After many years apart, the six Saints gathered once more.
Zhunti and Jieyin stood silently in a corner of the hall, nearly shrinking into the shadows, hoping only to avoid notice. They had carved the words "silence is golden" into their bones.
This posture was utterly unlike their former selves.
After Saint Nuwa appeared, she remained as calm and reserved as ever, nothing out of the ordinary.
Yuanshi and Taishang sat side by side, relying on one another while openly declaring their stance.
Both were Tongtian's enemies and former allies, and their relationship was now closer and tighter than before.
Sect Master Tongtian stood opposite the Two Pure Ones, facing their blade-sharp gazes with an unchanged expression, composed and utterly unruffled.
Yuanshi did not speak this time. Having been left speechless by Tongtian last time, he had finally learned his lesson and no longer sought to prevail through words.
Taishang had always been sparing with words, and now he was even less willing to waste his breath.
Victory or defeat would ultimately be decided by strength; no matter how much was said, it was only empty noise.
Whoosh.
A wisp of Qingfeng brushed across their faces, instantly clearing their minds.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun appeared soundlessly and seated himself upon the high platform.
His gaze was gentle and calm as it swept over his six disciples, yet a trace of melancholy quietly rose in his heart.
On the surface, the master and disciples remained as they had once been. In truth, the human heart had changed, and cracks had long since formed.
Zhunti and Jieyin secretly anticipated that their Master would mention how Tongtian had slain Yuanshi's saintly body a second time, causing him to fall once again.
No matter what, that had crossed the bounds of propriety and shown no