The deaths of so many members of the northern tribes early on was not acceptable to the elders. By now they had lost nearly 40% of their numbers, which was far more than they had ever expected.
They knew that a war would ensue some time after they entered the Great Zhou Continent. Even if it was not right away, there would certainly be a reaction some time later from the southerners.
And this would inevitably lead them to lose their people.
But losing them right at the cusp of entry was simply unthinkable to them. And that too without any of the southerners actually suffering either. It was one of the worst insults that could have been delivered to them.
"ENOUGH!" Master White Mountain could not take it anymore and made a few hands seals, erecting a dome around the army.
~RUMBLE~