Lin Shuhua looked at Hong Qingzhu's exuberant expression and gently shook her head. She said nothing more, merely raising a hand to signal the Lin Family disciples and her two younger brothers behind her to follow.
The two walked shoulder to shoulder, chatting and laughing as they followed the surging crowd toward the Duck Mountain Island ferry landing with the rest of the Lin Family.
Meanwhile, on the imposing Duck Mountain Island, wreathed in clouds and mist, the atmosphere inside the Profound Truth Sect's Main Peak Hall was solemn and heavy.
Cao Zhen, Sect Master of the Profound Truth Sect, sat upright in the pearwood Grand Preceptor's Chair at the head of the hall. He wore an ink-black robe embroidered with cloud patterns, and his refined, dignified face and steady gaze carried the composure befitting the leader of a sect.
Below him, four chairs stood on either side of the hall. All the Peak Masters of the Profound Truth Sect's Seven Branches were present, along with Chief Elder Ouyang Jingxuan-eight senior figures of the sect gathered under one roof.
Their auras were deep and steady, their expressions grave. Clearly, the Vajra Order's impending Mountain-Visiting Challenge weighed heavily on their minds.
The hall was silent, with only faint wisps of origin energy slowly flowing through the air.
Cao Zhen slowly swept his gaze over those below him and spoke in a measured voice carrying unquestionable authority. "Everyone, word has just arrived. The Vajra Order's party has reached Hidden Dragon Town. They will be landing on the island before long."
At his words, everyone in the hall grew solemn.
Cao Zhen then slowly turned his head, fixing his gaze on Bai Bing, the Lingxi Peak Master, who occupied the second seat on the left. She wore a plain white robe, her exquisite