A Letter from the Clan Arrives as They Settle In; Assessing the Situation, They Delay Their Return

The setting sun dyed the waves of the Ring Sea gold and crimson as Lin Zhixia led everyone back toward the Sacred Pillar Residence. Xiao Bai had agreed to continue sparring with them, fulfilling the probing purpose of the Second Trial. Everyone wore traces of exhaustion on their faces, but they now had a clear direction.

As they pushed open the stone house door, the warm yellow lamplight inside dispelled the salty tang carried in by the sea breeze. Oscar had just set the Flying Sausages on the table when Bai Chenxiang suddenly cried out and pulled a letter rolled into a narrow tube from the Sachet she carried with her. The envelope bore the silver-feather crest of the Speed Clan, and its corners were still wet with seawater. Clearly, it had just been delivered by a seabird.

She hurriedly unfolded the letter, her fingertips turning faintly white from the force of her grip. The further she read, the tighter her brows furrowed. "What is it, Xiangxiang?" Xiao Wu leaned over. Seeing Bai Chenxiang's reddened eyes, she quickly handed her a handkerchief. Bai Chenxiang sniffed, her voice trembling slightly. "It's from Grandpa... Spirit Hall has recently begun forcibly screening the nine great sects. Several that refused have already been suppressed. Grandpa says the clan is safe for now, but he can't shake his unease."

The atmosphere in the room instantly grew heavy. Dai Mubai clenched his fists, the aura of his White Tiger Spirit faintly stirring around him. "Spirit Hall is trying to completely control the sects across the continent! Should we go back first and lend the Speed Clan our support?" Zhu Zhuqing nodded as well. "Mu Bai and I can go together. At the very least, we can hold off a few Soul Douluo."

But Lin Zhixia raised