Precisely because they knew the strength of the Millieth Army and feared Zhongli's might, no one dared to make a move against the "Millieth Army."
But today, the disciples of the Body Sect had actually disarmed themselves and arrived here bare-handed. There must be some purpose behind their actions, right?
"Everyone, cease your attacks."
The voice of Du Bafang boomed, resonating across the battlefield.
He had now broken through to the 96th level. In his martial soul avatar state, his entire body took on a pale golden hue, indicating that he had completed his second awakening at the golden level.
If events had followed their original course, Du Bafang would likely have shed the "acting" title before his name and become the true leader of the Body Sect.
Unfortunately, Zhongli had been "stabbed in the back" by a certain adorable creature, forcing a reevaluation of plans. Before the "storm" passed, he could not, nor would he, relinquish his duties and divine status.
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Elders exchanged glances. Though their eyes were filled with killing intent, they nodded.
"Retreat!"
Whether they were from the Spirit Hall or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, upon hearing the command to retreat twice, they instinctively stopped their attacks and returned to their respective camps. Everyone was cautious, fearing the other side might suddenly launch a deadly assault.
This battle appeared to have caused losses on both sides, with a casualty ratio of one to one, a disgrace for the Spirit Hall.
But had the Spirit Hall truly lost?
The strength of the Spirit Hall's spirit masters varied greatly, with most being of low spirit power.
Even the weakest disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect could be considered elite. Losing one was painful, let alone so many.
Eight thousand against three thousand, with a casualty ratio of one to one. Yet, this battle was ultimately a victory for the Spirit Hall because they didn't care about such a ratio.
Being able to trade one for one was already a win for them.
Or perhaps, before coming, the Spirit Hall had already anticipated such an outcome.
With the arrival of the Body Sect, a temporary ceasefire was not unreasonable. They were also curious about the true purpose of the Body Sect's visit.
Seeing this, Du Bafang nodded. Both sides stopping to listen to him would save some effort.
"Our arrival this time is not to aid anyone. Our purpose is very pure, simply to mediate."
Everyone was stunned, their expressions a mix of confusion and bewilderment.
The Body Sect had come with such fanfare, merely to mediate?
But they had already fought to this extent. Could mediation still work?
"The Spirit Hall ambushed our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, killing our disciples..."
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect killed our Spirit Hall disciples..."
Ning Fengzhi and the Fifth Elder instinctively spoke, neither intending to let the matter rest.
Of course, Ning Fengzhi wasn't foolish. He knew that continuing this battle would only lead to the destruction of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
When outmatched, the only option was to flee and seek opportunities later. After all, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was wealthy and could quickly gather thousands of spirit masters to seek revenge.
Moreover, Ning Fengzhi had the chance to become a god. Once he ascended, he would surely seek vengeance against the Spirit Hall!
The Fifth Elder knew of Ning Fengzhi's potential to become a god, which was why he intended to eliminate all Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect disciples and not let Ning Fengzhi escape.
If Ning Fengzhi fled now, he would undoubtedly become a major threat to the Spirit Hall.
But before they could finish, Du Bafang waved his hand, interrupting them.
His eyes narrowed, and his aura erupted, pressuring the entire battlefield.
The Body Sect elders also unleashed their auras, coordinating with Du Bafang.
"If you do not cease and heed our mediation, whoever strikes, we strike!"
Du Bafang declared with an air of dominance, his words brooking no rebuttal.
This was the final "sect mission" entrusted by the "Body Sect Leader." Even if it meant paying a heavy price, he would see it through.
At this moment, everyone's eyes twitched. What a bold statement, whoever strikes, we strike. Only a sect like the Body Sect could utter such domineering words.
But by doing this, wasn't the Body Sect essentially offending the Spirit Hall?
As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, knowing they wouldn't receive actual assistance from the Body Sect, they naturally complied with such arrangements. They had no desire to face the combined forces of the Body Sect and the Spirit Hall.
Though the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect members felt uneasy, they understood that continuing the fight was unnecessary under these circumstances.
As for why the Martial God had made such a decision, they couldn't fathom it and didn't wish to speculate.
In a way, this move had indeed helped the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect out of a tight spot.
"Acting Sect Leader Du, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is willing to cease hostilities."
Ning Fengzhi, filled with grief and indignation, had no choice but to make this decision.
That existence had already elevated him from seven treasures to nine treasures and granted him a divine inheritance. What more could he be dissatisfied with?
The Body Sect no longer owed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect anything.
Their mediation now was the final act of benevolence.
The Fifth Elder and others understood why Ning Fengzhi agreed, but what about them?
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had been saved, and their mission had failed. This was a significant matter.
Du Bafang nodded at Ning Fengzhi. Once, he had looked up to this leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Now, the man spoke to him in such a manner.
Truly, times change.
As if recalling something, Du Bafang turned to the Fifth Elder and others, saying, "The Spirit Hall's intentions hold no secrets before our sect leader. Thus, the Body Sect responds to this will as repayment for past kindness. After tonight, the Body Sect will no longer exist in this world."
Upon hearing this, the battlefield fell into an eerie silence, so quiet that the drop of a needle could be heard.
The Body Sect was now the uncrowned king, universally acknowledged as the world's number one sect!
Yet, in response to a single will, or rather, to "repay a kindness" the name of the Body Sect would vanish from the world.
The Body Sect would cease to exist?
Except for the Body Sect disciples, everyone else was stunned, their mouths slightly agape, wanting to speak but holding back.
Especially the Spirit Hall elders and deacons, who were utterly dumbfounded.
Du Bafang had spoken so clearly. If they still didn't understand, they would be truly foolish.
Sects were one of the most unstable elements on the Douluo Continent, and thus, all sect forces had to be eliminated.
This was something the three elders and three deacons knew.
Originally, there were four deacons, but one had been ambushed by Chen Xin and killed.
Eliminating all forces except the Body Sect posed no difficulty for the Spirit Hall, but doing so would inevitably lead to a confrontation with the Body Sect.
Could they win?
It was a guaranteed loss!
To repay the Spirit Hall's kindness, after tonight, the Body Sect would no longer exist...
What magnanimity!
This battle was akin to the Spirit Hall effortlessly defeating an opponent they could never have defeated, while allowing the opponent they should have defeated to survive.