News that the Celestial Basilica had entered a first-level alert hit the Luminous Sanctuary like a boulder crashing into a still lake.

In an instant, everything erupted.

On Saintlight Peak, the Mountain-Guarding Grand Array activated at full power. A golden barrier wrapped tightly around the entire peak, so dense that not even a bird could slip through.

Checkpoint after checkpoint sprang up along every major road at the mountain’s base. Basilica disciples stood guard every few steps, their expressions grim, as if an enemy were already at the gates.

The pilgrimage road—once open to all—was completely sealed. No one was allowed in or out.

As the news spread, forces across the Luminous Sanctuary were thrown into chaos.

“What is the Celestial Basilica doing? A highest-level alert? They’ve never done that since their founding!”