As the array's power continued to surge, covering the entire battlefield, the three Golden Core elders from Xuanshao Sect and Tianque Sect exchanged glances, their expressions tinged with frustration and anger. The fire blade elder, gripping his flaming sword, stared coldly at Ye Lan at the center of the array. However, the glint in his eyes revealed that he knew pressing the attack would only lead to more casualties.
"Retreat!" the fire blade elder commanded. The poison elder and the elder wielding the blazing war halberd nodded, channeling their spiritual energy to blend into the poison mist and flames as they withdrew. With the enemy elders pulling back, the Foundation Establishment cultivators on the battlefield began to retreat as well. Under the array's suppressive force, the remaining foes had no choice but to follow the main force away.
"We actually managed to hold them off..." Elder Feng Ren retracted his blue-glowing sword, the light around him fading as his spiritual energy calmed. His eyes reflected a mixture of relief and somberness. Elder Shao An, slightly breathless and pale, showed signs of exhaustion from using the Cloud Swallowing Art.
"Brother Feng, though we have pushed them back for now, this is merely the beginning," Shao An said with a frown. "We must anticipate Tianque Sect and Xuanshao Sect's next moves and be prepared."
Feng Ren nodded, casting a glance at the Yunxiao Sect disciples below. Despite successfully defending the resource point, many disciples were visibly drained, their energy spent. It was essential to reinforce the defenses quickly. The two elders decided to use the array's power to station disciples at key points to ensure the formation's stability.
"From now on, disciples must guard each array node, especially the northern and northwestern areas. Those are the most likely targets for the next assault," Feng Ren's voice rang with authority as he issued the new orders.
On the battlefield, Wang Quan and Xiao Yan, exhausted but determined, listened intently to the elder's instructions and prepared to move to the northwestern node. They exchanged glances, their eyes steely with resolve.
"Wang Quan, we need to be fully prepared this time," Xiao Yan said, giving Wang Quan's shoulder a light pat. His tone was casual, but his eyes were serious.
"Yes, the next battle will be even tougher," Wang Quan replied. His Five Elements spiritual power had partially recovered, but he understood that every encounter could be a matter of life and death and required full vigilance.
Before long, they arrived at the northwestern node. This location was surrounded by ancient trees with thick, leafy canopies that cast shadows over the area, while the blue ripples of the array's energy shimmered faintly in the air. It was a critical spot, directly connected to the heart of the array's defensive structure.
"You two are reinforcements?" A stern voice called out. Wang Quan and Xiao Yan turned to see a tall Foundation Establishment cultivator approaching, his gaze sharp. This was Feng Ran, the overseer of the northwestern node, known for his strictness and vigilance.
"Yes, we've been assigned to assist in defending the array," Wang Quan responded with a respectful bow.
Feng Ran nodded, though his expression remained serious. "This area is a potential target for enemy attacks, especially from Xuanshao Sect's poison cultivators. We must remain on high alert. The array suppresses them, but it needs constant spiritual energy support. There can be no lapse in focus."
Xiao Yan glanced up at the flowing lights of the array overhead, feeling a twinge of tension. "It seems this will be as intense as the front lines."
"Indeed." Feng Ran's gaze swept over them as he added, "I will be maintaining the core of the node. Your job is to repel any skirmishes or probing attacks by the enemy." With that, he turned back to the array's core to sustain its energy flow.
As night fell, the forest surrounding the node was bathed in alternating shades of light and shadow, courtesy of the array's blue glow. Wang Quan sat cross-legged, meditating to replenish his spiritual power, while Xiao Yan stood guard beside him. The atmosphere within the node was heavy with tension; every rustle in the forest seemed amplified, a harbinger of potential danger.
"This battle is only just beginning," Wang Quan thought, recalling the perilous moments on the battlefield and the determined expression of Senior Brother Ye Lan as he commanded the array. It was a face that defied death with calm resolve. Wang Quan asked himself if he could confront such responsibilities with the same composure when the time came.
A faint rustling in the distance snapped him from his thoughts. He opened his eyes, and his Five Elements spiritual power began circulating, enhancing his senses. The soft noise carried an ominous undercurrent, making his brows knit in concentration. "There's movement."
Xiao Yan noticed it too, the flame in his hand flickering as he whispered, "Be careful, it could be a probing attack."
A low, persistent buzzing rose from the forest, reminiscent of countless tiny wings flapping in unison. Feng Ran's eyes shot open, glinting with alarm as he called out, "Prepare for defense!"
The night at the northwestern node was suddenly tense, suffused with a sense of impending battle.