Two disciples of the Zhao Family were left behind because of their slow actions.
When Zhao Dong and the others broke out of the formation, these two were a step too slow and got trapped in it.
Breaking through a properly functioning formation is not an easy task.
The dense sand confused their senses. Carelessly, they were hit by the scattered stones within the formation, falling to the ground, losing all resistance.
Knowing that this occasion wasn't suitable for causing casualties, Wen Qiansun resisted the urge to kill and just restrained the two Zhao Family members.
Losing two members didn't greatly affect Zhao Dong's confidence, even though he was somewhat angered.
The difference in Cultivation Base between the two sides was too significant, and their temporary setback was due to carelessness.
As long as they calmed down, abandoned the idea of a quick victory, and slowly wore down the formation, breaking through would only be a matter of time.
The momentary defeat actually made Zhao Dong more composed, leading to the right decision.
However, just as Zhao Dong was organizing the Zhao Family members to continue attacking the formation, a loud shout came from above.
Zhou Shengkao, riding a blue crane, had somehow flown above the battlefield.
Jin Qigu and Ruan Yuan followed him, each on their own immortal cranes.
"The outcome of this battle has been decided. Cease your actions," Zhou Shengkao began giving orders.
After Zhou Shengkao's loud shout, the Zhao Family members, feeling the pressure, stopped their actions. However, they were all filled with confusion.
When was the victory or defeat determined? Why are we, the participants, unaware of it? Zhao Dong was puzzled and couldn't help asking, "How was the victory or defeat determined? Who won?"
Zhou Shengkao disdainfully glanced at him. "What nonsense. Of course, your Zhao Family lost."
Zhao Family had lost, and even Jin Qigu and Ruan Yuan were perplexed.
Considering the close relationship between Qiaoshou Sect and the Zhao Family, Jin Qigu couldn't help but ask, "Zhao Family clearly had the upper hand, so when did they lose?"
"You're all blind and can't see? Zhao Family had the upper hand? What a joke!"
"A bunch of people fell for a trap and got trapped in the formation. Taiyi Sect only allowed them to escape with leniency. Within moments, two Zhao Family members were captured. If Taiyi Sect hadn't shown mercy, there would have been no survivors."
"What? Do you wish for all the Zhao Family members to die here?"
Zhou Shengkao's words widened everyone's perspective. It turned out the battle could be interpreted this way.
The usually domineering Zhao Family members now understood what it meant to distort facts and abuse power.
On the other side of the battlefield, Zhao Jiudou, who was fighting fiercely with Meng Zhang, was still keeping an eye on the situation here. When he saw what was happening, he retreated from the battle with Meng Zhang and hurried over.
When Zhao Jiudou arrived, he overheard Zhou Shengkao's words and was almost infuriated.
Zhao Jiudou was about to argue back when Zhou Shengkao suddenly got angry and reprimanded him relentlessly.
"You're old, with a Refining Qicompletion Cultivation Base, and yet you were forced into a disadvantage by a Refining Qi seventh stage young man."
"If I hadn't stopped it, you would have been killed by him sooner or later."
Zhao Jiudou was trembling with anger and, if not for his rationality, he would have wanted to slay the guy spewing nonsense right before him.
Behind Zhou Shengkao was Shan Ying, the Elder Enforcer of Twin Success Valley.
It was unclear whether this was solely Taiyi Sect's bias or Twin Success Valley's intention to suppress the Zhao Family.
Regardless, the Zhao Family couldn't resist.
"The heavens have shown you mercy, sparing the lives of your clan members. Don't be ungrateful; you must not continue to cause trouble."
"Today's battle ends here. You all disperse."
According to Twin Success Valley's rules for subordinate forces, as a witness, Zhou Shengkao indeed had the authority to declare the outcome.
This was also the reason why Meng Zhang had gone to great lengths to find reliable witnesses, even resorting to lowly behavior.
The other two witnesses, Jin Qigu and Ruan Yuan, remained silent at this moment.
As for Gu Dashan, he arrived at the battlefield only now and, upon hearing Zhou Shengkao's words, immediately agreed loudly.
Zhao Jiudou looked to Ruan Yuan for help, but Ruan Yuan avoided eye contact and didn't dare to meet Zhao Jiudou's gaze.
Then, Zhao Jiudou looked at Jin Qigu. Leaving aside their close relationship, Qiaoshou Sect had benefited greatly from the Zhao Family on ordinary days.
"Zhao, my friend, just accept defeat this time. There will be other opportunities for the Zhao Family to challenge Taiyi Sect in the future," Jin Qigu persuaded helplessly.
Before Zhao Jiudou could respond, Zhou Shengkao erupted in anger.
"Is there going to be another time? What do you people want?"
"Twin Success Valley has always been peaceful and harmonious, an idyllic place. Your battle this time has been unjust. Are you planning to continue causing chaos and disrupting the order under Twin Success Valley's jurisdiction?"
"After this battle, the matter is settled, and you are not allowed to pursue it any further."
"If you don't heed my well-intentioned advice, I'm not afraid, but I worry that Mr. Shan might not be pleased."
Zhou Shengkao directly brought up Shan Ying, making Jin Qigu too scared to continue speaking.
Zhou Shengkao's naked favoritism toward Taiyi Sect left the Zhao Family members deeply humiliated.
But no matter what, the Zhao Family couldn't resist on the spot.
Zhao Jiudou suppressed his humiliation and anger, taking back the two Zhao Family members Taiyi Sect had captured, and led everyone away, dejectedly.
Jin Qigu and Ruan Yuan, feeling uninterested, didn't stay any longer. After bidding farewell to Zhou Shengkao, they departed separately.
Meng Zhang sincerely thanked Zhou Shengkao, "Thanks to Brother Zhou's help, our sect achieved victory this time."
Zhou Shengkao waved his hand, "We made a fair trade; I took your spirit stones, so naturally, you won't suffer a loss."
Meng Zhang felt that the 3,500 low-grade spirit stones he spent this time were truly worthwhile.
Zhou Shengkao, looking at the retreating Zhao Family members, scornfully cursed, "A bunch of ingrates, unable to distinguish masters from servants, not knowing their place. They dared to see the opportunity to steal our Lesser Foundation Building Pills."
Meng Zhang's heart trembled, as Twin Success Valley had been holding a grudge against this matter for almost three years. He wondered if Zhou Shengkao's words were also meant as a warning to him.
Swallowing his pride, Meng Zhang praised Zhou Shengkao. He patted his chest, expressing his loyalty to Twin Success Valley and Taiyi Sect. He loudly praised Twin Success Valley, declaring that Taiyi Sect would forever be a devoted subordinate to Twin Success Valley.
Zhou Shengkao smiled at Meng Zhang's performance. After exchanging a few words, he left on his own accord.
[Read at /maxnkoga , without ads and support the work.]