If Gods block, kill the Gods; if Buddhas block, kill the Buddhas 

Yin Jian's words had the desired effect, and most of the disciples began to calm down. They understood the stakes clearly—failure this year could result in the sect being demoted to a low-tier sect.

Such a demotion would be devastating. Resources would become scarce, barely enough to sustain the younger generation's cultivation. 

Their prospects for growth would shrink drastically.

Life for cultivators on Red Pole was harsh and unforgiving. Strength was the currency of survival. 

Prove yourself strong, and you will earn resources to grow even stronger. Fall behind, and you will be left with nothing but empty hands and shattered dreams.

"I agree with the Sect Master. Even if Feng Fan hadn't provoked the other sects, competing for the top spot would still be out of reach with our current strength. Only Huang Xue and Xue Qiang are strong enough, but the rest of us are too weak," said one of the White Crow Sect disciples.