In the distance, the scarlet mist churned silently, indistinct shadows flickering in and out of sight. The Demon Wraiths had not truly left. They had merely retreated beyond everyone's view, like a pack of beasts lurking in the darkness, waiting for their next opportunity.
Everyone returned to the Martial Temple encampment to rest and regroup.
Nearly a hundred Martial Guards from the encampment had fallen in this battle-a devastating loss.
As for the martial artists who had come from across the region to compete for Spirit Essence, their casualties were even harder to count.
Lu Chen swallowed a pill to restore his vital blood. He had been resting in camp for less than an incense stick's time when a Martial Guard came to deliver a message.
"Lord Lu, Lord Luo requests your presence in the command tent to discuss matters."
Lu Chen did not delay. He rose and headed toward the command tent.
More than a dozen figures had already gathered inside.
Luo Yun and Gu Chenfeng sat at the head, while Qin Yueshan and several surviving leaders of the great families sat along either side. Everyone bore injuries to some degree, and the atmosphere inside was so oppressive that it was difficult to breathe.
When Lu Chen entered, several people turned to look at him at once.
During the second Ghost Tide, this young man, who was only in the Bone-Forging Realm, had slain Organ-Nourishing Demon Wraiths one after another. Finally, he had joined forces with Luo Yun and Gu Chenfeng to kill the red-robed Ghost General at the peak of the Organ-Nourishing Realm.
Faced with their astonished, admiring gazes, Lu Chen remained composed and sat down beside Qin Yueshan.
Luo Yun dispensed with pleasantries and went straight to the point. "This eruption of the Scarlet Tide far exceeds