Until the last renegade cultivator had been shackled and escorted aboard the warship...
Only then did the armored Left General turn around and cup his fists toward the Northern Nether Palace Lord.
"Northern Nether Palace Lord, all renegade cultivators have been received. We shall take our leave."
"General... travel safely."
The Northern Nether Palace Lord's voice was somewhat dry.
Left General nodded without another word, then turned into a streak of light and flew back to the warship.
Buzz—
Amid a low hum, the two golden warships simultaneously erupted with dazzling radiance.
The runes along both sides of the ships lit up once more, while golden light shot forth from their prows, weaving together in the void to form an enormous gateway.
That was the "Realm-Breaking Formation," capable of tearing open space for long-distance teleportation.
Rumble!
The warships slowly sailed into the gateway.
First the prows, then the hulls, and finally the sterns...
Once the last inch of hull vanished into the gateway, it abruptly contracted into a point of light before disappearing completely.
Peace returned to the skies above the ice plains.
A long while later...
Only then did the Northern Nether Palace's senior figures slowly withdraw their gazes.
The Sect Protection Formation closed once more, its deep-blue glow blanketing heaven and earth.
Yet that crushing, oppressive feeling did not fade with it.
"Phew..."
The Third Elder let out a long breath, as though trying to exhale every knot of anguish in his chest.
"This calamity... has finally passed."
His voice was filled with exhaustion and relief.
The other elders nodded in succession.
The Fifth Elder gave a bitter smile.
"Yes, it has finally passed.
But... the price was too great."
What had that price been?
Handing over one hundred and thirty-seven fellow disciples.
The Ancestor was grievously wounded