It was three quarters past the hour of the dragon.
Su Ming emerged from his Cave Mansion on Back Mountain.
His black robes were clean and tidy.
His face was still somewhat pale, but that did nothing to diminish his bearing.
Luo Yiyi followed at his side, her white robes simple and elegant.
They walked shoulder to shoulder toward the council hall.
"Have all the envoys been notified?"
Su Ming asked casually.
"Yes."
Luo Yiyi nodded.
"Tian Ji sent people to invite them from the guest courtyard early this morning."
"The Qingqiu Demon Kingdom said they would arrive on time."
"The envoy from the Blood Fiend Devil Abyss put on airs, though, and told us to wait a little longer."
Su Ming smiled faintly.
"That's fine."
"If they want to wait, let them wait."
There was not the slightest concern in his voice.
As the two spoke,
they reached the entrance to the council hall.
Xuanyuan Tian Ji and Feng Xuanzi were already waiting there.
"Su Ming."
Xuanyuan Tian Ji stepped forward and spoke quietly.
"The envoy from the Qingqiu Demon Kingdom has arrived and is waiting in the side hall."
"There's still no word from the Blood Fiend Devil Abyss."
Su Ming gave a slight nod.
"Let's go inside."
"We'll meet Qingqiu's people first."
With that, he strode into the hall.
He went straight to the seat of honor and sat down.
Xuanyuan Tian Ji and Feng Xuanzi took their seats to his left and right.
Luo Yiyi stood half a step behind Su Ming at his side.
Her cool gaze swept toward the entrance.
"Show the Qingqiu envoy in."
Su Ming spoke calmly.
"As you command."
The disciple outside the hall answered loudly.
A moment later,
two figures slowly entered the hall, guided by the disciple.
Leading them