Lightning crashed over a throne-like chair, basking the one who sat on it in powerful lightning. However, the figure ignored the lightning and instead focused on the words of those standing before him.
"Why did they not send us this news earlier?" the Grand Elder said angrily as they watched the Honorable Alliance messenger leave the Heavenly Lightning Sect chamber. Thunderzen watched the messenger leave as well, at which point his gaze shifted down to the two standing before him, which were the Grand Elder and his daughter Lilian.
"Even now they refuse to use the long-range transmission disks, and instead send a messenger. The Honorable Alliance is cheap beyond comparison, and it's no wonder we're losing to the other powers," Lilian scoffed, equally displeased.
"Long range transmission disks cost a fortune, and break after just several uses due to the tremendous energy needed to send a distance that far," Thunderzen explained calmly, "its only natural that with the war fast approaching, the Alliance is saving its money wherever it can."
"Hmph, you don't need to explain to me how long-range transmission disks work," Lilian scoffed, shifting her displeasure towards Thunderzen. "I know how they work. That's not the point. The point is that something this important is worth the cost to get the message out as fast as possible, no matter the cost."
"You are right, but there's nothing we can do about it now," Thunderzen sighed. "What we must now do is figure out our next moves."
"Our next moves?" the Grand Elder inquired, as Thunderzen clearly had something in mind.
"Yes, our next moves," Thunderzen replied.
The enemy geniuses had invaded the Jade Dragon Empire Trial lands, and in this particular case, the weakness of the Honorable Alliance turned out to be a benefit. There were a handful of youths who were too weak to even get past the first ancient city, and were therefore trapped in the starting realm.
One of those youths happened to have a Jade Dragon List on them, and noticed the message of warning. They immediately retreated to the entrance of the realm, which was still being held open by the powerful formation up front.
Only those who had yet to venture past the first ancient city could leave before the realm closing, and thankfully there were a few remaining to do so. After leaving, they informed the Elder's outside of what had happened, who quickly spread the message to the rest of the Alliance about the true nature of the threat they had predicted.
This message was passed out to the various sects of the Honorable Alliance afterwards, most by physical messenger, as the Heavenly Lightning Sect had just received.
"With the invasion of the enemy power geniuses, John will no doubt be forced to use his full power," Thunderzen started to explain. "His cultivation is lower than those who have entered, and he will not be able to manage without using his transformation. I'm sure he's able to keep himself safe, but if even one enemy youth escapes, his identity will be revealed. If that were to occur, he would not be able to survive a week, even with all of us protecting him."
Lilian and the Grand Elder fell silent upon hearing Thunderzen's grave words of warning. They were also concerned for the other youths of the sect, but had to prioritize John above all. His role was too important as the prophecy had revealed to them, and they had to ensure his safety and survival above all.
"The enemy would not send their geniuses into the realm without having a way to get them out," Lilian spoke up, "which means what you said will most likely happen."
"I'm afraid so," Thunderzen sighed as he rubbed his temples. His eyes shifted in thought, before looking back onto Lilian.
"How did your inspection go?" he asked curiously. "Did you find the ancient formation John mentioned to you?"
"I did, and it's exactly as he said,'' Lilian replied quickly, "its broken right now, but with a bit of fixing, I think I can get it operational again. But the formation is beyond incredible, and the amount of spirit crystals needed to activate it just once will be astronomical. And we don't even know what's on the other side. Why…you don't mean to?" she asked as she realized where Thunderzen was going with his line of questioning.
"I do mean to," he replied truthfully, "I've scoured all the ancient documents retrieved from that city, and have a guess what's on the other side. While I cannot confirm its fully safe, it's safer than anywhere on the Divine Martial Continent. And if it comes to that, you'll be the one to guide him."
"I refuse," Lilian replied defiantly. "The war is fast approaching, and my powers are too valuable to not be used in war. You know this yourself," she protested loudly.
"I do know that," Thunderzen replied calmly, smiling at his adopted daughter in a loving manner. "But you took John as your disciple, and it's now your responsibility to ensure his safety, no matter the cost."
"Tch, whose fault is it that he's my disciple," Lilian clicked her tongue in frustration. It had been Thunderzen who had assigned her as John's Master, something she had protested against initially.
"Good, then it's settled," Thunderzen said after hearing no more protest from Lilian. "The Grand Elder and I will head towards the Honorable Alliance, while you will venture back towards the ancient city and restore the formation. If you need any help restoring it, ask Grandmaster Selona for aid. Spare no expense at all. Our treasure vaults are available for you to use, no matter the cost."
Lilian sighed deeply before nodding her head, no longer protesting her fathers plans.
"Good," Thunderzen said as he stood up from his lightning throne, "let's just hope our preparations are not needed in the end. Although with the rumors I've heard recently, I believe the time of the prophecy is fast approaching. We must be prepared!"
