The people had diverse reactions to this sudden change.
The tri-sect coalition was understandably shocked and flustered by the unexpected demise of Jingping Saint.
The onlookers were equally bewildered.
They hadn’t anticipated that Jingping Saint, who had the upper hand just moments ago, would perish so suddenly.
But no one’s reaction was quicker than Shen Yunshen’s.
Upon seeing Zhao Ya plummet from the sky, he dashed over like an arrow.
Despite being gravely injured himself, his martial foundation remained intact, allowing him to arrive in time to catch Zhao Ya.
At this moment, Zhao Ya was already unconscious.
Shen Yunshen was extremely anxious, fearing that Zhao Ya had suffered some grievous injury.
However, after a careful inspection, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Fortunately,
Zhao Ya’s body was not seriously harmed, and his unconsciousness was due to severe exhaustion.
Just then, Guo Luming and Guan Xuejiang also arrived.
Although both were severely injured, one having had decades of hard-won skills shattered by Jingping Saint, and the other had endured the Power of Azure Dragon, resulting in damaged meridians.
In this critical moment, however, neither displayed the slightest fatigue.
Especially Guan Xuejiang, whose face had an unusual flush, and his aura was overwhelmingly impressive, attracting attention.
After confirming Zhao Ya was not in danger, Guan Xuejiang looked up at the still agitated people of Azure Dragon Temple and shouted in a stern voice.
"Qin Jianji!"
"I’m here!" Qin Jianji immediately responded from the crowd.
"Next, you will lead the team to eradicate the remnants of North Canglong, Separation Tower, and Wilderness Land. Remember, take no prisoners, leave none alive."
His words were filled with chilling killing intent.
"Understood!"
Qin Jianji shivered inwardly, cupping his hands as he accepted the order, then turned to lead the elders and disciples of Azure Dragon Temple to pursue the tri-sect coalition.
Earlier, they had been watching from the mountain gate.
They had thought this would be an easy and rewarding venture.
Once Jingping Saint dealt with the leaders of South Canglong, they expected to simply move in and claim the spoils.
But unexpectedly, Jingping Saint, who was invincible in the eyes of the coalition, akin to a war god, had actually died.
So, after a wave of panic, some quick thinkers turned to flee down the mountain.
Once someone took the lead, the others naturally followed suit in a chaotic retreat.
Qin Jianji’s pursuit of these remnants is not worth mentioning.
Here, Guan Xuejiang looked up at the group of spectators in the distance.
He recognized almost all of them.
They were either elders and stewards from the Thirteen Sects Beyond the World or sect leaders and pavilion lords.
He was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Everyone, the matter of Azure Dragon Temple is settled. We appreciate your concern, but things are currently complicated, so please forgive my inability to entertain you."
This was clearly a polite way of asking them to leave.
Hearing Guan Xuejiang’s words, the reactions varied among the crowd.
Some showed doubt, continually observing Guan Xuejiang and Zhao Ya, lost in their thoughts.
Others smiled slightly, nodded, and then quietly departed.
At this moment, Guo Luming silently approached Guan Xuejiang’s side, smiling faintly at those reluctant to leave.
"Are you planning to stay as guests?"
As he spoke, a gleam flashed in Guo Luming’s eyes, and an intimidating aura began to emerge.
Seeing this, most of the remaining people quickly left.
Only Jiang Shengwu from Wanghai Tower, and the people from Celestial One Pavilion and Purple Swallow Forest Pavilion remained.
Jiang Shengwu’s face was dark, his gaze shifting between Guan Xuejiang and Guo Luming.
From time to time, he glanced at Zhao Ya, held by Shen Yunshen in the distance.
After a moment, he let out a snort through gritted teeth and left with a swirl of his sleeves.
Once he departed, Nan Liangyu cupped his fists towards Guan Xuejiang.
"Grand Elder, Junior Sister Zhuo and I mean no harm. We are simply inquiring if there’s anything we can help with. If needed, just say the word, and we will do our utmost to assist."
Guan Xuejiang’s expression softened.
He knew that, given the reputations of Celestial One Pavilion and Purple Swallow Forest Pavilion, they likely had no ill intentions.
Still, he wouldn’t say much more at this moment.
So he simply nodded.
"Thank you all for your kindness, but what’s left now are internal matters of Azure Dragon Temple. There’s no need to trouble you."
Expecting this response, Nan Liangyu did not press further. He cast a long look at the unconscious Zhao Ya in the distance, and then cupped his fists once more.
"In that case, we shall take our leave."
With that said, Nan Liangyu led the people of Celestial One Pavilion and Purple Swallow Forest Pavilion away.
After they had left, Guan Xuejiang’s face suddenly turned grave, and he immediately ordered the temple guards.
"Quickly, seal the mountain gate. No one is to enter except Elder Qin and others returning from pursuit."
"Understood!"
After instructing them to clear the battlefield and seal the mountain gate, the three of them quickly moved to a Quiet Chamber.
Shen Yunshen carefully laid Zhao Ya on the bed, then turned to Guan Xuejiang and Guo Luming, his eyes filled with worry.
"Grand Elder, you all..."
"No more words, endure this phase first," Guan Xuejiang waved his hand.
Shen Yunshen hesitated.
He knew that the injured Guan Xuejiang and Guo Luming were using a Secret Technique that burned their Qi Blood foundation to forcefully support themselves.
This would cause further damage to their already poor physical conditions, possibly irreparably so.