Jiuyi Mountain.
Underground palace.
Two Life Soul Lamps burned in midair.
The flames of both lamps rose several feet high, blazing fiercely and burning with vigorous life.
An old man in imperial robes, with white hair and beard, sat cross-legged on a cushion, eyes closed as he rested.
Suddenly, he felt the light before him dim. Opening his eyes, he saw that the flames of the two lamps seemed to have suffered some grievous blow and were rapidly dwindling.
Clearly, the owners of the Life Soul Lamps were facing a crisis of life and death!
At the sight, the old man in imperial robes showed no change in expression. One of the lamps belonged to Zhong Kui Yueji, Crown Prince of the Liulan Dynasty; the other belonged to Ning Wuye, Sword Son of the Cold Abyss Sword Sect.
These two were the respective heirs of the Liulan Dynasty and the Cold Abyss Sword Sect.
At that moment, a swordsman in plain clothes strode in with his head held high.
He appeared to be in his prime. His clothes were simple, and an unadorned heavy sword rested across his back. His features were stern and angular, and his entire being radiated a chilling sword intent. His eyes were exceptionally bright, like blades drawn from their sheaths; a glance from him could wound.
As soon as he entered, the swordsman asked, "How are things?"
The old man in imperial robes replied calmly, "They've begun facing their tribulations, but whether they succeed depends on their own fortunes."
The swordsman gave a slight nod. He glanced at the two Life Soul Lamps, whose flames had suddenly dropped, then swept his robe aside and sat cross-legged on a cushion nearby.
The Nine Great Sects were the top sects of the Panyai Realm. Though divided between