How about letting this old man give it a try

Hearing the puzzled questions from Xiong Father and Son, the Moon God Pavilion Master wore a helpless expression.

"We got into another conflict with the Heavenly Dao Sect while searching for you two. Li Daoran set up a formation here, leveraging the terrain and the natural order to harness the power of heaven and earth. We can’t break free!"

"If you had been outside, you might have been able to call for reinforcements to disrupt the terrain and rescue us. But now that you’re trapped inside as well, all hope is lost."

Xiong Father and Son were shocked by these words, only now realizing their spiritual energy was steadily draining away.

Though their cultivation had advanced significantly, the loss was minimal—yet if this continued, they would eventually exhaust their energy. The situation was dire.

Several elders spoke one after another, sighing in resignation.

"Ah!"

"Why didn’t you listen? Charging in recklessly like this… it’s all over now…"

"No use talking anymore. Our Moon God Pavilion may well meet its end here!"

"If you hadn’t come in, even with your limited strength, you could have sought help. Now we’re all just waiting for death together!"

The ten elders were frozen to the point their faces had turned purple, their expressions utterly despondent.

Though their words were filled with resignation and even a hint of frustration, Xiong Father and Son found themselves moved. The faces they once despised now seemed strangely warm.

As for the so-called deadly formation…

Father and son exchanged a quiet glance.

"Son, it seems they really went to all this trouble just to find us…"

"You’re right, Father. Maybe we’ve misunderstood the Moon God Pavilion all these years."

"This formation doesn’t seem all that terrifying!"

"I find the cold unbearable, though. It’s definitely not good."

Whispering between themselves, their hearts were in turmoil.

Looking around, they saw the Pavilion Master and the elders covered in frost, their former majesty nowhere to be seen.

All of this—falling into this deadly formation, facing life and death—was because they had searched for Xiong Father and Son. Even now, they still treated them as part of the Moon God Pavilion.

Witnessing this, Xiong Fen’s eyes grew misty.

Recalling past grievances, the slights and cold shoulders he had imagined now seemed trivial—just harsh words masking kind hearts. Yet his actions had nearly doomed the entire Moon God Pavilion.

His expression darkened, guilt weighing heavily on him.

Seeing this, the Moon God Pavilion Master offered comfort.

"Elder Xiong, there’s no need to blame yourself too much."

"Our predicament is due to my own oversight—falling for Li Daoran’s schemes. That you rushed here to help, giving your all, is already more than enough. None of us hold any resentment."

The elders chimed in, their voices carrying a calm acceptance.

"Enough, enough. Let it go, old friend."

"Your cultivation is weak, and you didn’t know the dangers of this formation. Even if hope is lost, it’s understandable."

"Indeed. With your limited strength, even I can’t break this formation. How could we blame you?"

"We’ve worked together for years. Today, we face the underworld as one!"

"Bah! I’m not dying with you lot!"

"Hahaha…"

Having cultivated for thousands of years, they had long since come to terms with mortality.

Now, speaking with such ease, their words still carried traces of their usual sarcasm—yet it sounded oddly comforting, even heroic in its own way.

Xiong Father and Son watched, their eyes stinging.

Remembering their past misunderstandings and how they had dragged everyone into this deadly trap, Xiong Fen was overwhelmed with shame.

He immediately bowed deeply.

But before he could complete the gesture, the Moon God Pavilion Master caught his arms.

"Elder Xiong, there’s no need for this. This isn’t your fault!"

Those words shattered Xiong Fen’s composure. His vision blurred as he lowered his head, voice thick with remorse.

"Pavilion Master!"

"All these years, I thought everyone looked down on us. I held grudges, never imagining the lengths the sect would go for us!"

"Such loyalty… it leaves us utterly ashamed!"

Xiong Zhong also bowed, his heart in turmoil.

He had never expected the Moon God Pavilion to be so righteous, the Pavilion Master so magnanimous. Even the once-distant Holy Maiden Qing Yin Xianyun had been injured for their sake!

And yet, they had dismissed these loyal comrades as arrogant fools in their hearts.

The contrast was unbearable.

Seeing the father and son moved to such gestures, the Pavilion Master and the elders were deeply touched.

Adversity reveals true bonds.

Hearing their heartfelt words, the group felt a warmth growing within them—even as the freezing formation intensified around them.

"Elder Xiong, we are all disciples of the Moon God Pavilion. There’s no need for such formality."

"The Pavilion Master is right. We share the same sect, the same fate!"

"Please, both of you, rise!"

Amid the kind reassurances, Xiong Father and Son slowly stood.

All grievances were set aside, their spirits lighter—but the biting wind behind them grew fiercer. Qing Yin Xianyun, already injured, now had frost forming on her face, alarming the elders.

The situation worsening, the Moon God Pavilion Master surveyed the group with a grave tone.

"The cold in this formation is intensifying. Our spiritual energy is nearly depleted."

"Even with Elder Xiong here, his energy alone can’t sustain us all. Soon, we’ll all be frozen statues. We must find a way to break the formation!"

"Rather than waiting for death, let’s gather all our remaining power and make one final strike!"

The Pavilion Master’s resolve was unshakable, decisive in this critical moment.

But the elders wore heavy expressions.

"Your words are wise, Pavilion Master, but our energy is almost gone. It’s unlikely…"

"At our peak, we might have had a sliver of hope. But now, even pooling our strength, the chances are slim."

"Then what? Just accept our fate?"

"In my view, the Pavilion Master’s plan is our only option. We must charge forward without hesitation!"

As the debate continued, the overlooked Xiong Fen suddenly bowed again.

"Pavilion Master, Elders… perhaps let me try?"

The scene fell silent.