Gui Ying raised his eyes and calmly surveyed everyone present.
Tian Feixue sat upright, cool and aloof, a watchful sharpness concealed beneath her indifferent gaze;
Li Tianba sat steadily, his expression unreadable, his thoughts buried deep;
Dao Lord Shou Gu lowered his eyes serenely, keeping a modest profile while seeing through everything;
The Fire Dragon Daoist and the veteran powerhouses of the Dao Alchemy Alliance and the Formation Masters Association sat on either side, solemnly waiting.
In the past, any one of these titans could have stirred up a storm across the Sin Domain. They were figures he could only look up to from afar, never daring to meet their eyes.
But today, times had changed.
With the Great Dao Unification Sect behind him, he occupied the seat of honor and controlled the proceedings, directing the forces of all realms while these age-old overlords quietly bowed their heads and listened to his plans.
A secret flicker of pride passed through his heart, but he concealed it perfectly. Only a gentle, humble smile appeared on his face, his manner deferential to just the right degree.
"Please forgive me, seniors."
"This junior was fortunate enough to receive the Great Dao Unification Sect's support. I was rather presumptuous earlier and have made a fool of myself before you."
"But today's circumstances are exceptional. Calamity from beyond our domain approaches, and the Sin Domain faces an upheaval that will reshape heaven and earth. We must set aside rank and personal grudges, cast off petty divisions, discuss the greater picture together, and weather this crisis as one. We must not let minor matters jeopardize our greater cause."
His gentle, humble words came slowly. Neither overbearing nor arrogant, he took the initiative to ease the awkwardness and hostility caused by the earlier dispute over seating.
Upon