The thunderclouds finally dispersed, revealing ten thousand miles of clear blue sky. A brilliant shaft of light fell upon the spot where Ning Fan had undergone his tribulation, lending it a solemn, sacred air.
Not far away, Outer Gate disciples had gathered in throngs to witness the grand spectacle.
Voices of admiration and envy filled the crowd.
As Su Jiu walked along, listening to the young disciples' discussions, she could not help chuckling. Had she still been in the Outer Gate, she would probably have been just like them.
Once she drew closer, Su Jiu stopped advancing and blended into the crowd with the other disciples, silently watching the tall, graceful man.
His face lacked Xia Jue's handsome elegance, but his features were more deeply defined, making him unforgettable at a glance.
Ning Hai and Xia Jue stood before him, apparently speaking to him about something.
Their words softened his otherwise rather stern expression.
Soon afterward, more people arrived one after another to offer their congratulations.
Perhaps this isn't a good time, Su Jiu thought. I should come back in a few days.
With that thought, she turned to leave.
"Su Jiu." The person who called her back was Xia Jue, who had just been speaking with Ning Fan.
Su Jiu sighed helplessly. The moment she turned around, her gaze met a pair of unfathomable eyes.
She stepped forward twice and cupped her hands in greeting. "Su Jiu of Ice Veil Peak pays her respects to the Sect Leader and both senior brothers."
Then she smiled at Ning Fan. "This is our first meeting. I came especially to congratulate Senior Brother Ning on successfully forming his Nascent Soul, and to thank you for the two magic treasures you gave me."
The man nodded somewhat woodenly, without showing the slightest warmth.