A few days later, news of the two sects being ambushed midway reached Han Yuan Sect.
Inside the Cave Mansion, Zhang Yan put down the talismanic script and said to the Zhongtai Disciple who had come to deliver the message opposite him, "Many thanks to Sect Leader Qiao for sending someone to inform me of this matter. After you return, please help convey my greetings."
That Disciple said, "The message has been delivered; this lowly one will take his leave at once." He bent his body in a bow, then turned and left the Cave Mansion.
Zhang Yan pondered briefly and said, "Within Fengxiang Sword Sect, only Sect Leader Chen Yuan and two Sword Masters managed to escape, while Kuxin Sect suffered even more grievous losses; Sect Leader He Yizhu alone escaped with his life. After this incident, the strength of these two sects has been greatly diminished; for the next hundred years they will likely have no power to look north again."
