The chaos beneath the platform naturally went unattended. On either side of the arena, two figures entered at the same time.
All personal disciples wore the same ultramarine robes, yet on Chu Shihan, they seemed exceptionally solemn—his shoulders and back stood straight as a sword, his robes hung like a cascading waterfall from the nine heavens, and when sunlight fell upon him, even his shadow appeared steadier than everyone else's.
The entirely black longsword at his waist had an unadorned sheath, plain and unremarkable, yet it inspired dread at a glance.
The moment Chu Shihan stepped onto the arena, the Profound Heaven Sect disciples erupted in a synchronized shout: "Go, Eldest Senior Brother!"
Their voices were loud and unified, brimming with expectation and pride. More than a hundred people shouted as one, and the waves of sound nearly overturned the clouds at the edge of the Sword Trial Platform.
The Undying Flame disciples were no less willing to yield: "Go, Eldest Senior Brother!"
They naturally numbered fewer than the Profound Heaven Sect disciples, but the force of their shouts did not fall short in the slightest. Especially the younger junior brothers and sisters in the front row—their faces had turned red, and they were nearly shouting themselves hoarse.
Jing Cangyi's robes were light and thin, fluttering faintly in the wind. Unlike Chu Shihan's weighty composure, he resembled a February peach tree in spring, its blossoms not yet open. The blazing-red sash around his waist—the very one Bai Moxiao had given him two days ago—stood out brilliantly against his white robes.
Shen Yuxi stood among the Profound Heaven Sect disciples, watching the two figures and silently shouting along in his heart, Go, Eldest Senior Brother!
Chu Shihan's steps paused. He gritted his teeth but did not turn around.
*You'd better actually