After several incense sticks had burned, a hum rang out. Spiritual light surged around the enormous Spirit Boat as it slowly rose into the air.
Brimming with curiosity, Jiang Lu leaned over the railing on the deck, her eyes darting all around.
A clearly visible white barrier enveloped the Spirit Boat. As it flew, the barrier met the currents of air and sent ripples spreading across its surface.
On impulse, she raised a hand to touch the flowing barrier.
Just as her fingertips drew close, a gentle chuckle sounded beside her ear.
Jiang Lu whipped around and saw Ye Qing walking toward her.
She quickly straightened and bowed. "Master."
Ye Qing nodded, his expression warm. His voice reached her clearly. "Come. I'll introduce you to the disciples joining us in the Heaven's Chosen Competition."
Jiang Lu blinked, then nodded at once. "Yes, Master."
She followed obediently behind Ye Qing and went up to the hall on the second floor.
The hall was already packed with leaders from factions throughout the Immortal Cultivation Realm.
Pavilion Master Ye Qingluan and the sect masters of the three great sects occupied the seats of honor on either side at the front of the hall.
Below them, the patriarchs or presiding elders of the ten Aristocratic Clans sat in two rows.
Beside each stood the disciples their clans had entered in the competition.
Jiang Lu recognized quite a few faces. She had seen them at her apprenticeship ceremony.
At Ye Qing's signal, Jiang Lu stepped forward. Calm and unassuming, neither servile nor arrogant, she bowed deeply to everyone in the hall.
"I, disciple Jiang Lu, greet you, seniors."
Every gaze settled on Jiang Lu.
Seeing how gracefully she conducted herself, without a trace of pride or restlessness, the sect masters and clan elders silently approved.