In that vast borderland, as the curtain of night fell and the stars faded, only the beacon fires remained, illuminating faces etched with resolve and fatigue.
Yun Yixuan, Sect Master of the Yunlan Sect, gently stroked the long sword that had accompanied him for years. The blade’s cold light shimmered, seemingly mirroring his own endless worries and determination. He surveyed his surroundings: Xuan Shuang Zhenren was frowning deeply, Yougu Sanren sat in silent contemplation, and the Supreme Elder, Xiao Shanhai, tapped his fingers against the stone table, each strike echoing like a pull on the taut heartstrings of those present.
"Everyone, the situation on the front line is far more severe than we anticipated," Yun Yixuan said slowly. His voice was soft, yet every word carried immense weight. "The Demon race has grown significantly stronger in recent years, particularly the Serpent Clan. They seem to have been bolstered by some formidable power, making their offensives increasingly fierce. Though our cultivators are brave and fearless, months of high-intensity combat have left many exhausted, both in body and spirit. Our supply lines are frequently harassed, making them difficult to secure."
Chapter 62