The sky stretched cloudless for thousands of miles, while below lay an endless wasteland. Cracks crisscrossed the earth, and from closer up, each one proved to be a canyon.
On a flat stretch of barren ground, a massive mass of black mist floated in the air like a rift.
Beneath the black mist stood a circular formation platform over thirty feet in diameter, carved with profound and intricate runes. Spiritual energy flowed across it, causing the runes to glimmer faintly.
Before the formation platform stood over a thousand Epiphyllum Sect cultivators, waiting in silence. Jiang Qiong and Su Han were among them.
At the very front stood a gray-robed old man. Leaning on a wooden staff with a hunched back, he gazed up at the black mist in the sky, his eyes brimming with anticipation.
"The Epiphyllum Sect Main Branch..."
Jiang Qiong stared at the spatial fluctuations within the black mist, feeling exceedingly tense.
She had joined the Epiphyllum Sect some time ago and had gained a deep understanding of it. The Epiphyllum Sect remaining in the Nine Dynasties Land was merely a branch and could not possibly be mentioned in the same breath as the main branch.
Suddenly!
Lightning burst from within the black mist. Immediately afterward, the mist began to expand, revealing a dark crimson sky within, where surging clouds could vaguely be seen.
The gray-robed old man at the front suddenly dropped to his knees and shouted, "Welcome the Honored Master of the main branch's descent!"
As soon as he knelt, the other Epiphyllum Sect cultivators followed suit, repeating his words in unison. A thousand voices gathered together, thunderous enough to deafen the ears.
Under everyone's gaze, a figure appeared within the black mist. With his back to the dark crimson heavens, he slowly walked out.
He