If one were to estimate as generously as possible, the number of Nascent Soul-level combatants within the Xuanyang Sect would surely exceed the number of fingers on both hands. That is to say nothing of their Dao Soldiers, high-level arrays, guardian spirit beasts, advanced puppets, and the various other heretical or divine treasures at their disposal.
In other words, the Xuanyang Sect is not some declining sect propped up by a couple of decrepit, early-stage Nascent Soul elders nearing the end of their lives. It is a formidable supreme sect in its prime, suppressing all opposition!
Although Yu Xian had casually described this as a "high-level map," implying the Xuanyang Realm was only slightly more dangerous than Shangyang City, reality never offers the luxury of a step-by-step leveling process. Bosses on the map would never be restricted to just one or two minor realms above him. After all, if the Xuanyang Sect could send a Golden Core Master to build and rule a desolate backwater like Shangyang City, they would certainly not be stingy with their staffing for more prosperous territories.
Chapter 196