By then, everyone had reached the fork leading up the peak. Along the way, Cheng Qingshuang had told the women that when she descended the mountain, the enemy had already assaulted Soul Severing Cliff. Of Misty Peak's eighteen natural barriers, eleven had fallen. More than half the women of the Juntian Department had been killed or wounded. The situation was exceedingly perilous.
Song Qingshu saw that the foot of the mountain was utterly still, without a single soul in sight. Amid the expanse of white snow, tender green grass had begun to sprout. Had he not known beforehand, who would have imagined that such boundless murderous danger lay hidden within this peaceful scene? Anxiety showed on the women's faces as they worried for the safety of their sisters from the Juntian Department.
Shi Sao, leader of the Zhutian Department, drew her saber and shouted, "Among the Misty Nine Heavens, eight departments descended the mountain, leaving only one behind to defend the peak. Those thieves took advantage of our weakness to attack. They are utterly shameless! Master, give the order, and we will charge up the mountain to fight those villains to the death." Her expression was intensely fervent.
But Granny Yu said, "Sister Shi, do not be hasty. The enemy is powerful. The Juntian Department has held out all this time only by relying on the peak's eighteen natural barriers. We are now at the foot of the mountain, while the enemy has turned from guest to host and occupies the advantageous high ground..."
Shi Sao said, "Then what do you suggest?"
Granny Yu said, "We should remain unnoticed and ascend the peak quietly. The later the enemy discovers us, the better."
Song Qingshu nodded. "Granny Yu's words accord with military strategy. Pass down the order: everyone is to go