A thousand-zhang dark green manifestation rose from the ground like a god striding out of the primordial wilderness, its towering body almost piercing the heavens.
Behind him stood a phantom of the Black Tortoise no smaller than the manifestation, tortoise and serpent entwined, its pressure as imposing as a mountain.
The manifestation struck with its palm, blotting out the sun and sky as though the entire firmament were collapsing.
That single blow smashed one of the White Lotus Sect's Golden Core True Lords into the earth, defensive divine ability and all.
Seeing the danger, the other True Lord transformed into a streak of crimson light and tried to flee through the air.
But fast as he was, the Black Tortoise was faster. Its serpent head shot forward, leaving an afterimage in the air. Its bloody maw opened and closed, swallowing both the man and his crimson escape light whole.
After suppressing the two with clean, effortless movements, Zhu Tiangang lowered his gaze to the dark green river beneath his feet.
His eyes slowly swept over the faces of the Zhu Clan disciples within it: white-haired elders, stalwarts in their prime, youths still bearing traces of childhood. He recognized every face and could name every one of them.
He said nothing, merely making a gentle patting motion above the river.
As though granted life, the dark green river abruptly accelerated, carrying the surviving disciples of the Three Sects as it surged toward the Heavenly Fire Sect.
Jiang Tian, however, did not leave with that river.
An invisible force gently drew him back, keeping him where he was.
He could feel how gentle yet firm that force was, as though someone had placed a hand on his shoulder, asking him to wait a moment.
Zhu Tiangang turned to look at Jiang Tian.