Due to it still being in the middle of the night—along with how far away the object is, it's unclear as to what that pillar actually is.
However, since it's currently swaying towards the right, it might be safe to assume that it belongs to an animal of some kind. Still, the possibility of it being a manmade structure of some kind is also there.
As the pillar's bend gradually reaches an angle that would allow it to sweep across the desert fields, Yu Ji asks—
"Surnamed Long, what now?"
"…Surnamed Yu, I'll give you two options. One, you die from extreme torment from being buried beneath the sands; or two, I knock you out right now—to save you from the pain."
"Ah?"
Without waiting for Yu Ji to reply, Long Hua is quick to strike with his hand, landing a hit directly onto the back of Yu Ji's neck—knocking her unconscious.
Emerging from the storage pouch—
"Well then?"
Tian Cheng catches Yu Ji before she can fall off the cutting board.
Shrugging a shoulder, Long Hua replies—
"I'll put everything into defense, and pray it goes well."
(Wait, wait, wait! Use up all your resources, and see-)
"Piss off, Qie. I'll die before I even see what I managed to pull."
(But-!)
Ignoring the Tai Xuan Emperor—who would rather not have to dig herself out of the sands after taking over Long Hua's dead body, the latter rotates his cultivation base fiercely.
And just as Long Hua is about to perform an incantation gesture—
"Hm?"
Turning towards Yu Ji, Long Hua widens his eyes—to see her body emanating with a golden radiance.
(This is…? The air of a Nascent Soul re-? No, this is beyond that, but it seems to be limiting itself as much as possible to prevent this vessel of theirs from collapsing…)
Thinking quickly, Long Hua places a hand onto Yu Ji's left shoulder, and borrowing the energy that is coming off the latter, he constructs a barrier around them—in preparation to receive the full brunt of the pillar's incoming sweep.
(Just what kind of background does this surnamed Yu have? He's clearly a Sinner, and not a practitioner… Ah, whatever, I'll worry about it later.)
Directing his full attention to defending against the incoming attack, Long Hua looked towards the distant pillar, and—
*…!!!* as soon as the pillar sweeps forth—carrying with it a devastating blast of wind, an indescribable sound goes off, and with it, Long Hua's consciousness darkens!
...…
In other parts of the desert—
"Dammit all! What the hell is that thing?!"
Despite being as experienced as they are—with excavating ancient ruins, even those of the Ashen River Hall can't help but pale at the sight of the distant monstrosity that is a colossal pillar.
"This ruin…"
"Although it doesn't contain a key factor—to make it a grade five, the mere presence of that thing, it's enough to rank this ruin under the highest category."
As the colossal pillar begins to sway, Shao Tianming and Wang Yongning look on with a frown.
Rather quickly, Shao Tianming shouts—
"Take out your shield talismans! And do not be stingy with them!"
Getting this order out, Shao Tianming takes out five talismans, and pastes them onto his body—shrouding himself in a protective bubble.
Similarly, Wang Yongning does the same, and is quickly followed by the other members of the Ashen River Hall.
...…
"…"
Staring at the distant pillar that is preparing to move, Ye Chen summons his Relic, and stabs it in front of him.
Closing his eyes, Ye Chen leans his head forward, and presses his forehead against the greatsword's pommel—assuming a posture that makes it seem as if he is praying to a god of some kind.
Drawing in a deep breath, Ye Chen mutters—
"Àn Yè."
Following these words, dark radiance emanates from Ye Chen's body.
...…
"What is that?"
Looking at Qing Yue, who is holding onto a yellow-colored talisman, Li Xue raises an eye.
Having teleported them as far away as possible—using her Relic, Li Xue's face is thoroughly covered in sweat.
Despite having put so much distance between the pillar and themselves, it's far from enough.
In fact, regardless of the amount of distance that they manage to put, it will probably never be enough to guarantee their own safety.
Raising the talisman, Qing Yue answers—
"Something my mother gave me."
Just as Nian Tao Tao had ordered, the Long Yue family had sent Qing Yue this talisman in the shortest time possible.
"Stick close to me, vice-captain."
Blinking her eyes, Li Xue hugs onto Qing Yue, who pastes the talisman onto her own body. Immediately, a protective veil surrounds them like a blanket.
"Will we survive?"
Towards Li Xue's question, Qing Yue shakes her head with uncertainty.
"I don't know."
"I should have offed Ye Chen when I had the chance…"
A look of amazement appears on Qing Yue's face in response to Li Xue's remark, as she asks—
"Is that going to be your last words, vice-captain?"
"Who knows?"