The Curtain Rises

But today was, after all, no longer like the past.

In the past, Immortal Spirit Mountain had been occupied by the five clans, the absolute core territory of the Immortal Spirit Five Clans.

But now, Immortal Spirit Mountain no longer nominally belonged to the five clans; it fell under the jurisdiction of the Longevity Sect.

The Longevity Sect had also established an administrative office on Immortal Spirit Mountain, overseeing every aspect of the mountain.

Though such oversight was, for the most part, merely superficial, much like imperial authority in the secular world never reaching the countryside.

Yet the Longevity Sect's deterrent power—its dominance born of absolute strength—was countless times more terrifying than secular imperial authority.

Following the secret prompting of the people above the clouds, the Longevity Sect Foundation Establishment deacon stationed here was struck by inspiration and went to inspect the five clans. The slightest irregularities immediately aroused this Foundation Establishment deacon's vigilance.

After investigating in secret, the traces hidden in the shadows emerged. Once the truth behind it all lay before him, the Longevity Sect Foundation Establishment deacon was instantly beside himself with joy.

On this day, while the five clans' Foundation Establishment cultivators gathered outside the underground relic and discussed how to conceal and explore it,

a figure who should not have been there slowly revealed himself. The clamorous sounds of argument vanished in an instant, and everyone stared in near disbelief at the Longevity Sect Foundation Establishment deacon who had appeared.

"You people hid yourselves quite deeply!"

The man spoke faintly, looking at the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Immortal Spirit Five Clans with a smile that was not quite a smile.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators of the five clans looked at one another. For a moment, they had all forgotten how to respond.

The might