"I emerged from seclusion this time to announce something."
Zong Yi spoke slowly.
At once.
Silence fell, and everyone listened attentively, waiting for what he would say next.
"I will soon enter a very long period of seclusion. Before that, all declarations of war by the Array Sect Martial Arts Hall are to be canceled. No further action is permitted.
During this time, you must keep a low profile and avoid bringing trouble upon the hall.
Otherwise, I will personally punish you!"
His words fell.
Everyone exchanged glances.
Zong Yi's words had taken them by surprise.
The Array Sect Martial Arts Hall was enjoying tremendous momentum. Rather than seize the opportunity to expand its influence, however, it was retreating into its shell, leaving many of them puzzled.
Dissatisfaction appeared on someone's face.
"Hall Master, our Array Sect Martial Arts Hall is powerful now. Even if you enter seclusion, very few factions can stand against us. Why abandon such a favorable position now?"
"He's right, Hall Master. We can absolutely use this opportunity to strengthen our Array Sect Martial Arts Hall. Before long, we could truly join the ranks of the Primordial World's foremost powers."
"Hall Master—"
One after another, they tried to persuade him, but Zong Yi only watched them coldly.
Gradually.
The speakers' voices faded.
They could also tell that something was different about Zong Yi today.
For some inexplicable reason.
They all felt a threat of death.
"Are you finished?"
"If you are, then it is my turn to speak!"
Zong Yi swept his gaze around the room. His icy eyes scraped across everyone's cheeks like blades of ice, making their faces faintly sting.
"I am not discussing this with you, nor am I asking for your opinions. I am giving you an order. The Array Sect Martial