Still a big chapter. Filling in the plot holes: four-sixths, five-sixths. Success was at hand; the next update should be after midnight. But everyone wouldn't be that harsh, right...
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Dozens of miles away, from Ghost God Sword on down, the cultivators had all been startled by Ghost Yan's words. Most were struggling with the decision, and quite a few—especially those cultivators unaffiliated with Sword Discussion Pavilion—had already begun to consider retreating. Yet at that very moment, Yu Ci "descended."
Though there was still some distance between the two sides, the turbulence of divine intent over there was no small matter. Ghost God Sword sensed it at once, turned his head—and could not turn it back again.
Ghost Yan could not see his expression, but he could hear the emotion in his voice:
"So that's how it is... You people really had this all planned out!"
Feeling the changed gazes of at least half the cultivators, Ghost Yan gave a dark chuckle, somewhat helpless. Still, he did not feel much frustration. At least, there was no problem with those he had wanted to persuade. As for some others, even if he wanted them to stay, he could not have kept them.
Duanmu Senqiu shot him a look, asking whether he needed help. Ghost Yan gave a slight shake of his head.
Compared to this, Yu Ci's side was more troublesome, and no one could help him there.
Suspended above the "furnace," Yu Ci felt the searing heat below and drew a deep breath, suppressing the various discomforts caused by the turmoil in his soul. Of course, even more uncomfortable was the enormous contrast between lurking in the shadows and being dragged into the light.
No one liked being schemed against behind their back. Yet Yu Ci's manner of appearance, along