Old Ancestor Jiao Yang bent down, silently picked up the Jade Casket, and turned to leave.
As he left, at least thirty pairs of eyes on the Square followed his retreating figure.
The representatives of other factions who had also been tempted to approach Zhou Xuan privately beforehand withdrew the feet they had already stepped forward with and retreated into their respective Immortal Boats.
The news spread faster than laws themselves.
In less than an incense stick's time, the restless, eager tension that had been surging beneath the surface in the docking area quieted, as though someone had thrown a basin of cold water over it.
No one dared take another step.
Inside the Secret Chamber, Zhou Xuan listened to Wuchen's report and nodded in satisfaction.
"This dog Zhao Tu is proving handy."
Lin Qingzhu rolled her eyes at him.
"He's still the strongest person below the Longevity Realm. Show a little mercy with that mouth of yours."
"He's happy to do it."
Zhou Xuan closed his eyes again.
"Help me check the seating plan for tomorrow's assembly again. The Alliance Leader's proposal is too conservative. The Court Guardian Pavilion can't be seated among the guests."
"Where, then?"
"Directly opposite."
"Face-to-face with the Grand Hua Old Ancestor."
Lin Qingzhu picked up the seating plan, glanced at it, and understood his intent.
Making the Court Guardian Pavilion's people face the Grand Hua Old Ancestor, the very evidence of the crime, would exert constant psychological pressure on them.
She was about to speak when the air inside the Secret Chamber suddenly froze for an instant.
An exceedingly faint aura, carrying the decaying scent of ages, seeped out of the void.
Lin Qingzhu whipped around, her Silver Needles already clasped between her fingers.
"Don't be nervous."
An aged voice emerged from the shadows.