The Purge Begins

Lin Hao did not turn around. He merely asked, "Are all the teams in position?"

"All teams are in position." Huan Xinyue's voice was gentle yet firm. "Our sect's disciples have successfully infiltrated seventeen major strongholds. We've confirmed signs of Outer Realm Sky Demons at three of them: the White Bone Demonic Sect, Blood Soul Hall, and Yin Sha Valley."

"Good." Lin Hao finally turned, his gaze sweeping over the four of them. "Sect Master Duan, Attendant Qiu, you two will lead the Sword Sect's elite in the assault on the White Bone Demonic Sect. Remember, Old Ancestor Bone Demon must die, and Myriad Bones Cave must be completely destroyed."

"Yes!"

"Sect Master Huan, work with Sect Master Man to handle Blood Soul Hall and Yin Sha Valley. Blood Soul Hall specializes in the blood path, while Yin Sha Valley excels at controlling ghosts and baleful forces. Their arts counter yours, so be extremely careful."

Huan Xinyue and Man Batian nodded solemnly.

Lin Hao looked toward True Man Tian Shu, who had remained silent. "True Man, I'm counting on you to manage the formation. Activate it at the third quarter of midnight, precisely on time. For the three hours afterward, no one will be able to leave the Western Domain, though people will still be able to enter."

True Man Tian Shu clasped his hands solemnly. "I stake my life on it. The formation will not fail."

Lin Hao nodded, then gazed toward the western horizon, where the White Bone Demonic Sect lay.

"After this battle, the Western Domain will be reborn. And this is only the beginning."

The instant his words fell—

Dong!!!

A deep, muffled toll, like the heartbeat of an ancient behemoth, thundered out from the bell tower at the center of Obsidian City. It swept across