The representatives of the major powers exchanged glances, the panic from Yu Yuanzhen's crushing defeat still lingering in their eyes, even as the allure of the soul spirit system tugged at their hearts.
Prince Xue Xing's knuckles whitened as he clenched his sleeves, his fingertips still slick with the cold sweat Xiong Jun's pressure had frightened out of him. Clearly, he had yet to recover from that terror. Zhu Tianyu quietly tucked his crumpled resource list into his robes, unconsciously smoothing the hem. He forced a composed expression onto his face, but no longer dared let his gaze wander toward the soul beasts.
Two disciples carefully supported Yu Yuanzhen. The bloodstains on his robes had yet to dry, and his gaze toward the Branch Hall's entrance was filled with a tangled mixture of shame and resentment.
In the end, none of them wanted to miss a ceremony that might change the balance of the continent. They steeled themselves and followed Qian Daoliu.
The moment they entered, the hall's arrangement caught their attention:
White jade benches stood in neat rows along both sides of the hall, their surfaces engraved with simple angel motifs. With Spirit Hall's gold as the dominant color, the decor was solemn yet elegant.
Pale golden light slowly flowed through the Contracting Array in the central clearing, its runes radiating a sacred aura. Crystal lamps hung from the ceiling, casting soft light over the reliefs on the surrounding walls depicting humans and soul beasts living together.
Once everyone had entered, Qian Daoliu turned toward Bi Ji on the left and spoke calmly:
"Bi Ji, is everyone from Star Dou ready? If everything is in order, we can begin."
Bi Ji nodded gently, but her gaze turned toward the entrance as she answered with patience:
"All the soul beasts