"What?!"
A wave of uproar instantly swept through the area.
All the disciples knew that something huge was about to happen, but they never imagined that the former Great Elder would say something like this.
He wanted to give Qin Shaofeng an explanation on Shuiyue Mountain's behalf?
Did he not intend to stand by his grandson and grandnephew?
Before the cries of shock had even subsided, three more figures arrived together.
When everyone present saw the old man flying in the center, flanked by two elders like stars surrounding the moon, their heartbeats doubled once again.
The Patriarch!
Even the Patriarch had come in person.
The matter in the Stele Realm was, at its root, merely a quarrel among juniors. How had it drawn even the Patriarch here?
Could it be...
Quite a few people recalled something the mountain lord had once said.
Could the appearance of the Marrow Sucking Vine and the Howling Moon Wolf Pack truly have concealed some strange secret?
Even if that were true, it should only have required the mountain lord and his wife to personally order an investigation. Why had it brought out so many old-generation figures?
The three landed atop the platform.
"Pass the order—seal the mountain!"
The elder standing to the left of Shuiyue Mountain's Patriarch stepped forward.
The Mountain Protection Formation of Shuiyue Mountain activated.
At first glance, it looked like a semicircular barrier descending from the heavens. It not only prevented outsiders from entering Shuiyue Mountain, but also barred those within from leaving.
This activation of the Mountain Protection Formation was likely for the latter reason.
"All Shuiyue Mountain elders, heed this order! Gather at the Central Peak Plaza within three breaths. Anyone late will be stripped of their elder status and immediately arrested!" the elder continued to shout.
His