The cultivators who had been sealed inside the flying ship were released as well. When they discovered they were already outside Pingsha Island, every single one of them wore an expression of utter disbelief.
Inside the flying ship, they had been gripped by anxiety, suspicion, and even despair.
They had been convinced that this time there was no escape. Yet when the cabin doors opened, they were told that everything was safe now.
Many of the cultivators felt the overwhelming relief of having survived a calamity.
The Eternal Sovereign addressed them: "Everyone, there were compelling reasons for having you board the flying ship earlier. Now the facts have proven that our decision was correct — and wise."
"Yes, yes, it was us who were blind and foolish. Alliance Leader, please forgive our ignorance."
"Indeed, the Ten Great Sacred Lands are the leading powers, while we were shortsighted people who measured the hearts of noble men by the petty yardstick of our own. We are truly ashamed."
These people began heaping self-criticism upon themselves, one after another.
The Eternal Sovereign waved his hand dismissively: "Enough. I have no desire to listen to such empty words. You have all seen the situation on Myriad Abyss Island. What we lack most right now is unity and trust. I hope this ordeal has taught you a new understanding. The
"Absolutely. We will say no more unnecessary words. From this day forward, we firmly and loyally pledge ourselves to the Eternal Sacred Land!"
"Indeed, we—"
Before these sycophants could finish their praise, the Eternal Sovereign's tone turned grave: "Unfortunately, during the events at Pingsha Island, there were indeed some people whose efforts were not directed in the same direction as ours. On the contrary, they opposed us at every turn and colluded with outside enemies. What does everyone think should be done with such people?"
Now that they had left Pingsha Island and the siege had been broken, it was only natural to settle old scores.
Seeing worry flicker across some faces, the Eternal Sovereign smiled coolly: "There is no need for alarm. While we must root out the traitors, we will certainly not act indiscriminately. Without sufficient evidence, we will not harm a single innocent person. However, once a traitor has been identified, I'm afraid there will be no mercy. Either you cooperate willingly and reveal who gave you your orders, or you will face judgment."
On Myriad Abyss Island, the fate of traitors was invariably wretched — one could even say they would die without leaving a whole corpse.
Before long, those who had been flagged as major suspects were pulled out and separated from the rest.
These individuals still did not understand what was happening. They continued to protest and cry out about how wrongly they were being treated, as though they were truly innocent.
A cold, predatory smile appeared on the Eternal Sovereign's face: "You all claim to be innocent. Very well — I shall give you the opportunity to prove your innocence."
"Each of you will be subjected to a soul search. This secret technique does not wrong a single good person, nor does it let a single guilty one escape."
When the Eternal Sovereign uttered these words, several individuals felt their hearts plummet. A soul search — this was an absolutely terrifying interrogation method, one that broke the enemy's will without a fight.
There was no need for torture. The technique went straight into the sea of consciousness to search for the truth.
Of course, this secret art was also rather difficult to control. If executed poorly, it could cause the target's sea of consciousness to collapse on the spot, resulting in immediate death.
Not that there was much to mourn when it came to these traitors.
Upon hearing that a soul search was imminent, several people turned pale and shouted: "Is this how you suppress dissent? Do the Ten Great Sacred Lands lack even the magnanimity to tolerate a different voice?"