After the whirlwind of chaos, the atmosphere at the branch headquarters settled into an eerie stillness.
The ground was soaked with so much blood that its scent still lingered heavily in the air. The surviving martial artists were busy collecting the corpses, their faces tense and grim.
Above, the moonlight filtered through a haze of faint energy that hung in the air, a remnant of the intense battle that had taken place.
âSecure the captured and lock them in the cells. Gather the corpses and burn them,â a commanding voice ordered.
âShould we wait for authorization from the main branch?â
âThis is the command of the Lord Commander himself. Heâs declared that heâll take full responsibility for any consequences. Follow his orders.â
âUnderstood.â
The Star Dragon Unit moved without hesitation. Even after such a battle, they remained composed and efficient.
âTheir cultivation levels are on a completely different scale.ân/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âTo think theyâd be this strongâ¦â
The external recruits, brought in from other clans and sects, were clearly at the peak of their abilities. Each of them seemed to be on par with a vice-captain, if not stronger.
These were seasoned martial artists who had spent years honing their skills elsewhere, leaving no doubt about their experience and competence.
However, the recruits from within the Martial Alliance were conspicuously absent.
The reason for this was clear.
âWhyâ¦!â
âWhat crime have we committed to deserve this?!â
Those being thrown into the cells were not just members of the Azure Dragon Unit but also those from the Martial Alliance who had been transferred to the Star Dragon Unit.
âLet me go! Weâre your comrades!â
Despite their protests, the Star Dragon Unit showed no reaction, dragging them into the cells with unwavering resolve. Resistance was futile; the gap in skill was insurmountable.