Inside the main hall, the soaring enthusiasm that had just ignited was instantly doused by this sudden, overwhelming pressure.
Every Interception Sect disciple turned deathly pale in an instant.
They knew this pressure all too well.
The ruler of the Three Realms, Emperor Haotian!
Why had he come? And in his true body, no less!
Daoist Duobao, Zhao Gongming, and the others felt their hearts tighten and instinctively looked toward Sect Leader Tongtian.
Sect Leader Tongtian frowned deeply, sword intent rising around him as he prepared to stand.
"Master, please remain calm."
Chen Changsheng gently raised a hand and stopped him.
There was not the slightest surprise on his face, nor even the faintest ripple of emotion.
He merely picked up the teacup beside him and took an unhurried sip.
"It seemed Client Father had come personally to inspect the project's progress."
With that, he set down his teacup and rose to his feet.
"Open the gates. Welcome our guest."
Outside the mountain gates of Golden Ao Island.
Emperor Haotian, clad in the Nine-Dragon Imperial Robe and wearing the Flat-Heaven Crown, stood with his hands behind his back.
He had brought no ceremonial retinue, yet his presence was more suffocating than the arrival of billions of Heavenly Soldiers and generals.
Golden Heavenly Dao Dragon Qi coiled around him, and wherever his gaze fell, the Laws of Space faintly warped.
Buzz—
The Mountain Protection Array silently slid apart to either side.
Chen Changsheng led the Interception Sect's core disciples out at a measured pace.
"Chen Changsheng of the Interception Sect greets His Heavenly Majesty."
He offered Haotian a Daoist salute that was neither servile nor overbearing.
"Your Majesty has honored us with your presence. Forgive us for failing to welcome you from afar."
Haotian's gaze fell upon Chen Changsheng like two