Under the eyes of the assembled crowd, the Heaven Dou Emperor, Xue Yingtao, clad in magnificent golden robes and wearing an imperial crown, ascended the Soul Fighting Platform with slow, steady steps, surrounded by the royal guard. His imperial majesty was so imposing that none dared look upon him directly.
The representatives of the eight teams had already been waiting beside the platform. Now, guided by the master of ceremonies, they formed orderly ranks and walked toward its center.
Chen Yanwu of Moonlight Academy, Chen Xiaojun of Chang'an Academy, Xue Shiming of Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Zhan Ruoxi of Ice Seal Academy... these renowned captains led the procession.
Representing the rising newcomers, Xia Shuyao of Five Mountains Academy and Zhong Weifeng of Yuesi Academy took the last two positions.
Jin Xin leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, speaking to Zhou Yi with a note of certainty. "Look, all the Top Eight representatives are here. But the one we're waiting for... should be arriving too."
Zhou Yi swept his hawklike gaze across the venue and answered gravely, "You're right, Big Brother. With the Banished Immortal's abilities, if she really had suffered a hidden injury, she couldn't possibly have concealed it from everyone until now. If she misses today's closing ceremony, those rumors swirling everywhere might well be taken as fact."
Jin Xin shook his head sharply, his words ringing with absolute conviction and his eyes flashing. "Impossible! After all these years of clawing my way through the Soul Master World, I've still got an eye for these things! What sort of person is the Banished Immortal, Lesser Siming? She subdued the Three Heroes of Heaven Dou while chatting and smiling, as easily as plucking something from her pocket! Brother, just watch. The real show-"
He had not even finished speaking!