Time seemed to pass both slowly and swiftly on the Ancient Domain Platform. When the rising sun once again drove away the purple mist of the Vast Desolate Ancient Region and cast golden light across the ancient stone platform, another full day had passed.
Over that day, the atmosphere on the Ancient Domain Platform subtly changed. The factions that had initially kept to themselves and guarded against one another began to communicate and cooperate in small groups.
Everyone knew that facing the legendary Beast Tide alone was tantamount to seeking death. Some smaller factions approached the major sects, hoping for protection when the tide struck. The major sects, in turn, needed these "cannon fodder" to share the pressure at the front. Each side got what it wanted, forming a brutal but practical understanding.
At noon, when the sunlight was at its fiercest and even the pressure that had lingered over the Ancient Domain Platform for ten thousand years seemed to ease a little, a clear voice suddenly rang out above the square.
"Everyone—"
The voice was not loud, yet it reached every ear with an uncanny clarity. Everyone looked up at once toward its source.
Atop the tallest stone pillar in the center of the platform stood Hun Yu, his black robes billowing in the wind. Sunlight fell across his handsome face, edging it in pale gold and making him look like an immortal descended to the mortal world.
A simple jade hairpin held up his long black hair, while a few loose strands brushed against the breeze, lending him an air of carefree elegance. Most striking were his eyes—black as ink and deep as an abyss. They swept over the crowd with a gentle smile that made people warm to him without realizing it.
There was no denying Hun