The rebel forces outside the Spirit Medicine base had surrounded it like an iron barrel, leaving no gap for escape.
Although the Golden Bell Ancestor and the seven leaders had temporarily departed, the rebels still had other deputies holding the line, and their formation remained tightly disciplined, their morale burning high.
Clearly, the rebels had not yet learned of the Golden Bell Ancestor and the seven leaders' downfall.
Inside the Spirit Medicine base, the True Martial Sacred Ground had stationed only one to two thousand elite cultivators. Though every one of them was elite, their severe numerical disadvantage meant the base had no real power to organize a breakout.
Of course, a breakout was never an option.
Defending this Spirit Medicine base was the sole mission of every cultivator here. If the base fell into the hands of the rebels, their mission would be rendered meaningless. Even if they fought their way out and escaped, what good would it do?
Therefore, holding the base by relying on the terrain and the formations—defending to the last—was the unanimous consensus of every cultivator stationed there.
That said, the sight of such an overwhelming force pressing in on all sides kept every cultivator's nerves stretched taut. No one could predict when the rebel assault would begin.
Once it did, it would inevitably be a bloodbath.
The rebels' numerical advantage was glaring. They were fully capable of launching wave after wave of attacks. Meanwhile, the base's one or two thousand elite cultivators could not afford the slightest lapse. Every death meant one fewer fighter—one fewer meant one less combat strength.
Under these circumstances, the pressure on the cultivators defending this base was beyond imagination.
Fortunately, the base boasted a powerful formation. This defensive array completely covered the main passages, and the rebels would have to pay a tremendous price to breach them.
At this moment, along the core passage near the formation's nexus, two graceful silhouettes appeared.
Both figures possessed an exquisite bearing, like orchids blooming in a secluded valley, radiating a quality that commanded respect.
The elder was dressed as a matron, her features dignified and noble. Between her brows sat the authority of one who held power—this was Sacred Master Ningyan, the sole female Sacred Master of the True Martial Sacred Ground.
Within the Sacred Ground, she was not the strongest, but she was unquestionably among the strongest.
At her side was a young girl radiating a youthful vitality unique to her age. Her features were fresh and clean, her gaze pure and clear, yet between her brows flickered a heroic spirit, and every gesture carried a martial bearing that others simply did not possess.
This girl was none other than Sacred Maiden Yuling of the True Martial Sacred Ground—Miss Yuling—one of the famed Sixteen Golden Beauties of Myriad Abyss Island, ranked among the top five.
Miss Yuling studied under Sacred Master Ningyan.
Now, master and disciple were inspecting every passage of the formation, searching for any weak point the enemy might exploit.
"Ling'er, this calamity that has befallen the Sacred Ground may be the worst disaster since the dawn of ages. Is there fear in your heart?" Sacred Master Ningyan asked calmly.
Sacred Maiden Yuling lifted her delicate nose. "Master, Ling'er has followed you for so many years. As long as you are here, Master, even if the sky itself falls, Ling'er will not be afraid."
"And what if Master is no longer here?" Sacred Master Ningyan sighed softly.
Miss Yuling froze for a moment, then hesitated. "Master, your Divine Abilities are formidable. Even with whatever tricks the rebels may have, they cannot touch you."
"That is far from certain." Sacred Master Ningyan's tone grew heavy. "The ringleader of this rebellion is the Golden Bell Ancestor. In terms of cultivation, I am still a step below him. In a real fight, I might be able to protect myself, but whether I could shield all of you as well… I am not so sure I have that strength."
"Still, I have been ordered to hold this Spirit Medicine base. Even the Golden Bell Ancestor—I will absolutely not let him set foot inside. So long as I stand, this base stands. If they wish to breach this Spirit Medicine base, they will have to step over my corpse first."
Though Sacred Master Ningyan was a woman, her words carried the bold spirit of a warrior, refusing to yield to any man.
"Master, Ling'er is the same as you. The base stands, and I stand. If the base falls, I will never abandon you to face it alone."
"Silly girl, you need not do this." A trace of gentle warmth flowed through Sacred Master Ningyan's clear eyes. "You are still young. You have a bright future ahead. If the Sacred Ground truly cannot escape this disaster, then the young bloodlines must be preserved. As long as you young ones carry on the legacy, the light of the Sacred Ground's future will never be extinguished. But if the young are all gone, then the Sacred Ground is truly finished."
Miss Yuling shook her head stubbornly. "The Sacred Ground has many geniuses, but Ling'er has only one Master. Master, I will stay with you no matter what."
Sacred Master Ningyan's face hardened. "Childish talk! Ling'er, do not be stubborn. On this matter, you must do as I say. You are absolutely not to make decisions on your own!"
Sacred Maiden Yuling's small lips trembled slightly. Looking at her master's stern expression, she found herself unable to speak.
She had been raised and taught by her master since childhood. Her master's kindness surpassed even that of her own parents. From the depths of her heart, she had never dared to think of defying her master.
And yet, the thought of abandoning her master and fleeing was something she simply could not do.
Master and disciple walked on, one after the other, both weighed down by heavy thoughts.
After passing through yet another passage, a figure suddenly rushed in from outside in a panic—it was one of the scouts stationed beyond the perimeter.