The last stone tower on the northern slope of Golden Radiance Ridge collapsed with a thunderous crash.
Crimson saber light swept through the broken walls, carving a trench dozens of yards long down the slope. Several Luochen Sect disciples had just retreated to its foot when the blast behind them flung them forward.
A middle-aged steward hauled the last disciple to his feet and roared, "Don't look back! Get inside the formation!"
A pale golden barrier had already risen halfway up the mountain.
The disciples receiving them opened a gap, then sealed the formation again once all the wounded had been brought inside. The scorching wave struck immediately afterward, sending broad ripples across the barrier.
The steward released his grip and looked back toward the northern slope, his eyes blazing with fury.
Half a day ago, that had been the Luochen Sect's encampment. Now its stone towers and storehouses had all been destroyed, and the mountain paths leading to two mine shafts had fallen into the Scarlet Firmament Sect's hands.
"Has everyone on the northern slope withdrawn?"
A voice came from behind him.
The steward turned and saw the tall, thin, silver-haired elder. He hastily replied, "Three still haven't returned."
The elder looked at the wounded behind him and pressed his lips together.
He was Pei Duo, one of the Luochen Sect's three Bridge Linking elders.
After arriving, he had ordered their defenses drawn inward and recalled the disciples scattered around the perimeter. But the Scarlet Firmament Sect had advanced too quickly, and two positions had still failed to evacuate in time.
A young disciple clutched his chest and suddenly lowered his head.
"Senior Brother Chen had already gotten out. He only went back to pull me clear, and that saber light..."
His voice trembled, and he could not continue.