As Xilos's words faded, the atmosphere in the void abruptly froze.
The four Authority Holders trapped in the Voidfrost Flame were already at the end of their strength.
Most of the crimson markings on the bald man's forehead had dimmed. The barrier he fought to maintain kept peeling away and vaporizing under the heat of the Flame of Continued Combustion, like paper burning in a blizzard.
"Who... who are you?!"
The woman cried out. The arrogance in her voice had vanished, replaced by overwhelming fear.
Xilos did not answer. She merely glanced toward Shen Yi.
Shen Yi had not spoken a word. He stood quietly, like a bystander with no stake in the matter.
But his silence was an answer in itself.
"Everyone, stop."
A raspy voice came from the distance.
A figure in a gray cloak slowly emerged from the void.
The figure's back was hunched, and each tap of his wooden staff sent a dull echo through the void, as though striking directly against the heart.
At the sight of him, the surrounding Authority Holders drew in their auras.
"Even the Withered Wood Elder is here..." someone muttered.
The Withered Wood Elder approached the bald man and his companions. His clouded gaze swept over Xilos, then passed her to settle on Shen Yi, who stood silently in the distance.
"I recognize the aura of the Flame of Continued Combustion."
The Withered Wood Elder's voice rasped like rotting wood rubbing together, yet it carried a strangely calming power.
"That Authority is genuine. Encountering one of this caliber here is rare indeed. I'm glad I made the trip."
He paused, then spoke slowly.
"Young lady of the Elf race, your aura tells me you're still remarkably young. To have earned the Flame of Continued Combustion's recognition is your good fortune."