Overhead, a blanket of darkness spread across the sky. The sunny, breezy weather changed in an instant, giving the illusion of a storm about to break over the mountains. Dazzling light occasionally flashed within the black clouds. Just as they mistook it for lightning, swathes of sword blades poured down like torrential rain.
"What is that?" Yuchi Shou pointed toward the distant flashes. Only after moving closer could he make them out: an enormous expanse of sword blades, their points all aimed straight at them. He stared, dumbstruck. He had never seen anything like it, nor imagined that those lightning-like streaks were formed from tens of thousands of swords. "Qian Wanyu, they aren't planning to-"
Before Yuchi Shou finished, the blades already aimed at them charged forward in unison, with the unstoppable force of bamboo splitting before a blade.
"Quick, hide inside Ding Ding's Longevity Cauldron!"
"Ding Ding!"
Ding Ding answered and quickly tossed out the Longevity Cauldron. With a whoosh, it enlarged the cauldron and swiftly enclosed everyone inside. Outside, masses of weapons crashed violently against it. An endless clanging filled their ears, amplified within the cauldron until even Ding Ding stood stupefied by the pounding.
Everyone covered their ears and exchanged looks. Only when the noise inside gradually subsided did they realize they had escaped that calamity.
Mu Sheng and Zhi Lan, who had remained inside the Longevity Cauldron tending Little Hui and Toothless, were frightened by the commotion too. Seeing everyone's relieved expressions, they asked quietly, "Did something happen outside just now?"
Dongfang Minghui gave Mu Sheng a bitter smile. Although she had played no direct part in it, she could hardly deny all connection to the incident. She had her grievances, but no way to voice them.
After a stunned pause, Qian Yiling murmured, "Those were