"Hm?"
In the Flat Peach Forest of the Kunlun Secret Realm.
A long-haired man sat cross-legged in midair. Suddenly sensing something, he looked toward a nearby stone tablet, narrowed his eyes, and gave a light wave of his hand.
Before long, an elderly Daoist drifted over and called out, "Patriarch."
The man said, "Dianyunzi has encountered an opportunity in Qi Territory. It involves the Fortune-Suppressing Golden Figures. Send someone to meet him and tell him not to get involved."
The old Daoist showed no surprise. "I shall carry out your Legalism decree."
The man then asked, "There haven't been many new names on the Starweave Ranking lately. I take it we're seeing the first results?"
"Indeed," the old Daoist replied. "It has taken root in the hearts of the Eight Sects' disciples. Nearly everyone's thoughts are fixed upon it. Even many smaller branch sects have set their sights on the ranking. The backbone of every Immortal Sect now falls within it!"
"In that case, the next stage should be put on the agenda." The man spoke lightly. "When the Divine Treasury Opening begins and calamity comes for Buddhism and Daoism, the time will be right. Otherwise, if we wait until the conflicts under heaven have taken clear shape, there will be more complications."
The old Daoist hesitated at his words, but nodded and accepted the order. Seeing that there were no further instructions, he slowly withdrew.
Once he had gone, the man abruptly looked up at the sky and laughed. "Since you're here, why hide?"
As his words fell, the sky rippled. Like a reflection fading from water, the distortion peeled away to reveal a person.
The newcomer looked about fifty and wore a Court Robe. The moment he appeared, he cupped his hands to the man. "I hope Your