Ting Chan was dead. He had nothing to make a bargain with Buddha Sect. But the sect leaders and elders of the remaining four sects were now in his hands. Luo Qi could destroy the sect that refused to submit to his rule.

Tve discussed with the Senior Elder. Even though this has nothing to do with Qingshan Sect, we can't just stand by and do nothing."

Their fates were bound with each other's. If one perished, so would the other. They knew how this worked.

Luo Qi wanted control over the five major sects and he wanted to unite them in power and strength. Who was he planning to attack with their forces?

It was probably Qingshan Sect.

Jiang Ning nodded.

"You're right. We can't stand by and do nothing." He gave everyone a look. "Let's go. I'll join you as well. Our top priority is to rescue the sect leaders and elders of the

other sects."

They had to do it not simply for Qingshan Sect but for the peace and safety within the mountain.

The peace and stability of the worlds within and beyond the mountain were equally important. Anything that affected one would affect the other too. Jiang Ning knew that very well.

He did not hesitate as he joined Liu Chuandao and Qingshan Sect in their charge to Tianlian Sect to rescue the rest.

Tianlian Sect was situated on a tall mountain that was obscured by thick clouds.

Towering majestically above a winding mountain range, the sect was an impenetrable fortress with strong defenses that could not be easily breached.

The path up the mountain was winding, long and ill-suited for mass armies who thought of attacking the sect. Elder Ting Feng frowned slightly at the sight of the endless mountain path. He was certain that they would be faced with numerous ambushes on their way up.

"What do we do now?" someone asked.

"Have the other sects taken action?"

"Not yet. They're probably trying to think of a plan."

No one dared to abandon their chief and elders. These were the pillars of the sect.

If they died, the sect wasn't going to survive for long either.

Was submitting to Tianlian Sect's demands their only option?

Their chief and elders would be forced to become Tianlian Sect's puppets and for as long as they lived, remain under the control of the sect.

"We can't wait any longer," said Elder Ting Feng. "As soon as they surrender and pledge their loyalty to Tianlian Sect, Luo Qi, that scoundrel, will strike immediately. Everything's going to be too late then."

He gritted his teeth and looked at the men that he had brought along with him. There were too few of them. But time was running out fast.

"We'll split up and ascend the

mountain in groups. Every elder will lead a small team. Be careful and watch out for ambushes. Find a way to get into Tianlian Sect first before finding a way to save the prisoners."

"Yes, sir!"

After issuing his orders, Elder Ting Feng led his own team away and attempted to ascend the mountain.

The other elders had their own

teams as well. They made their way slowly up the mountain, exercising extreme caution and watching out fortraps and ambushes on the way up. They dared not move too quickly or recklessly.

Nevertheless, they encountered numerous ambushes that resulted in the deaths of a dozen or more disciples.

"Kill them! Kill them all!" Elder Ting Feng thundered as he stared at the incoming arrows that had been fired from afar. Paying no heed to his injuries he darted forward with the agility of a monkey and charged at his enemies.

The Vajra Fist was unleashed in a series of fierce and swift attacks.

BAM!

BAM!

BAM!

He killed five archers in a series of blows, breached the defense and waved his hand. "Charge up the mountain!"

SWOOSH!

A sudden shrill sound pierced the air.

Before Elder Ting Feng could do anything, an arrow had come flying towards him and pierced right through his palm, sending blood splattering.

Horrified, he dodged behind a tree.

"Hide! Everyone, hide yourselves!"

The next moment, the disciple who had been leading the party was shot dead by an arrow that pierced his skull.

A mist of blood exploded in the air.

"Hide yourselves!" Elder Ting Feng thundered.

He stared at the gaping wound in his hand as tremors of pain coursed through his body. His lips twitched from the agony that he was feeling. What a terrifying archer!

He couldn't discern where the archer was hidden.Original content from .

He was the final line of defense. Every attack he unleashed was meant to kill!