Soon, Tie Sha and his people had arrived, forcing onlookers to move back and clear the area.0

In the flickering torchlight, over a hundred Blood Blade Sect workers stood in multiple rings of defense, brandishing blades. The atmosphere was tense. Associate disciples and hired men bolstered their ranks.0

Firelight glimmered like dancing red snakes, illuminating uneasy faces. At the center stood Tie Sha himself, clad in his usual white robe, brow furrowed as he stared out toward the island. Ah Da, stocky but tough, waited behind him.0

“What should we do, Sect Master?” one of the inner disciples asked nervously. “This doesn’t feel like a normal attack; it’s more like—”0

He trailed off, as if afraid to utter the word.0

Tie Sha raised his voice. “What are you afraid of? If it’s evil spirits, we’ll deal with evil spirits. Speak plainly!”0

His voice was steady and sure, and bolstered by his reputation, the disciples’ panic began to subside. The babble of frightened voices quieted as everyone waited to see what their leader would do next.0

Tie Sha suddenly asked,...0