Above the Misty Cloud Sect's mountain gate, the sea of clouds churned as immortal mist coiled through the air. Milky-white wisps of cloud wrapped around the mountaintop like gauze, making the entire sect seem like a celestial realm. The vast White Jade Square was paved with slabs of pure white marble, still smooth and pristine after a hundred years. Sunlight spilled across it, reflecting a dazzling radiance. On either side of the square stood dozens of stone steles engraved with the sect's scriptures and the names of powerful figures from past generations. Lifelike flying cranes were carved atop the steles, as though they might spread their wings and soar away at any moment. Several dozen Misty Cloud Sect disciples, dressed in matching green combat attire and holding gleaming longswords, stood solemnly beside the steles. Straight as pines and steady in bearing, they filled the entire square with a grave, imposing atmosphere.
At the center of the square stood a White Jade Arena, several yards high and raised above the ground. Its edges were carved with intricate cloud patterns, each line painstakingly polished and glinting coldly beneath the sun. Silk banners bearing the words "Fair Competition" hung around the arena, fluttering gently in the breeze—this was the site of the Three-Year Pact, and also the place where the Misty Cloud Sect elders had decided to "settle their grudges."
Nalan Yanran wore light-purple combat attire as she stood straight at one side of the arena. The lotus Jade Pendant at her waist swayed gently with her even breaths, producing faint clinking sounds. Her long hair was pinned high with a Jade Hairpin, exposing her delicate neck. Her eyes remained fixed resolutely on the Misty Cloud Sect elders across from her, her lips pressed tightly together with a trace of barely perceptible stubbornness.