At the very center of that Star Sea sat three figures.
The one in the middle was an old man who looked to be in his sixties, with white hair and beard, a lean face, and a gray Daoist robe washed nearly white. He merely sat there quietly, yet a rhythm of oneness with heaven and earth emanated from him.
To his left stood Daoist Qingyuan. To his right was Daoist Wuzhen.
Chen Changqing's gaze fell on the old man in the middle, and his heart jolted.
Was this the First Elder, Tianyuan Patriarch?
He really had broken through!
The Dao charm naturally emanating from Tianyuan Patriarch made even Chen Changqing's primordial spirit tremble. This was not fear, but the instinctive awe of a lower form of life before a higher one.
"Disciple Chen Changqing pays his respects to Tianyuan Patriarch."
Chen Changqing hurried forward and bowed deeply with the utmost respect.
Tianyuan Patriarch slowly opened his eyes, his gaze settling on Chen Changqing.
Those eyes were profound and calm, as though they could see through every illusion in the world.
He looked Chen Changqing up and down, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
"Rise," Tianyuan Patriarch said gently. "There is no need for such ceremony."
Chen Changqing rose as instructed, but did not dare lift his head to meet his gaze. He simply stood with his head bowed.
A brief silence fell over the hall.
Tianyuan Patriarch merely watched Chen Changqing without saying a word.
The feeling of being scrutinized by such a supreme powerhouse brought a sheen of cold sweat to Chen Changqing's back. He did not know why Tianyuan Patriarch had summoned him, so he could only force himself to steady his mind and wait for him to speak.
A long while passed.
Tianyuan Patriarch suddenly