Capital City, outside the Meridian Gate.
The sky is gloomy, as if also oppressed by the tragic scene about to unfold.
The Meridian Gate stands tall and majestic, its red walls and yellow tiles appearing even more solemn in the dim light.
On the square, a dense crowd gathers, with the common folk whispering and discussing fervently.
Fifty-nine cultivators are escorted to the center of the Meridian Gate, their clothes tattered and stained with blood, evidently having experienced a fierce battle before their capture.
Moreover, some of them have dazed expressions and vacant eyes, clearly having suffered severe mental trauma.
In addition to this, the dantians of all the cultivators are completely blackened.
Their dantians have been abolished, and their magical power has dissipated like flowing water.
Furthermore, each of their foreheads is inscribed with eerie runes in fresh blood, resembling evil ghosts.
