Amid the attention of all, Heaven Dou Emperor Xue Yintao, dressed in a splendid golden robe and wearing the imperial crown, slowly and steadily ascended the Soul Duel Stage, surrounded by the royal guards. His imperial majesty was awe-inspiring, impossible to look upon directly.
The representatives of the eight teams had long since been waiting at the side of the stage. Now, guided by the master of ceremonies, they formed neat lines and walked toward the center.
Chen Yanwu of Moonlight Academy, Chen Xiaojun of Chang'an Academy, Xue Shiming of Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Zhan Ruoxi of Ice Sealed Academy... these renowned captains walked at the very front.
As the rising forces—Xia Shuyao of Five Mountains Academy and Zhong Weifeng of Yue Si Academy—stood in the final two positions.
Jin Xin leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and said to Zhou Yi with a hint of certainty, "Look, all the top eight representatives are here. But the one we're waiting for... should be arriving too."
Zhou Yi's gaze swept across the entire venue like a hawk's, and he replied in a low voice, "Big Brother is right. With the Banished Immortal's ability, if she truly suffered a hidden injury, there's no way she could have kept it from everyone until now. If she's absent from today's closing ceremony, those rampant rumors might really be confirmed."
Jin Xin abruptly shook his head, his tone firm and decisive, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. "Impossible! I, Old Jin, have spent all these years fighting my way through the Soul Master World. I still have that much judgment! What kind of person is the Banished Immortal Shao Siming? She suppressed the Heaven Dou Three Heroes while laughing and chatting, as easily as taking something from a bag! Brother, just you watch. The