But just as Jin Hua was about to strike, a petal drifted out from deep within the Academy's encampment, turned into a streak of golden light, and sliced across her arm.
Speckled with bright red blood, the delicate petal shot forcefully toward a certain spot.
Jin Hua's pupils contracted. In disbelief, she turned her head toward where her right hand had been, and a piercing pain instantly flooded her mind.
"Jin Hua, keep your people in line."
"Don't overstep your bounds!"
The lingering voice of the Dao resounded through the heavens, instantly drenching Jin Hua's forehead in cold sweat.
Boom-
A tremendous explosion erupted in the direction the petal had flown, followed by a terrifying pressure slowly awakening.
The pressure darkened the heavens, and the Academy's many disciples felt as though the world were about to end.
Just as panic spread among the disciples, a terrifying pressure slowly rose behind them as well.
Boom-
The two pressures collided, stirring up waves of power that threatened to destroy heaven and earth.
The entire Imperial Pass shuddered, and strange, twisted runes emerged in the void.
Just as battle was about to erupt, terrifying pressures rose from various other places, suppressing the two unleashed forces.
"Fellow Daoists, this is merely some horseplay among the younger generation."
"As their elders, let us refrain from interfering!"
"Everyone, settle down! The Foreign Realm has been restless lately. We should discuss how to respond."
As the voices rang out one after another, the tense atmosphere eased, and the darkness gradually cleared from the heavens.
Jin Hua wiped the cold sweat from her face and slowly walked toward Shi Qingyun, her eyes full of murderous intent, though she dared make no other move.
Below, Di Chuan and the other Academy disciples watched Jin Hua with hostile expressions, divine