At the center of the Wilderness of Witches stood Chongxi Mountain.
Origin Magnetism Divine Radiance trembled incessantly, surging from the mountain's roots and churning the clouds above. Looking up, one could see formations laid across several Spirit Peaks, their dark-gold patterns flickering in and out.
Outside the mountain stood a Daoist with a sword on his back. His black Daoist robe was embroidered with vivid fire clouds, dancing Red Sparrows, and glistening, round red fruits. He had descended from the heavens on a thunderbolt, a letter still clasped in his hand.
His eyes were deep and unreadable, revealing neither joy nor anger. They seemed to hold layer upon layer of dark clouds, concealing every thought and emotion. Occasionally, a glint escaped as his eyes opened and closed, enough to make one's heart tremble.
Zhu Yuanyun had long since noticed the disturbance outside the mountain. When he saw the visitor, his stern expression softened considerably, and he smiled. The servants around him looked surprised, but none dared speak.
"Abbot Xu, you're here. Our clan has been waiting for some time."
This direct descendant of the Zhu Clan studied the man before him. They belonged to the same generation, and the other man was likewise at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage, yet the feeling he gave Zhu Yuanyun was entirely different. It was as though an Immortal Edge pressed straight against his brow, its pure sword qi hidden within its sheath.
He had already heard how sharp this Abbey Master's sword qi was and had even met him once during Qi Refining. Now that they had established their foundations, the other man's presence still firmly towered over his own, forcing Zhu Yuanyun to take him seriously.
Calling him "Abbey Master" now was a mark of respect. Otherwise, with Zhu Yuanyun's standing, addressing