Heaven Pool.
Black clouds churned and piled up, stretching like mountains. Their crushing weight pressed the sky low, until sea and sky nearly met in a single line. The dark heavens drew close to the shadowed sea, like a scroll painted in splashed ink.
Ren Yang waterlight darted through sea and sky like dragons and serpents. Countless formation patterns descended from the Great Void, finally gathering at the center.
At the heart of the Ren Sea, two spirit mountains stood amid the waves, both bright yellow. Gen and Dui qi circulated around them, and demon soldiers stood guard. These were [Ancient Hua] and [Bright Zenith].
Ancient Hua Mountain had formed from the fall of a Purple Mansion cultivator and was a Spirit Land, whereas Bright Zenith Mountain was a spirit artifact that manifested as a mountain to anchor the sea.
Between the two mountains, a pillar of black stone had risen at some unknown moment. Its upper end reached the azure firmament, while its base sank into the shadowed sea. Black clouds and Mystic Patterns of lakes and marshes were carved upon it, along with traces of coiling dragons and serpents.
Xu Xuan stood among the clouds, with Bo Chang at his side. This newly ascended Purple Mansion cultivator of the Soaring Serpent lineage waited respectfully beside him, observing the etiquette of a junior cultivator.
"What is this?"
He asked now because Bo Chang had only spoken of restoring the formation within Heaven Pool, yet had manifested this object instead, leaving Xu Xuan somewhat puzzled.
"Your Majesty, this is the [Sea-Capital Dragon Pillar]. It is not a physical object, but a manifestation of authority and rank, appearing of its own accord."
Bo Chang was tall and slender, clad in bronze armor patterned with thunder marks. He activated an incantation, fully