Deep within the Grotto-Heaven.
Li Fire burned in surging waves, and searing currents of blazing summer air churned in every direction, staining the peak vermilion. A brilliant golden palace stood majestically at its summit, ancient and weathered, as though it had stood there for thousands of years.
A young man sat upon a yellow jade throne inside the palace. He wore an apricot-yellow Daoist robe and a short saber at his waist. His features were heroic, his eyes bright as torches as he gazed through the palace doors at the endless expanse of brownish-yellow Wu Light.
The radiance of Wu Earth resembled a towering city wall, sealing off the center of the Grotto-Heaven so tightly that even Purple Mansion cultivators could not shake it in the slightest. They could only wait for the grand formation to dissolve on its own.
Beside an azure wood pillar, a woman stood at a languid angle. Her face was as lovely as peach blossoms and plum flowers, her green skirt secured with a jade belt, her bearing graceful and composed. A black-sheened longsword hung at her side, and she carried the Bronze Sword Casket on her back. It was Gongsun Xi.
Song Shiyi turned his gaze toward her, the corners of his lips rising in a teasing half-smile. He merely said:
"That Calamity-Splitting Sword Immortal really has met with calamity now-the [Heavenly Decline Yin Candle]. Hah, Dust-Sweeping even brought out a treasure like that. They certainly aren't worried about losing face."
"An Xianhui has suffered two defeats in a row. I fear the position of Dao Scion will soon change hands."
Gongsun Xi shook her head, her voice clear as a plucked zither string.
"I wouldn't be so sure. What a schemer True Person Lingjing is! If he truly wanted that Sword Immortal's life,