When the Starfall Boat carried Han Li and Mo Canglan back to Purple Sky Peak, the lights in the Star Palace's main hall had been burning all night. Grand Elder Xing Xuanzi stood on the jade steps before the hall, his Nascent Soul Late Stage spiritual pressure looming over everyone like a mountain. Behind him, the Thirty-Six Peak Heads stood in two rows, while Enforcement Hall disciples stood solemnly with formation flags in hand, as though the heavens were about to fall.
Yet the Star Palace Twin Saints—Ling Xiaofeng and Ling Yuling—who had once appeared and vanished amid the clouds, were nowhere to be seen. Though the terrifying pressure of the Nascent Soul Late Stage filled the hall, it lacked the unfathomable depth of those half a step from Deity Transformation.
"Grand Elder, why are the Twin Saints absent?" Han Li could not help asking.
Xing Xuanzi's expression tightened slightly. "The Twin Saints are in seclusion on Magnetic Essence Mountain, comprehending the final level of the Magnetic Essence Art," he said gravely. "Magnetic Essence Mountain is forbidden ground within the Star Palace and contains the Magnetic Essence Aura of heaven and earth. The Twin Saints cultivate with this mountain as their foundation. If they leave, not only will all their efforts come to nothing, but they will also trigger a magnetic essence upheaval that could endanger the entire Star Palace."
He paused, a trace of helplessness entering his voice. "Besides, the Twin Saints have said that the Blood Lotus Cult is no more than a scabies infection, unworthy of their personal intervention. With me, the Grand Formation Hall, and the Enforcement Hall working together, we have more than enough strength to quell this uprising."
Seeing that Han Li looked exhausted but his eyes remained clear, Xing Xuanzi raised a hand