The yellow-browed cultivator's intuition had always been remarkably sharp.
Earlier, he had already sensed that the situation might be undergoing a subtle shift — that unforeseen developments beyond their control could be afoot.
Sure enough, everything unfolded just as he had anticipated. These cultivators from the Ten Great Sacred Lands had, for no apparent reason, departed from Pingsha Island, and in the span of a single breath, they had arrived at the vicinity of the exit.
This inconceivable ability utterly upended the yellow-browed cultivator's understanding of the Ten Great Sacred Lands.
That the Sacred Lands could break through such a terrifying layered trap and casually fight their way to the front lines — this level of capability had clearly exceeded all their estimates.
And the truth proved it: the moment battle was joined, two of their companions had been cut down without even putting up a half-decent resistance.
Judging from the rhythm of the enemy's assault, they had obviously been planning this all along.
Under these circumstances, it was clear that their group could no longer prevent the Ten Great Sacred Lands from escaping Pingsha Island. If they insisted on standing in the way, it would be nothing more than a mantis trying to stop a chariot!
The yellow-browed cultivator was decisive and resolute in his actions. Since the situation was beyond saving, there was no point in wasting time here and gambling his life for nothing.
And so, the moment his words fell, he transformed into a streak of light and shot outward at lightning speed. He showed not the slightest attachment, nor did he spare a single thought for the fates of his companions.
The yellow-browed cultivator had originally been the leader of their entire group. Unfortunately, the others had refused to heed his authority, and that was precisely why the battle at the exit had been so easily broken through by the Ten Great Sacred Lands.
If these people had bothered to listen seriously to the yellow-browed cultivator's arrangements, to follow his counsel, and to deploy their defenses with care — how could the enemy have ever caught them off guard?
But alas, there was no medicine for regret in this world.
The remaining Divine Dao cultivators watched as two of their Divine Dao companions fell in an instant, while the ten Sacred Land ancestors fought with the vigor of living dragons and tigers, their combat strength at its absolute peak.
Facing opponents of such ferocious resolve, witnessing Sacred Land powerhouses of such overwhelming might, and seeing their own formation reduced to broken ruins — the psychological defenses of these cultivators collapsed entirely. They knew that in this battle, there was absolutely no hope of turning things around.
"Old Yellow-Brow fled first and ruined our chance to fight. There's no point in us holding out any longer. Hear my command — retreat!"
Since the yellow-browed cultivator had already run, there was no pressure at all in slinging the mud at his feet. After all, someone had to bear the blame for this failure.
Before his escape, the yellow-browed cultivator might have still been accountable. But once he had fled, it would be even harder for him to explain himself when the time came.
And so, every last one of those remaining cultivators wished to heap every scrap of blame onto the yellow-browed cultivator's shoulders.
Watching those cultivators scatter in every direction like birds and beasts, these Divine Dao ancestors were greatly surprised. They had never imagined that this battle at the exit would go so smoothly.
Just as Jiang Chen had predicted, the moment someone fled, the enemy's ranks would fracture completely — splitting apart in an instant.
Watching the cultivators scatter in all directions, the last sliver of worry in Jiang Chen's heart vanished entirely. Judging from the situation, they had truly succeeded!
Cheers erupted from the back of the Black Tortoise divine beast.
Meanwhile, the ten ancestors cut down the fleeing cultivators like melons and vegetables, chasing them down one by one and exterminating them without the slightest mercy.