The Second Life formation was still in place, and all the invaders became aware of that after Daniel killed his opponent.
They had always known that the Empire was bound to have robust defensive measures in its main territory. Still, they had believed that having more assets would eventually grant them a victory.
However, that belief had started to waver as the invaders learnt about the many defenses of the Empire.
There were battle formations capable of injuring rank 5 cultivators, arrows flying through the battlefields and disturbing fights, and even the Second Life formation. On top of that, the Empire had many powerful cultivators ready to fight for their lives.
Also, the invaders didn't know if the Empire had some other defensive methods hidden somewhere.
The situation couldn't help but appear grim. Casualties were inevitable in a war, but the Empire seemed capable of making the invaders suffer.