Heaven-Piercing Peak, Yuqing Hall.
Fine sandalwood incense burned in the censer, its smoke rising in delicate wisps.
In the past, this had been a sacred place in the Qingyun Sect. The disciples didn't even dare make a sound as they walked.
Today was no different.
At the center of the hall, Sect Master Dao Xuan Zhenren sat solemnly in the seat of honor.
He held a string of jade prayer beads, unconsciously rubbing his thumb over the largest bead.
The leaders of the various peaks sat in two rows below him, arranged on either side.
Daoist Cangsong of Dragon Head Peak wore an impassive expression. His back was as straight as a spear, and a chilling air that warned others to keep their distance radiated from him.
Master Shuiyue of Small Bamboo Peak had a slight furrow between her brows, and her gaze kept drifting toward the hall entrance.
Shang Zhengliang of Chaoyang Peak, Daoist Tianyun of Luoxia Peak, and the others sat upright, their eyes meeting briefly in the air before quickly looking away.
The oppressive atmosphere made anyone want to turn and run.
"Whoosh—"
Two figures landed in the plaza before the hall.
They were Tian Buyi and Ye Xuan, hurrying to join the gathering.
Tian Buyi straightened his robes, shedding his usual languid manner for a stern, grave expression. He strode into the hall with his legs wide apart.
Ye Xuan followed behind him, eyes lowered and looking for all the world like a wronged young wife.
But as he bowed his head, his eyes swiftly swept around the hall.
Good grief.
They were all high-ranking figures.
The leaders of the Seven Peaks were all here, except for his own master, who had only just arrived.
What was this, the end of the world?
"Junior Brother Tian,