The Seven-Colored Rainbow Bridge shimmered with flowing light, and walking upon it felt as steady as treading level ground.
A gentle force shielded them from the fierce winds high in the sky.
Xu Changqing stood upon the bridge and looked up. The Star Vault Palace above the Ninth Heaven flickered in and out of sight.
The immense palace floated beneath the starry sky, built entirely from ten-thousand-year ice and solidified rosy clouds.
Chill radiated in every direction, clouds and mist curled around it, and streams of aurora wound about it like ribbons.
This was where the Dongting Immortal Sect held its deliberations. One could clearly sense the movements of the sun, moon, and stars here, yet ordinary disciples could scarcely set foot within it in their entire lives.
Yet in less than a century, this was already Xu Changqing's second time taking part.
The first time, he had attended in his master's place as the Grain Lord of the Spirit Fields.
The second time, he attended as the Spirit Fields' Si Geng and acting peak master.
Though there seemed to be little difference between the two occasions, his standing and identity were no longer the same.
Upon reaching the entrance, the Seven-Colored Rainbow Bridge slowly vanished. Xu Changqing straightened his robes, then stepped inside.
The hall was vast and empty, its light soft and gentle.
At the very front stood a raised platform with nine meditation cushions upon it. The one in the middle was the largest, occupying the platform's central and most important position, clearly marking it as the seat of honor.
Before the next sect master was confirmed, the Grand Elder coordinated everything.
Thus, he sat upon the central cushion each time.
Below that were seats arranged according to the various peaks and departments.
Quite a few people