Elder Ge slapped the stone ground beneath his feet.
Array banners hidden along the courtyard walls flared with white light. A heavy barrier rose around the courtyard, sealing it from the rest of the Exchange Pavilion. Outside, the voices of passing disciples faded. Only the low hum of spirit stones powering the formation remained.
"Lock the gates!" Elder Ge roared at the young clerk. "If a single person steps through the exit, I will personally ask the Disciplinary Hall to take your head before sunset!"
The young clerk ran off to lock the gates. Several deacons who had witnessed the tribulation lightning stood frozen. They stared at Deacon Song in disbelief.
Their eyes widened as they understood the situation.
Elder Ge did not spare them a second glance. He raised a crimson jade token in his palm and bit his thumb. He pressed a drop of blood into the cloud runes carved across its face.
The token took the blood. A sharp crimson light flared from within the stone.
