Above Jinao Island, layers upon layers of auspicious clouds blotted out the sky and sun.
The viewing area on the high platform stood atop the tallest mountain at the island's center. The mountaintop had been flattened and paved with White Jade slabs, with carved Jade Pillars standing on all four sides.
Night-Shining Pearls were set into the tops of the pillars, their glow illuminating the entire high platform.
Several Cloud Beds were arranged in a circle on the stage, each with a small table before it laden with Spirit Fruit, Spiritual Tea, and Spirit Wine.
In the distance, a phenomenon appeared on the horizon.
In the eastern sky, Violet Qi arrived from the east, vast and boundless as it spread for thirty thousand miles.
Within the Violet Qi, a chariot drawn by Nine Golden Dragons slowly approached. Seated within was a young white-haired Daoist with handsome features, Yin-Yang Qi swirling around him.
Laozi stood at his side, his snow-white hair cascading over his shoulders. His face was impossibly youthful, with faint Yin-Yang Qi lingering around him.
Su Miao stepped forward and offered a junior's salute.
"Master Father, Second Master."
Laozi gave a slight nod, his tone carrying a trace of indifference.
"Mm."
The second group to arrive was the Two Sages of the West.
In the western sky, Golden Light shone everywhere. Golden Lotuses drifted down from the heavens, landing upon the sea, the mountaintops, and everyone's shoulders.
The golden lotuses did not shatter. Instead, they turned into specks of Golden Light and dissipated into the air.
Jieyin and Zhunti arrived side by side, one restrained and profound, the other flamboyant and uninhibited.
A sharp Sword Light tore through the sky.
After the Sword Light passed, Tongtian appeared above Jinao Island. Dressed in black martial attire, his hair falling short