Inside the Cardinal Hall, the atmosphere was even graver than before Li Wuyang had left. The alliance's core elders who had remained behind and representatives from every sect had gathered together, each wearing a heavy expression, their faces marked by barely concealed exhaustion and anxiety. The Myriad Stars Mirror at the center of the hall no longer displayed a detailed star chart. Instead, it continuously cycled through urgent battle reports and scenes of disaster from across the starsea—a life-bearing planet suddenly withering away, a vital trade route sealed by mysterious forces, an outpost losing contact... Bad news came flooding in like snowflakes.
When Li Wuyang appeared at the hall entrance, every gaze instantly focused on him. Those looks held surprise, anticipation, scrutiny, and, above all, the relieved hope of having someone to rely on.
"Venerable Wuyang!"
"Venerable, you've finally returned!"
Several elders who knew him well immediately stepped forward, their voices full of excitement. They could clearly sense that Li Wuyang's aura had become deeper and more boundless than when he left, as though he had undergone a complete transformation. It was undoubtedly a powerful shot in the arm for everyone despairing in the darkness.
Li Wuyang strode into the hall, gave everyone a slight nod, and swept his gaze across one familiar or unfamiliar face after another. Then he said gravely, "Everyone, Wuyang has returned too late."
"Your safe return is already a great blessing for our alliance!" an elderly elder with snow-white hair and beard said excitedly. "The situation is perilous now. The Finality Council harbors savage ambitions, and star sacrifices continue without end. The alliance... the alliance needs you to take command!"
At those words, everyone in the hall voiced their agreement. Xuan Nü had fallen—or so everyone believed—while Ling Xiao Sword Master was in seclusion recovering