Deep within Sky-Mending Pavilion, in Divine Vine Courtyard.
The courtyard, once lifeless and bleak, was now brimming with vitality.
The Ancient Vine had been reborn. To keep up appearances, it had deliberately restrained its Divine Radiance, making itself look as withered and close to death as ever.
But the vigorous life force surging within it could not fool the few senior figures present.
"Venerable One, as you instructed, all information regarding the Sacrificial Spirit's revival and your arrival has been tightly sealed."
The Sky-Mending Pavilion Master stood respectfully beside Ye Xuan, unable to hide his excitement.
"Rumors are spreading that the Sacrificial Spirit is about to pass away and Sky-Mending Pavilion is in its twilight years. Many beings from the Primordial Divine Mountains and hostile factions have already begun prowling outside our gates, testing the waters."
It was a gamble—and a trap set to lure their enemies in.
Ye Xuan stood with his hands behind his back, watching the clouds drift beyond the courtyard, his expression calm.
"Good."
"If they want to take advantage of us, let them come. We can clear out all the small fry who show themselves in one fell swoop. That'll save us the trouble of tracking them down one by one later."
Ye Xuan didn't take this sort of scheming too seriously.
Those so-called Venerables were nothing more than ants in his eyes.
If he had to act, he wouldn't even bother using a divine ability. He'd just slap them to death.
"I'll be staying here for a few days, if you don't mind."
Ye Xuan turned, his gaze settling on Shi Hao nearby.
"The kid has built a decent foundation, but he's still a hair short of true perfection. Now that the Double Pupils wielder called Shi Yi has appeared, I need to make