Secrets Deep Within the Black Sky and Silver Earth

Taiyi Sect.

Eight Pillars Peak rose and fell in endless succession like green waves rolling across the sea. Ancient, solemn sect buildings dotted the winding mountains and valleys, grand and magnificent.

The pealing of bells echoed throughout Eight Pillars Peak.

Colorful banners had been temporarily raised along the mountain paths between the eight peaks. At every summit stood Taiyi Sect disciples dressed in uniform sect robes.

On the great plaza before the grandest main sect gate, Taiyi Treasure Hall, a massive four-legged square cauldron transformed from the Taiyi Prosperous Cauldron Card burned with rising incense. The smoke gathered into a huge line of words floating in midair, exceptionally eye-catching.

"Taiyi Sect warmly welcomes the Federation Representative, the esteemed Restrainer Lord Tang Jian, for his inspection and guidance!"

Beneath the line of smoke-formed words.

Led by Taiyi Sect Master Taiyuan, the sect elders stood in two rows. Taiyi and Taiqian both stood behind Taiyuan, all waiting solemnly in the plaza.

Taiqian stared at the distant sky for a long time without seeing anyone. She withdrew her gaze, then looked at her father's not especially tall but solid back and could not help asking.

"Dad, how much longer do we have to wait?"

Taiyuan remained expressionless and did not turn to look at Taiqian. He replied evenly, "However long it takes, we must wait. Since Lord Tang said he would visit our Taiyi Sect, we cannot neglect the proper courtesies."

Taiqian pressed her lips together and said nothing, but she felt stifled and resentful inside. Still, she dared not voice her anger.

The person she had once been able to provoke and even plot against had now become someone far beyond her reach, someone she could not even dare speak a word to.

"Little sister, this is reality. This is society. You