There hadn't been anyone capable of withstanding a single hit from Feng Qingming, and Xuanyangzi had only been able to retreat all the way to the central gates while defending with the Immemorial Mirror.
If it hadn't been for the sacred ancestor's spirit emerging, Xuanyangzi probably wouldn't have been able to do anything about the attacks.
That was precisely why everyone was so intimidated as soon as they were reminded of Feng Qingming's power.
Everyone who was currently around Xuanyangzi was considered among the best that could be found in the ranks of the Immemorial Path or even the whole world. None of them were cowards. They were just unable to accept the fact that Feng Qingming would have been able to squash them like bugs.
There was no dignity for them before him at all.