A month later, in the grand hall at the peak of Celestial Gate Mountain, Lechuan sat upon the high seat. Zhao Liangde and the other disciples were arranged on his left and right, quietly waiting for him to speak.
After a moment, Lechuan crushed the jade slip in his hand into dust, then slowly said:
"Withdraw all the disciples from the front lines at Celestial Attraction Mountain. We've received a letter from Zongshan. If we suffer any more heavy casualties, they'll send someone to reprimand us."
Zhao Liangde's small eyes narrowed, and he asked in a low voice:
"If we withdraw our disciples from Celestial Attraction Mountain, how will we explain it to the Wei Family? They won't just let this go once we leave."
Lechuan rubbed the bridge of his nose and said wearily:
"We have done more than enough for the Wei Family. We've lost a dozen or so disciples. What more could Wei Tong possibly want?"
Seeing that Zhao Liangde was about to speak again, Lechuan added:
