elder Xuan Yin and the man in black, leaving the sect in utter ruin.

In all the hundreds of years since its founding, the Xuan Dao Sect had never been in such a sorry state. And this, it seemed, was only the beginning.

"Immediately instruct the elders to lead the disciples and withdraw from the sect. Remember, split up and leave separately. Only then can the Xuan Dao Sect preserve a sliver of hope," Elder Xuan Yin said weakly, his face still ashen.

"Master Xuan, even if the Azure Cloud Sect is truly declaring war on us, does it have to be this drastic?"

"If it were only the Azure Cloud Sect, I would not be concerned. But the forces gathered here today are far beyond anything the Azure Cloud Sect could muster. They are but a minor sect—by now, they have likely surrendered and become mere vassals. This attack is meant to wipe out every last member of the Xuan Dao Sect."

"Who are these people?"

"I am not sure, but they are most likely not from the Kingdom of Clear Water." Elder Xuan Yin shook his head. He could not discern which power the black-robed man belonged to. What he was certain of, however, was that the foe came from beyond these borders.

There were precious few Nascent Soul cultivators in the entire Kingdom of Clear Water, and the black-robed elder was clearly only the vanguard. Judging by his decisiveness in self-destruction, the force behind him must be vast indeed—so vast that even the loss of a Nascent Soul cultivator meant nothing to them.

Within the Xuan Dao Sect, aside from Elder Xuan Yin, the highest cultivation was held by several elders in seclusion, each at the peak of the Core Formation stage, hoping to break through to Nascent Soul. Yet, throughout the years, they had all sat in meditation and passed away within the Sect’s forbidden grounds.

Since its founding, very few in the Xuan Dao Sect had ever reached the Nascent Soul stage. Of those who did, some left to journey the world and never returned.

“There’s no time to lose. I’ll go arrange for the elders to lead the disciples out,” Qian Chuan said, his eyes sweeping over the devastated sect, pain stabbing at his heart. Perhaps, after today, there would no longer be a Xuan Dao Sect in the Kingdom of Clear Water.

The sect had stood for centuries—who would have thought that such calamity would strike in his hands?

With a heavy sigh, Qian Chuan flashed away toward the main peak's grand hall. Moments later, the sound of a bell echoed throughout the entire Xuan Dao Sect—nine resounding tolls, reverberating without end. Every disciple lifted their head to look toward the main hall, their hearts filled with dread. They all knew what had transpired.

Now, with the bell’s ringing, they understood that the Xuan Dao Sect was facing its greatest disaster in history. Nine tolls meant this calamity could not be overcome.

Dozens of streaks of light flashed across the sky, all heading straight for the main hall. The elders, gathering before Qian Chuan, bore grief-stricken expressions.

“Sect Master!”

“Elders, the great tribulation is upon us. I ask each of you to lead a group of disciples away from the sect. The farther you go, the better,” Qian Chuan declared heavily.

“Sect Master, is there no other way?” Elder Yu Feng asked with a trembling voice. He had lived his whole life in the Xuan Dao Sect—now, forced to flee, he might never return.

“I refuse to go! I’d rather fight them to the bitter end!” Elder Lei shouted angrily. The Xuan Dao Sect was their home—how could they abandon it so easily?

“We are willing to live and die with the sect!” Countless disciples knelt in unison before the main hall, voices rising as one.

“Nonsense!” Qian Chuan shouted, his heart torn between pride and fury at their resolve. “Do you know what this is? This is stupidity! You know you cannot win, and yet you stay to die?”

“From this day forward, you are no longer disciples of the Xuan Dao Sect! Elders, if you still acknowledge me as your Sect Master, then take them away. They are the future hope of our sect.” His gaze swept over the assembled elders, his tone resolute.

“I hope that someday, among them, someone will rise above all and bring the Xuan Dao Sect back to glory.”

On a northern peak, within a secluded courtyard, Yin Tianfang stood gazing toward the main peak, his eyes flickering with complex emotions.

“What are you thinking about?” Nuolan approached, her voice gentle.

“I’m wondering if the Xuan Dao Sect is suffering this calamity because of me.” Yin Tianfang’s heart was heavy. He had been awake for some time, and was well aware of what was happening.

“Even if you had never come to the Xuan Dao Sect, it would not have escaped this disaster,” came a warm voice. Elder Xuan Yin appeared in the courtyard, his gaze soft as he looked at Yin Tianfang.

“This time, the Azure Cloud Sect would have acted against the Xuan Dao Sect whether they knew you were here or not. If it were only them, we would not fear. But things are far more complicated than you imagine,” Elder Xuan Yin sighed.

“You should also leave the Xuan Dao Sect as soon as possible,” Elder Xuan Yin said to Yin Tianfang. Before Tianfang could reply, the elder’s figure vanished from the courtyard.

Within the sect, the elders’ faces were clouded with anger and frustration, but faced with this disaster, they all felt helpless. The enemy’s vanguard was already a Nascent Soul cultivator—who knew what other terrifying powers would follow?

At the elders’ command, the disciples returned to their quarters to pack their belongings, preparing to leave the sect. By dusk, all the servants had been dismissed; only the cultivators remained, the future of the Xuan Dao Sect. These would be led away by the elders to find a place of safety and lie low for the time being.

“I entrust these disciples to your protection, elders. Yu Feng, have the others already been sent off?” Qian Chuan asked, turning to Elder Yu Feng.

Elder Yu Feng nodded. “I have already sent them away.”

“Good. The future of the Xuan Dao Sect rests with you. When the time is right, I hope some among you will revive the sect’s glory,” Qian Chuan said, his voice heavy as he looked at them all.

The elders looked upon the ruins of the sect with sorrow in their hearts. But the hope of the sect must be sent away.

“Let’s go,” one elder said with a sigh. With a wave of his sleeve, he gathered a group of disciples and, flashing away, headed beyond the sect’s borders.

“Trying to leave?” As soon as this elder stepped out of the sect, a figure blocked his path, a cruel smile on his lips. With a sudden grasp, the elder didn't even have time to scream before being reduced to a cloud of blood. The disciples he was leading met the same fate.

One after another, several figures appeared outside the Xuan Dao Sect, surrounding it on all sides.

“Today, not a single one of you will escape!”