Unforeseen Event! . . .
In addition to the two little birds, a multitude of avian messengers suddenly took to the skies. Their purpose was clear; they bore important communications from various sects.
The sight of innumerable carrier birds simultaneously filling the sky was a rarity. Such an occurrence had only taken place once a few years ago. It was a phenomenon that signaled a matter of immense consequence—one capable of influencing the realm's future as a whole.
For all the sects to experience such a significant event simultaneously was perplexing. Whatever this event was, it had the potential to reshape the realm, albeit the particulars remained shrouded in mystery.
Nonetheless, it presented an opportunity for Xiao Mufei and his people. They could finally reestablish contact with their sect, thanks to the two carrier birds.
The harsh conditions of the Polar Ice River had made it unsuitable for their trained beasts, so they had left them behind. However, they did bring along several special carrier birds. Lacking their beasts and weakened as a result, many of their disciples had met their end in the recent battles.
Xiao Mufei, too, had been deprived of the formidable support of his beast, which would have allowed him to easily vanquish enemies at the fifth level of the Dao Origin Stage. The disciples understood the significance of beast training but refrained from burdening their weakened master with questions.
Carefully holding an Iron-winged Sparrow, Xiao Mufei removed a small iron stick from the bird's foot, revealing a wax pill containing a letter. His expression fluctuated between worry and relief as he read the message. For the first time, he felt a sense of reassurance.
Addressing Cha Eun Xiao and the others, Xiao Mufei spoke in a deep, measured tone. "This is an unforeseen event that affects all the sects. However, it also means we are saved."
Curiosity piqued, Cha Eun Xiao inquired, "What event could be so influential?"
The other disciples waited with bated breath, eager to hear Xiao Mufei's response.
With a deep sigh, Xiao Mufei replied, "It's a major event within the sect."
Before further questions could be raised, he read the letter aloud, providing all present with its contents.
"Xuan Bing, the Grand Elder of Misty Cloud Palace, who had been missing for months, has resurfaced in the realm. Her power has greatly increased. She clashed with our sect and issued a stern warning. She even broke our sect's pailou. In response, our three grand elders engaged her in battle but were gravely injured. The disciples are urged to return to the sect as quickly as possible. The sect's gates will soon be sealed."
The disciples were left in stunned silence, processing this shocking news.
Cha Eun Xiao was equally bewildered. ["What could possibly cause such an impact?"]
In his previous life, he had heard of Xuan Bing, the Grand Elder of Misty Cloud Palace, as the most formidable woman in Qing-Yun Realm, one of the three most powerful figures in the realm, with no definitive ranking among the trio.
Even Xiao Monarch, Cha Eun Xiao's previous incarnation, had been cautious of her. Despite his previous life's considerable exploits, he had regarded her as a force too overwhelming to challenge directly. Her capability to end his life in just a few swift moves was a testament to her unrivaled strength.
Moreover, Misty Cloud Palace had always kept to themselves, meddling little in the affairs of other sects. Cha Eun Xiao had learned from Bing Xinyue and Wenren Chuchu that Misty Cloud Palace faced a severe crisis. The lotuses they relied upon for sustenance had been destroyed, leaving the entire sect in dire need. This crisis was so severe that Xuan Bing should have been either on the brink of death or engaged in a bitter struggle against divine retribution.
Thus, it was perplexing to consider why Elder Xuan Bing would suddenly launch attacks on other sects. Without a clear rationale, it appeared that she was asserting her authority and reputation, leaving those affected in utter confusion.
In Cha Eun Xiao's recollection, Elder Xuan Bing of Misty Cloud Palace was an enigmatic and powerful figure. She was known for her formidable abilities, yet she had not displayed hostility towards any of the seven sects. The sudden turn of events left him perplexed.
Seeking an explanation, Cha Eun Xiao inquired, "Why would she do this?"
Xiao Mufei, responded, "I do not have the answer. The sect has not provided any information. We may only uncover the reason once we return."
Xiao Mufei interjected, "But the carrier sparrows arrived here. This implies we are no longer isolated from the sect's communication network. You can undoubtedly return to the sect, Cha Eun Xiao."
To alert their sect to the peril they faced, Xiao Mufei tore a piece of cloth from his attire and inscribed a message using his own blood. "Disciples encountered ambushes on the way back. We need support as soon as possible! Three hundred and sixty men… Most have perished… Please send support as soon as possible…" he wrote.
Affixing the message to the foot of the sparrow, he set the bird free. Fearing potential harm to the messenger, he leaped into the sky with sword light, escorting the bird for some distance before disappearing. Two days passed, and there were no further attacks.
The unexpected tranquility began to unnerve them. Their confusion was put to rest when they reached a nearby town and conversed with a martial world acquaintance.
The information they received was nothing short of astonishing. Several months ago, after the monumental battle with Xue Danru of Ice Cloud Palace, Xuan Bing had vanished. She had now reemerged, and during her absence, Misty Cloud Palace had been subjected to a concerted assault by the united forces of two halls, two palaces, and seven sects.
Cha Eun Xiao learned that the situation was in utter chaos. Elder Xuan Bing had begun exacting revenge. Her initial target was Saint Sunlight Sect, where she had silently descended, donning a black robe. She left a trail of death in her wake, engaging in combat with the sect's ten grand elders. By the end, two elders were incapacitated, and she departed after delivering a stern warning.
"Behave yourselves from now on! Close your gates for three years, or I shall return!" she had proclaimed. Her actions had nearly shattered Saint Sunlight Sect.