The Western Pole Lands, the Myriad Mountains Ancestral Range.
The mountains towered into the clouds. Five-Colored Divine Light flowed among them, staining the firmament until it resembled an embroidered scroll of brocade. Atop the First Peak stood a majestic palace. This was Great Evolution's council hall; without a summons, none but Source-Wielding Dao Lords could enter.
Yet now, its doors stood wide open, and dozens of figures sat along either side. The Spirit Transformation Dao Lords wore sumptuous robes of every color: metallic white and wood green complemented one another, water black and fire red shone together, and brilliant yellow dazzled amid the five colors.
A clamor of discussion filled the hall.
"In the battle between the two Dao Venerables, Nether Crossing, Nether Command and Heavenly Pivot Clear Edge, the former actually won."
Some still could not believe it, their faces frozen in astonishment.
"Heavenly Pivot Clear Edge is at Mid Dao Integration—and mid-stage in the Sword Heart path, at that! How long has Du You Dao Venerable even been at Dao Integration?"
"An early-stage Dao Integration cultivator defeated a Mid Dao Integration sword cultivator? That defies all reason. Duo'e must have used some trick!"
"Silence," Sect Master Jiang Yan, seated at the head, commanded in a low voice. His gaze swept over them all. After a moment of silence, he slowly spoke:
"According to the information I received, Neth... Nether Crossing, Nether Command Dao Venerable did indeed resort to a little trickery. He deceived Heavenly Pivot Dao Venerable into entering reincarnation, then used Heaven's Will to hoodwink him and win the duel."
Only after hearing this did their expressions ease somewhat.
They had known it-Duo'e must have been playing dirty behind the scenes. Jiang Yan ignored the changes in their expressions and continued, "But I did not summon you