The battle on Luo Shen Island had effectively ended the moment Ling Feng sealed the Jadewater Black Tortoise.
Without the protection of the Island-Guarding Grand Array or the Jadewater Black Tortoise as their final trump card, the disciples of the Luo Heaven Gate lost all will to fight. The forces from Tianxing City encountered almost no meaningful resistance as they took all two thousand-odd disciples into custody. Luo Qingxuan and the three Nascent Soul Stage elders were bound with specially made Spirit-Locking Chains and imprisoned in Luo Shen Island's dungeon to await the Star Palace's judgment.
Chen Ming did not linger on Luo Shen Island. After giving Situ Hong a few brief instructions, he led Divine Wind Island's fleet home. Nine Foundation Establishment Stage disciples from Divine Wind Island had fallen in the expedition, and more than twenty others had suffered injuries of varying severity. The losses were not devastating, but they were far from negligible. Compared with their gains, however, they had been worth it.
On the return voyage, the sea was calm and the sun shone brightly, a stark contrast to the towering, furious waves of the battle the day before. The fleet sailed at a steady pace. The wounded disciples received proper treatment in the cabins, while the bodies of the fallen were carefully prepared to be brought back to Divine Wind Island for burial.
Chen Ming stood at the flagship's bow, watching Divine Wind Island's outline gradually emerge in the distance, a thousand thoughts running through his mind.
He had originally joined the expedition to Luo Shen Island at Situ Hong's invitation, intending merely to "fish in muddy waters." He had never expected events to unfold so far beyond his predictions-first, he had discovered conclusive evidence of the Luo Heaven Gate's collusion with the Netherworld Hall;