With a single sentence, he brought the matter to a frank and righteous conclusion.
Everyone in the hall shuddered as one, reverence welling up in their hearts.
The young acting court master held a lofty position, yet never shied from life and death. He wielded authority, yet always took the lead.
Cheng Heng said no more. He raised his hand to withdraw his stance and solemnly issued his final order:
"All prefectural and county authorities across the region, righteous-path outposts, and stationed cultivators are to activate demon-suppression alert protocols tonight."
"Seal every mountain road out of the cities, ferry crossing, and air route. Any cultivator traveling at night with sinister auras or suspicious movements is to be detained and interrogated without exception."
"Cut off all growth of karmic force, the escape of lingering demons, and any leaks from hidden lines."
"Tonight—sweep away the Southern Region's century-old demon scourge!"
"Yes!!!"
The thunderous response rang through the entire Enforcement Hall.
The next instant, disciples and elders from every faction turned at once, their movement techniques flashing as they rushed out of the hall.
The entire mountain gate of the Cloudpiercing Sect blazed with light. Formations fully activated, Sword Qi soared into the heavens, and Vajra Force crisscrossed the air.
Teams of enforcers and Fire Vajra Court squads shot through the night like falling stars, splitting into dozens of directions as they raced overnight toward the Southern Region's prefectures, deep mountains, shadowed valleys, and desolate miasma-ridden lands.
The night was deep, stars and moon concealed.
Across the Southern Region, wind rose and thunder stirred.
Half an hour later.
Clad in a plain white Daoist robe, Cheng Heng stood alone atop a cliff at Soaring Sky Mountain's gate.
The night wind snapped his sleeves. Below him, the lights of countless homes, the streets