Those words exploded like a thunderclap in everyone's minds.
The despair and sorrow froze for a moment, replaced by the dazed relief of surviving a disaster.
"That's right!"
"There's still the second stage!"
A disciple slapped his thigh, a fire rekindling in his eyes.
"The odds might be slim, but there's still some hope!"
"The Heavenly Divination Palace hasn't reached the end of the road yet!"
The other disciples' faces lit up at his words...
Yunyan True Person drew a deep breath and suppressed his surging emotions. Infusing his voice with spiritual power, he pressed the advantage.
"So... disciples, all of you, hold your heads high!"
"This was nothing more than a defeat in the regular competition!"
"When has the path of cultivation ever been smooth? Who can avoid setbacks?"
"Our Heavenly Divination Palace has stood for a thousand years. What storms haven't we weathered?"
"Can a single threat of demotion leave you so despondent that you lose all will to fight?"
His powerful words rang throughout the Heavenly Divination Palace's area.
To the disciples, they were like a shot of strength injected into their veins.
The dejection and sorrow hanging over the Heavenly Divination Palace were swept away in an instant.
"The Palace Master is right. It's not over yet!"
"The second stage might be our chance to turn things around!"
"The Heavenly Divination Palace won't fall like this. We can still fight!"
"Even if we really are demoted in the end, we'll have no regrets!"
"..."
Voices rose one after another from the crowd. Though still hoarse and weak, they carried an entirely different spirit.
Seeing this, Yunyan True Person felt somewhat reassured.
He turned to several elders and spoke gravely.
"Pass down my orders immediately. All participating disciples, especially the core members of the first three groups,