The morning sun broke through the dawn mist and shone into Void Mountain. The pavilions and towers among the peaks seemed draped in robes of rosy cloud, and even the dark-green forests were edged in gold.
In the Disciple Quarters, Mo Hua, who had practiced Array Techniques on the Dao Stele all night, opened his eyes.
His eyes were like daybreak at the edge of the sky; golden light flashed in them, for a moment more radiant than the rosy clouds filling the heavens.
"Finally, today is the Sword Discussion Assembly..."
Mo Hua murmured softly.
He drew in a deep breath and, facing the morning sun, cultivated as usual for half an hour. Only after spiritual energy had circulated through the heavenly circuit, traveled through his meridians, and settled into his Qi Sea did he put on Void Gate's Daoist Robe and step out of the Disciple Quarters.
Outside the Disciple Quarters, most of the disciples had already woken.
At this moment, they had gathered in twos and threes, bathing in the morning glow. Face after face looked lively, noisy, and full of vigor.
Today was the day of their sword discussion.
It was the one and only Sword Discussion Assembly of their lives.
All the disciples were both expectant and nervous.
When the hour arrived, after breakfast, Elder Xun Zixian came over, gathered the disciples together, counted the people present, and gave a few more instructions regarding the sword discussion. Then he looked around and slowly said:
"Set out. We're going to Dao Discussion Mountain."
The disciples' expressions grew even more solemn, and their hearts beat a little faster.
After that, Xun Zixian led the disciples out of Void Gate and straight toward Dao Discussion Mountain at the center of Ganxue Prefecture.
The main road was packed with cultivators.