Nine deep tolls of a bell suddenly resounded throughout Spirit City, solemn and far-reaching, piercing the morning mist and carrying down every street.
The once-noisy plaza fell utterly silent. Hundreds of thousands of citizens held their breath at once, their eyes turning in unison toward the passage to the left of the judgment platform.
The heavy black-iron gates slowly opened with a muffled creak.
The first to emerge were a hundred Spirit Hall knights clad in silver armor. They carried spears and marched in perfect step, their armor reflecting a cold gleam in the morning light.
Every knight was at least a Soul King, and a fierce killing intent radiated from them. Wherever they passed, even the air seemed to freeze.
Twelve cardinals followed close behind, wearing red robes embroidered with golden angel crests. They held sacred scriptures and softly chanted holy prayers.
Golden motes drifted from their bodies and settled on the twelve obsidian pillars. The sacred flames atop the pillars instantly surged three feet higher, their roaring blaze enveloping the entire judgment platform in a holy halo.
Throughout the plaza, the citizens lowered their heads and bowed to the sacred flames, silently reciting the teachings of the Angel God.
Just then, a golden figure slowly emerged from the depths of the passage.
Qian Xunji wore his papal vestments and a triple crown. Three pairs of outspread angel wings were embroidered on his golden robe, its hem trailing across the ground and swaying gently with his steps.
His expression was imposing, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's. Merely standing there, he stirred in everyone the impulse to prostrate themselves in worship.
Step by step, he ascended the judgment platform and stood upon the angel crest at its center, slowly sweeping his gaze across the crowd.
Wherever his gaze