Huyan Zhen and the disciples of the four sects behind him stepped forward as one. They unleashed their Soul Power, splitting the bluestone ground with several cracks.
The Tang Sect disciples turned pale.
Zhao Wuji and Liu Erlong stepped forward together, shielding Tang San behind them.
"The Tang Sect has never wronged you," Liu Erlong said coldly. "The Lower Four Sects have thrown away every last shred of dignity today."
Huyan Zhen waved a hand impatiently. "Stop wasting words on her. Attack!"
The four sects' disciples surged toward the Tang Sect like a tide.
Zhao Wuji roared, his Vigorous Vajra Bear taking possession of him, and charged out to meet them first.
Flender and Liu Erlong followed close behind, crashing into the disciples at the front of the charge.
Yu Xiaogang guarded Tang San as they retreated to the rear.
Battle cries rose on all sides before the mountain gate. Soul Power collided with a rumble like muffled thunder rolling down the long street.
Surrounded by disciples, Tang San stared past the chaotic crowd at Huyan Zhen.
His nails dug into his palms. Blood seeped between his fingers, but he felt nothing.
Never had he understood so clearly: the Tang Sect had no one to back it, and his fists were not yet hard enough.
He should never have recruited so many Tang Sect disciples.
He should never have underestimated the value of the Tang Sect's Cultivation Techniques.
He had brought them out before he had the strength to protect them. He was like a child carrying gold through a crowded market, courting disaster by possessing treasure.
Tang San stared blankly at the growing number of enemies before him. It felt as though a piece of red-hot coal was lodged in his throat.
"Teacher." Tang San forced the words through