In Yan Baiyi's eyes, a hundred sword lights arrived in an instant. No cultivators were visible, only the fierce sword lights piercing through the horde of demon beasts. No matter how many Mountain Demons they penetrated, the sword lights showed no sign of diminishing.

Body Sword Skill, he was aware of it. He also knew that the strongest force of the Grassland Sword Sect was these Body Sword Cultivators. Yet, he did not expect that when a hundred formed a sword formation, it could possess such power?

Shi Zhu laughed heartily, "Didn't I say so? They can't withstand us!"

But the most shocking moment was yet to come. After the hundred sword lights, a hundred thousand more appeared, spinning into a gigantic light dragon. It seemed as if a Heavenly God was wielding the sword, unstoppable in its might.

The previously solid demon formation was swiftly torn open, with the gap continually widening.

Simultaneously, three hundred sword cultivators followed behind the sword dragon, wielding swords, attacking, moving, maneuvering all at the same time, just like a singular entity!

The demon beasts, suddenly under attack, realized something was wrong. This was not the hesitant Yan Sect cultivators, nor the bullies of the Heartless Daoists, but their most dreaded enemy, the Dushan Sword Lineage that had annihilated the Sea Demons from Lizhi Sea. It meant that reinforcements from the Southwest were just around the corner.

Before they could react, a massive Buddha Formation enveloped them from another direction. Sword Sect charged, monks cast their net, and countless Southwest Daoists appeared all around...

Yan Baiyi closed his eyes. He could not understand why the Heavenly Dao treated him this way. If he had just half a moment more, dying in battle would avoid the shame to come.

The battle was fierce but held no suspense; this troop of Mountain Demons was bound to pay for their arrogance. Reinforcements from both Southwest and Northeast arrived faster than expected — typical Sword Sect style, saying and doing, without delay.

Amidst the wild battlefield, more than a hundred exhausted cultivators from Zhenbei City stared in shock at the massacre, unable to comprehend. Only a couple of thousand people seemed involved, yet they managed to counter-attack near ten thousand Yuan Yi Mountain Demons?

Soon, they understood, as the battlefield contained the sharpest river of swords. Any Mountain Demon daring to cluster and resist would be mercilessly devoured by this river, reduced to scattered soldiers and fleeting specters, with shrieking cries.

Shi Zhu proudly lifted his head, watching the scene with the remaining dozen old sword cultivators. Although many fell in this battle, the Grassland Sword Sect was full of hope since at the forefront of the sword river charged the fleet of Body Sword group — all Grassland disciples!

With such swordsmanship guided by Hou Daoist, what future worries could there be?

A few figures darted beside them; Yan Baiyi recognized them as current figures of renown on the continent: Hou Niao, Yijie, Tianfeng.

Hou Niao glanced at Shi Zhu and the others, obviously dissatisfied, "Shi Zhu, only these few left?"

Shi Zhu and the dozen old sword cultivators bowed in unison, "Sect Hierarch, we are incompetent, bringing shame to the Sword Sect. Only fifty-seven sword cultivators left, none retreated in battle."

Hou Niao frowned but said nothing; with just over a hundred people daring to run the Mountain Demons across the world, these people were truly audacious, commendable in courage, but their judgment questionable.

Now was not the time for discussion; turning to Yan Baiyi, the two shared some camaraderie.

"Yan brother, you're here too? You have taken quite the risk with so few of you?"

Yan Baiyi had recovered, clarity in mind, sweeping away negative emotions. Truly the most talented Golden Core cultivator of Yan Sect, his self-control was formidable.

"Ashamed, I took the initiative to lead people out. Actually, the main force of Yan Sect remains in Zhenbei City."

Upon hearing this, Hou Niao and the others understood. Indeed, Daoist Pangshan was cautious about the foundation of Yan Sect, hesitant to mobilize the entire force, wasting their relentless journey.

However, to put it another way, even if all of Yan Sect were deployed, they might still struggle to hold back as many Mountain Demons as currently.

Such is the nature of things; when more people come, Mountain Demons retreat decisively, scattering entirely. When fewer come, losses are inevitable — caught in a dilemma.

This was Yan Sect's own choice, beyond their judgment, ultimately bearing the consequences of their decision — so it goes.

Yijie sighed, "I feel whether we go Northwest or not matters little; probably by the time we arrive, our efforts will be in vain."

Hou Niao chuckled wryly, "Still, we must go; it's a necessary stance, let it showcase human martial might."

Several moments later, the battle approached its end. Nearly ten thousand Mountain Demons were mostly slaughtered, with thousands escaping. The terrain was expansive, unhidden or unsealed; their numbers were insufficient to form a tight encirclement.

Yan Baiyi felt envious, now fully back to normal. "Sect Hierarch Hou, your Dushan Sword Formation is truly sharp, no wonder you reign supreme at sea."

Hou Niao showed some pride, among friends less tempered by humility, "What's this? This is just rotation warfare; those who went to sea mostly haven't come. Otherwise, the slaughter would be even more enjoyable. These people, hmm, clumsy, must be drilled well upon return."

Yan Baiyi paused, silent. He knew Hou Niao wasn't boasting, yet was surprised at how swiftly the Sword Sect had revitalized, while he saw no fundamental change in Yan Sect.

With battle finished, forces reorganized, the Alliance Army flew toward Zhenbei City. Along the way, Hou Niao sensed his friend's melancholy but refrained from probing deeply; the entanglements within Yan Sect were best left untouched by an outsider.

Before long, Zhenbei City appeared, its majestic walls visible. This city played a pivotal role in resisting the Yuan Yi Mountain Demons' assault, bearing most of the burden single-handedly, clearly marked by various scars on the battlements.

For nearly half a year, it had been truly arduous.

Yan Sect cultivators came out to greet them; regardless, this counted as a successful rendezvous.

Just about to step forward, Yan Baiyi moved ahead, "Sect Hierarch, may I tend to a personal matter first?"

Hou Niao was surprised, but nodded, "Yan brother, as you wish. Between us, why keep so distant?"

Yan Baiyi floated outward, his heart serene, having decided. He raised his voice with mana, clearly heard in and around Zhenbei City.

"Disciple Yan Baiyi, disgraced the sect this time. Bringing 428 companions to battle, only 113 returned!

The battle was reckless, unnecessary, yet due to my obstinacy, caused such losses, the fault is mine!

Many advised against it beforehand; Brother Pangshan, Masters, but I, Yan Baiyi, remained arrogant, causing harm to so many allies who traveled from afar, truly uncomfortable in heart."

Eyes resolute, "Yan Sect's rules demand penalties for guilt. Yan Baiyi requests expulsion from the sect, asking Brother Pangshan and the Masters to judge impartially."

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