In the void, black and white pieces crisscrossed an enormous chessboard. One white piece inexplicably began to flicker. Before long, it turned transparent, then quietly vanished...
A deep, rhythmic voice slowly rang out. "The first..."
Heavenly Origin Hall, Azure Tide Sect.
The Sect Master, along with the elders and Peak Masters, stood around several Message Talismans, speaking in low voices.
Ever since Xia Jue had led the Enforcement Hall disciples into the Demon-Subduing Land, he had sent news every few days.
By half a month ago, Ning Hai had received more than a dozen Message Talismans.
From that point onward, however, Xia Jue had stopped sending any news. Only yesterday had Ning Hai finally received another Message Talisman.
Yet the talisman contained only half of what Xia Jue had meant to say. Something seemed to have interrupted him before he could finish the rest.
This sudden development had forced Ning Hai to raise his guard. Overnight, he had sent Xia Jue several Message Talismans asking about the situation, but none had received a reply.
He had listened to that half-finished message over and over. The more he listened, the more something felt wrong, leading to today's meeting.
That morning, Ning Hai had received a Message Talisman from Chu Mojin, saying that barring any surprises, he would reach the sect that day.
Ning Hai had therefore considered having Chu Mojin and Chu Luohen join them. With luck, perhaps Su Jiu could participate as well.
After all, he had watched Su Jiu grow up. Her intelligence was probably no less than Xia Jue's, and she should be able to glean more useful information...
With that thought in mind, he had remained silent after gathering everyone.
Those who understood knew that Ning Hai was waiting for the people from Ice Veil Peak.