On Lihuo Island, inside the Taiyang Sect, an old man in green robes wore a troubled frown, seemingly unable to stomach either tea or food.
A burly man approached him and said gravely, "Sect Master, we've confirmed everything. A cultivator at the core formation middle stage did indeed join the Haisha Gang a few days ago."
The green-robed old man was Bu Diankong, the Taiyang Sect's sect master and a cultivator at the core formation middle stage.
Bu Diankong sighed at the news. "The Haisha Gang has fought our Taiyang Sect for so many years. Elder Xiao, you're at early core formation, while I'm at the core formation middle stage, so we've always held the upper hand against their two early core formation cultivators. But with this core formation middle stage cultivator suddenly joining them, our Taiyang Sect is now at a disadvantage."
Elder Xiao's expression was equally grim. Though he found the words difficult to say, he gritted his teeth. "Sect Master, since we're no match for them, why not retreat before the Haisha Gang launches a full-scale attack?"
Bu Diankong let out a long sigh. "Lihuo Island is exceptionally well suited to growing Lihuo Trees. Their fruit can be refined into Lihuo Pills, which greatly benefit our cultivation of the Taiyang Sect's arts. But once we leave, where will we find another place with such suitable conditions?"
Naturally, Elder Xiao had no answer. He could only look pleadingly at the sect master, who shook his head. "Let's go. Let's go. We should withdraw before the Haisha Gang arrives."
Soon, the entire Taiyang Sect sprang into action. Bu Diankong had anticipated this and made many arrangements in advance. Before long, all the disciples had assembled and were preparing to leave under Elder Xiao's lead.
Just then, a dazzling streak