Madeleine's words seemed to remind them of something. That was right. How could they run and still hope to take advantage should those who stayed by win? This was a crossroads. They'd either choose the Flaming Lily Sect, or become rogue cultivators forever. It was impossible for any other Sect to pick traitors for disciples. They definitely weren't talented enough to be the exception to that rule

Rogue Cultivator wasn't just a general term. It represented all of the individuals who could never leave the tower, because if they ever did, they could never return.

After abandoning their Clans or Sects, it would obviously be impossible to access the tower's entrance again. They only had two options: to stay in the tower forever, or never come back.

Those marked as rogue cultivators were barred against using teleportation formations and could only dangerously walk through Danger Zones to reach their desired destinations. And, due to the fact every danger zone was owned by one power or another, it was often too great of an expense for them to afford, as a result, they were often forced to stay in the same city for the rest of their lives, completing menial tasks in exchange for small payment.

In the end, many of the rogue cultivators were forced to work as mercenaries, helping clans and sects to fight territory wars for pay that was far better than in normal. But, it wasn't a life anyone would choose of free will.

Since they were being paid, they were obviously not as valued as true disciples. So, they were used as canon fodder. They also didn't have the protection of a large sect behind them any longer, so no one hesitated to kill them.

This was the life waiting for them if they chose to abandon the Flaming Lily Sect right now.

Suddenly, what seemed like an easy decision became a boulder weighing on all of their hearts. Not all of them were noble people, in fact, maybe only a handful other than Fiona were. The only reason they weren't traitors was simply because they were too weak to be picked out for such a role. But, here they were at a crossroads once more.

Of course, many still left. These were likely the individuals willing to work cheap labor tasks for the rest of their lives. At least since Madeleine allowed them to use the teleportation formation as one last act of kindness toward them as deserters, they could be selective with the city they'd spend the rest of their lives in

Like this the already small number of disciples remaining dwindled even more. In the end, a little over 600 000 disciples remained out of the over a million that had been here before.

Madeleine smiled. She knew well that maybe all of them would have left had she not forced them to choose between the life of a disciple and a rogue cultivator. However, she was still satisfied with this result.

"I'm aware that many of you have stayed because I forced you into a corner. But, I want you all to know that this is likely the best decision you've ever made in your lives. Those who survive will reach an entirely new level. This is your chance to shed your past weights and move forward toward a brighter future."

"Big sister is scary." Zaire whispered faintly, causing Lyla to giggle.

Madeleine had always had this sharpness to her. Back when her former master took her away from Dyon, many had been witness to it. She tore anyone who spoke ill of her husband apart. It was just that she was now aiming those talents toward a different goal.

At this moment, Madeleine's air had completely changed. Her King level Presence bloomed outward in full force. The combination it created with her Goddess' Disposition made those around hang onto her every word.

"Good. Now we'll begin our revenge." Madeleine's voice was soft, yet somehow carried over the entire city.

"Those from Falling Petal Pavilion go over there, those from Rooted Depths Pavilion line up here, those from Life Blooming Pavilion there, and those from Layered Vine Pavilion here."

Madeleine began to organize the disciples in ways they couldn't comprehend. After years of being by Dyon's side, she had grasped the essence of battle tactics. Maybe hers weren't as flexible or crafty as Dyon's, but, this level of order was something she was certain would help.

Falling Petal Pavilion was a branch of their Sect that specialized in ranged attacks. Rooted Depths Pavilion was known for their battle crazed disposition and had the best close combat abilities and fire power. Layered Vine Pavilion was an unconventional path for fire dao cultivators, but they focused of defense. Finally, Life Blooming Pavilion was another slightly unconventional path for the fire dao, but they were healers.

Of the six petals that were created by the volcano that erupted on Planet Lily, these Pavilions each took up one, only leaving the holy land of ancestors, and the petal of elders.

Madeleine knew that these fellow sisters of hers were untalented, but she also knew that their enemies were unorganized.

She could tell that someone in the background was trying to reach their hand over and give them structure they sorely lacked, but Madeleine's keen eyesight could tell that this person was stretching themselves too far.

The battle tactics of the Sacharro Clan wasn't something you could cobble together lack luster counters against. Today would be the debut of the Sacharro Clan in earnest. On the biggest stage, they would crush their opponents.

"Big sister, I can make a small tweak to the sealing formation and disallow them from flying." Lyla said after waiting for Madeleine to finish organizing.

Madeleine's brow raised. "Really?"

"Mm." Lyla's pink hair bobbed as she nodded. "It will only be helpful for a moment since the range of the seal is limited, only about 20-50 miles outside of Middle Lily City's walls. But, if used at the right time, before they run away, it would be really effective."