On the day of the Abyss Alliance's founding assembly, word of the commotion on Yunmiao Mountain spread faster than the wind.
When it first reached the market town at the foot of the mountain, it was merely, "The Alliance Master got into a fight."
By the time it reached Qinghe Prefecture City, it had become, "The Alliance Master fought an Evil Dao Grandmaster from the mountaintop to the foot, until heaven and earth went dark."
When it spread to the southern shore of Jadewater Marsh, the Bitao Sect's boatmen were already recounting it in vivid detail: "Those two shattered a mountaintop with a single stomp and carved out a river with one palm strike. They were no different from immortals and gods."
By the time it spread throughout Cloud Province's commanderies and counties, the story had changed beyond recognition.
In Qinghe Prefecture City's largest teahouse, the storyteller slapped his wooden clapper down, and every patron pricked up their ears.
"Now, that day on Yunmiao Mountain, the Abyss Alliance's founding assembly was halfway through when the sky suddenly darkened and fierce winds rose!"
"A black shadow stepped out of the void, black energy churning around him like ink. Wherever he passed, plants withered and curled, and stone steps shattered."
"The newcomer was none other than Nether Province's Evil Dao Grandmaster, Ancestor Yinsha!"
The patrons sucked in sharp breaths. One man held his tea bowl and forgot to drink.
"How arrogant was Ancestor Yinsha? The moment he opened his mouth, he declared, 'The Abyss Alliance is nothing but a rabble. Today, I shall strip you of the word alliance!'"
"Before his words had faded, he struck with his palm. The air sizzled as the wind of his strike corroded it, and every stone slab on the raised platform cracked!"
A young man