Inside the Main Peak Hall of the Profound Truth Sect.
Yang Jing met Chu Yunhai's eyes for a moment, then calmly looked away, paying no heed to that fierce fighting spirit.
The atmosphere inside the Main Peak Hall was already heavy. Everyone's attention rested on the sect's affairs; rivalry and pride between fellow disciples seemed insignificant before the chaos unleashed by the Demon Cult.
He stood straight alongside Si Jiawen and Du Lingchen behind Bai Bing, quietly waiting with his attention focused.
Just as the scattered murmurs in the hall faded and everyone's nerves tightened, steady footsteps slowly sounded from the bluestone passage linking the rear hall to the main hall.
The footsteps were neither hurried nor slow. Each step seemed to fall upon their hearts, instantly silencing the somewhat noisy hall. Even their breathing grew faint.
A moment later, a tall, imposing figure emerged from the end of the passage and walked slowly into the center of the Main Peak Hall.
It was Cao Zhen, Sect Master of the Profound Truth Sect. He wore a dark-blue brocade robe with a jade belt around his waist. His features were refined and handsome, yet his brow carried the commanding dignity of a man who ruled a sect and held sway over an entire region. His gaze was sharp as an eagle's; a single sweep of his eyes could inspire involuntary awe.
With Cao Zhen's arrival, the hall became so quiet that a falling pin could have been heard. Every gaze turned toward him, filled with reverence and solemnity.
The seven Peak Masters and Chief Elder Ouyang Jingxuan immediately rose from their seats, standing firmly with respectful expressions.
The Core Disciples behind the Peak Masters all bowed their heads and bent at the waist, none daring to show the slightest negligence.
In