The succession of bewildering changes unfolding before them shook everyone present to the core.
The Golden-Armored Deity lowered his head, as though listening to heavenly music while pondering some mystery of the universe.
Beneath the brilliant lights of the Cultivation Room, his golden armor shone with dazzling radiance. A mysterious, subtle connection seemed to form between him and the hazy apparition.
Everyone held their breath and stared unblinkingly, afraid of shattering this dreamlike scene.
Suddenly, the Golden-Armored Deity raised his head and squared his shoulders, his imposing aura soaring like a rainbow. He slowly raised the Nine-Toothed Rake in his hands and pointed it straight at the apparition.
Cries of alarm escaped the onlookers. None of them knew what had happened.
Zhu Yanfeng, in particular, felt his heart leap into his throat.
Yet the apparition remained utterly motionless, standing silently in empty space like an eternal sculpture.
The Golden-Armored Deity did not attack. Instead, he lifted the Nine-Toothed Rake over his head, then drove it fiercely into the hard floor.
In that instant, the entire Cultivation Room shook violently, as though struck by an earthquake.
A vast surge of power erupted from the rake and spread swiftly across the floor.
Sensing that power drawing near, everyone mobilized the soul power within them to erect defenses.
To their astonishment, however, the power carried no aggression whatsoever. Instead, it radiated warmth and serenity, like spring sunlight bathing the earth.
Just then, the apparition that had remained motionless finally moved.
It slowly extended an arm and gently pointed a finger at the Golden-Armored Deity.
A soft, pure light flowed from its fingertip and drifted slowly toward the Golden-Armored Deity.
The Golden-Armored Deity gazed at the light as though beholding a gift from fate. He extended both hands and reverently accepted this supreme blessing.