After they left.
Lingfeng Heavenly Venerable Realm sat cross-legged alone in the center of Firmament Hall, her expression blank as she murmured, "Forty thousand lengths in a hundred years—this is no longer merely a matter of attainment in formations. It is Dao Power of such unimaginable strength."
"Lingfeng, you said too much about the Nine-Heavens Immortal Alliance."
A dignified man's voice suddenly came from the depths of Firmament Hall. "For our Firmament Formation Dao Palace, that is not a good thing."
"Dao Brother Jie Nan, it was no easy feat for those born in a Small Realm to come this far. Besides, they possess extraordinary immortal Dao talent. What is wrong with that?"
"Hehe, do as you please. I fear you have already checked the Chaos Immortal Spirit Ranking. They are not listed upon it."
"...Yes."
"If their aura is not recorded by the Chaos Immortal Spirit Ranking, then they are likely Otherworldly Spirits born into this world. Such beings have never appeared in a Small Realm. It seems this is what you truly value."
The voice from deep within the great hall spread outward, growing ever more resonant. "Their bonds of Dao heart have already been severed by the Nine-Heavens Immortal Alliance. Lingfeng, do you intend to take them in? You do not understand their temperament."
"It seems nothing can be hidden from Dao Brother." A lively gleam surfaced in Lingfeng's eyes. "My Moonlight Array Palace has enough room for their entire family. I already investigated them during the journey to the Immortal Prison. They are people of deep feeling and true nature. I am quite satisfied with their character."
"It is rare for someone to catch your eye in this Taiyi Great World. If they wish to ascend to the Nine Heavens, you may be dragged into it.