On the day of the Golden Scale Assembly's Chief Battle.
The teahouses, taverns, and even roadside stalls along every street in Southern Chu's Imperial Capital were packed with people. A spirit mirror stood in the middle of each crowd, and everyone was discussing the day's contest.
"This year's Golden Scale Assembly really has broken new ground."
"Not only have several heirs to Origin Laws appeared, but Demon Seeds even stirred up trouble a few days ago. Fortunately, Youyun Prefecture discovered and exterminated them in time, or you and I might have suffered."
"And today's contest for the chief's title is even more interesting."
"On one side is our great Chu's Third Prince, a Personal Disciple of High Immortal Qionghua of Lutai Mountain, a prized pupil of Martial God Zhu Huai, and the bearer of a Heaven Rank Gui Water Spirit Bone. He truly is a favored son of heaven."
"On the other is Xu Taiping, from True Martial Heaven, where martial fortunes have withered. He was merely a Cowherd Boy in the mortal world, and his sect might not even rank as third-rate in Youyun Heaven."
"Yet these two people are actually going to contend for the chief's title on the Golden Scale Platform today."
"Even the finest fortune-teller could never have foretold such a situation!"
Inside a teahouse, a gray-haired storyteller swayed his head as he described the day's contest to his audience.
"Oh, oh, they're here! They're here, they're here! The honored guests invited by the Third Prince have arrived!"
"Stop shoving! Stop shoving! I can't see!"
Suddenly, a commotion swept through both the teahouse's patrons and the crowds watching in the streets.
"Come, take a look! Let's see whom our great Chu's Imperial Clan has invited."
The storyteller waved a hand, and the image in the spirit