The night wind swept up fallen leaves, sending them swirling across the White Jade Plaza.
Zhou Xuan sat in his chair and casually tossed the Black Token, made of neither metal nor jade, onto the table beside him.
The token struck the jade surface with a dull thud.
"The previous Court Guardian Pavilion Master."
Zhou Xuan spoke evenly, as though mentioning something of no consequence.
The Alliance Leader of the Purple-Gold Immortal Vein had been a hazy apparition, but the instant he heard those words, his figure abruptly solidified.
He stared fixedly at the token on the table, which radiated the aura of the Immortal Court Origin Source. Every trace of composure vanished from his face.
Half an hour later.
Deep within the Purple-Gold Immortal Vein, in the Confidential Council Hall.
Intricate isolating formation patterns covered the surrounding walls, sealing the space so tightly that not even a breath of air could escape.
The room was brightly lit. Five people sat around an antique round table.
The atmosphere was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.
Emperor Jiang Wu sat upright to the left of the head seat, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the Jade Pendant at his waist.
Old Ancestor Cangwu bowed his head, staring blankly at the teacup before him. Old Ancestor Xuanming squirmed in his chair like an irritable, caged beast.
The Alliance Leader placed the Black Token in the very center of the table and spoke gravely. "Young friend Zhou was not mistaken. This is indeed the highest-ranking token of the Court Guardian Pavilion. That senior... is actually still alive."
"Living like a dog."
Zhou Xuan leaned against his chair back and mercilessly twisted the knife.
"A peerless Dao fruit, imperishable through ten thousand tribulations—and once that stuff touches him, he still has to hide in