Cold light glimmered in the cave abode, casting an uncertain flicker across the faces of those present.
Gray light shimmered within the Sword Pool as though boiling. White vapor churned through it, and ashen Sword Qi shot out intermittently, raining down and slicing the blue-gray rock to pieces.
Almost simultaneously, everyone present lost their connection to their own disciples. Tokens, insignias, and soul jades all ceased to function.
"What happened?"
Liang Xilan was the first to cry out. She rose and stepped forward, only to be driven back by the Sword Qi. Her expression darkened, and she turned to Yuan Zhi.
Shock and fury mingled on her gaunt face. The black jade Dharma Sword on her back trembled, and the wide sleeves of her gray robe billowed as she said gravely:
"Yuan Zhi, what is going on? Clearly..."
Liang Xilan fell silent for a moment and said no more. She merely stared straight at Yuan Zhi, her gaze venomous, like a mother wolf that had lost her cub.
"Something must have gone wrong with the Sword Pool."
Yuan Zhi rose, concern on her face as well, and murmured:
"My grandson is still inside. What are we to do?"
Protector Xiang was the most anxious of all. Ignoring the obstructing Sword Qi, he tried to approach the pool to investigate, but could not get close. His clothes were slashed, and he suffered several wounds.
"Everyone, saving them must come first. I can no longer sense either of my disciples' tokens. Who knows what has happened!"
Xu Xuan stood, sweeping a cold gaze over Liang Xilan and Yuan Zhi.
"Please remain calm, Abbot Xu. Only by discussing this together can we find a solution."
Yuan Zhi remained gentle, offering reassurance in a measured voice.
Protector Xiang returned from the Sword Pool, his