Dragon-Tiger Mountain, Upper Celestial Masters' Mansion.
When the Magical Projection's camera turned toward the Oak Doors, the entire hall erupted.
The elders who had come to watch the fun abandoned their horse stances and swarmed around the projection, eager to see who young Zhang Xiao's dance partner was.
Zhang Chengdao and Li Qingshu were especially excited. The couple stared at the screen, their eyes wide, unwilling even to blink.
At last, the announcer's voice rang out from the projection, deep and resonant:
"Let us welcome the Champion from the East, the winner who gave us so many astonishing moments in the First Round, Zhang Xiao!
He and his partner will perform the opening dance of this Yule Ball!"
The Oak Doors slowly opened. Beneath the lights, Zhang Xiao wore flowing robes, looking like someone who had stepped out of a painting. His ethereal bearing instantly won a chorus of cheers from the elders.
"Excellent! Now that's our Daoist Order's young Celestial Master! His school uniform doesn't show off Xiao Xiao's charm at all."
"Exactly, exactly! These robes suit Xiao Xiao much better."
Zhang Chengdao and Li Qingshu grinned so broadly they could barely close their mouths, convinced their son was the finest child in the world.
Soon, their attention shifted to Glove Lady.
"Whose daughter is that?"
"Judging by her face, she seems kindhearted. But-hiss-"
Senior Second Uncle rubbed his chin, brow furrowed. He seemed to have noticed something, but wasn't quite certain. Turning to Senior Third Uncle beside him, he asked quietly, "Third Junior Brother, you're the best at face reading. Take a look. Why do I feel like-"
Senior Third Uncle had been enthusiastically discussing with Zhang Chengdao what robes Zhang Xiao should wear at his future wedding. At Senior Second Uncle's words, he paused and turned toward