Elsewhere, within the Heavy Earth Gate's council hall.
Ouyang Changhe sat high in the seat of honor, his expression composed, though a trace of gravity lay in his eyes.
In the guest seat below sat a man who appeared to be around forty.
He had a high, straight nose and wore a fitted black robe embellished with silver thread. The front of the robe was embroidered with the Jade Balance Star pattern—the standard attire of an ordinary outer sect elder of the Heavenly Evolution Upper Sect.
Though he was merely an elder, and his cultivation was only at the Late True Astral Realm, the robes he wore represented absolute authority and backing throughout the two regions.
With a smile, Ouyang Changhe said, "Envoy He has come from afar to grace our humble sect. Ouyang failed to welcome you properly from afar; please forgive the discourtesy!"
He Yue merely waved a hand casually. His manner was ordinary, as though he had long since grown accustomed to such treatment. "Sect Master Ouyang is too courteous. I am simply carrying out orders. There is no need for excessive ceremony."
"May I ask what instructions Envoy He has brought on this visit?"
Ouyang Changhe probed, though many conjectures had already arisen in his heart.
"Instructions would be too much to call it."
He Yue nodded faintly. "Sect Master Ouyang has surely heard that the Upper Sect intends to select elite disciples from the various sects?"
Ouyang Changhe's heart tightened at once. As expected, it was for this matter!
Without revealing anything, he nodded. "The Heavenly Evolution Upper Sect wishes to gather elite disciples from the two regions, resist the Demonic Sect together, and cultivate talent. This is a far-sighted undertaking, and Ouyang has indeed heard of it. Has a final decision been made?"
"That