"...Li Yunjing kept his aura contained, unfathomably deep. Judging by his bone age, he was frighteningly young, yet he already led a sect and commanded the wholehearted allegiance of two Spirit Transformation True Lords. He was no ordinary man."
"Fellow Daoist Xiao Xuan's aura was also more harmonious, as though he had made further progress."
"The two sides were closely bound, advancing and retreating together. They had clearly forged a firm alliance."
The Marquis recounted everything he had witnessed that day.
"Understood."
"The Divine Firmament Dao Sect holds the Myriad Demon Tower. It is a crucial link."
Emperor Huangze listened quietly, neither joy nor sorrow showing on his face. Only after a moment did he speak slowly. "The Xiao Family is entrenched in Luofu and possesses formidable strength. This alliance deserves attention. I will make my own arrangements at tomorrow's banquet. You may withdraw."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Marquis bowed and quietly withdrew.
Emperor Huangze remained alone on the Star Observation Platform, the night breeze stirring his robes.
"Only when heroes contend for the deer does the true dragon reveal itself."
He gazed into the star-studded night sky, his eyes fathomless. "Li Yunjing... I hope you do not disappoint me."
The following day, the hour of the snake drew near.
"Dong, dong, dong..."
Deep, resonant bells echoed across the entire Imperial Capital, ringing nine times in all-the number of supreme sovereignty. It was the signal that the banquet at Wanhuang Palace was about to begin.
Li Yunjing, True Lord Wuxing, Qin Jiuxiao, Ming Lingchuan, and the others opened their quiet-room doors almost simultaneously.
They exchanged nods, each seeing solemnity in the others' eyes.
Outside their temporary residence, Ancestor Xiao Xuan arrived punctually with the Xiao Family's core members.
The two leaders' gazes met. No words were needed; their understanding was