[Ning Rongrong knelt before the steps, holding the surrender document. "Ning Fengzhi, are you still going to plead for the sect?"]
[Ning Fengzhi looked at the bloodstained document in his daughter's hands. "Rongrong, give the surrender document to His Holiness the Pope first."]
[Ning Rongrong did not rise. "Father, the outer disciples are still tearing down the signboard. They want more than a declaration of surrender."]
[Sword Douluo gripped his sword hilt. "Sect Master, the outer disciples have sealed the mountain gates. Forcing our way back now will only add to the casualties."]
[Gu Rong swept his gaze over the commoner Soul Masters in the square. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect owes them an explanation."]
[Bibi Dong accepted the surrender document. "The explanation can come in time. First, have everyone put down their weapons."]
[Ning Fengzhi raised a hand toward those below the steps. "Disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, heed my command. Put down your weapons. Do not stop the commoners from leaving."]
[Someone below shouted, "Sect Master, will we still count as sect disciples after this?"]
[Ning Fengzhi did not evade the speaker's gaze. "Those who wish to stay will remain sect disciples; those who wish to leave will not be pursued."]
[Ning Rongrong placed the surrender document in Bibi Dong's palm. "Father, you should have said that long ago."]
[Ning Fengzhi pressed his knuckles against the edge of the ledger. "Rongrong, I know."]
[Tang San propped himself up on his broken sword. "The Sky Screen isn't finished yet, and you're already rushing to pick sides?"]
[Dai Mubai turned sideways. "Tang San, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has already submitted its surrender. It isn't your place to decide for them."]
[Tang San looked at the wound on Dai Mubai's shoulder. "Are you going to