As Di Ruiqiu and Wang Dong'er successfully completed their transformations and faced the tournament's remaining challenges in entirely new forms,
Xia Ming was nowhere to be seen near the bustling competition grounds of Ming Capital.
At that moment, he stood alone west of Ming Capital, within a secluded, deep valley cut off by layers of mountains.
Before him, the view suddenly opened up to reveal a vast, boundless lake resting quietly within the embrace of the surrounding peaks.
The lake water was astonishingly clear, like an unpolished crystal reflecting the sky and drifting clouds.
Yet the most dazzling sight was the magnificent spectacle displayed by the lake itself.
It was dominated by distinct yet harmoniously mingling shades of gold and silver.
At the center of the lake was a brilliant golden region, round as the sun. Intense, warm golden light continuously rose from it as though it were tangible.
It resembled a miniature sun submerged at the bottom of the lake, radiating eternal light and heat.
Beside that golden sun rested a cool silver crescent moon.
It quietly nestled against the golden sun, giving off a gentle, pristine silver glow that intertwined with the golden radiance.
Yet neither contaminated the other, forming a breathtaking scene of sun and moon shining together, dependent upon one another.
The entire lake, along with the rocks, grass, and trees along its shores, seemed to have been dyed by those two colors.
The golden and silver halos flowed like living things, spilling down the mountainsides like mercury.
They stretched toward the more distant ranges, painting the valley into a realm of myth.
"So this is the source of that aura..."
Xia Ming stood by the lake with his hands behind his back, his eyes slightly narrowed. His divine sense spread silently like invisible ripples, penetrating