Yun Huang slowly rose and walked to the window.
Outside, the azure light descending from the nine heavens grew ever clearer. Vast fluctuations of law swept across heaven and earth, proclaiming that the curtain had officially risen on this age of great contention!
"At last, it has begun."
He turned to face Yun Qing, and light as dazzling as the blazing sun suddenly erupted from his golden eyes.
"Remember-"
"Whenever the Yun Clan steps forth, it shall stand unrivaled in this age!"
Each word rang like gold and jade striking the ground, as though branded into the divine soul.
Heroic pride surged through Yun Qing's chest, washing away every stray thought in an instant. He stepped back and cupped his fists toward Yun Huang, his voice firm and ringing:
"I, Yun Qing, will not fail the trust you have placed in me, Your Majesty!"
"The Yun Clan shall stand unrivaled in this age!"
His voice spread through the formations to all twelve Cloudships!
"The Yun Clan shall stand unrivaled in this age-!!!"
On the decks and inside the cabins, every competing disciple and Dao-Guarding Elder of the Yun Clan, whatever their earlier mood, now felt their blood surge and roared in unison! Their voices converged, stirring visible ripples of spiritual energy around the Cloudships!
The Twelve Young Masters of the Yun Clan gathered atop the Cloudships!
Yun Qing stood at the very front, like the Yun Clan's banner!
Looking ahead, Yun Huang said no more. He turned and returned to the inner chamber of the Star-Watching Terrace, its doors closing soundlessly.
Yun Qing swept his gaze over the crowd and ordered in a deep voice:
"Steward Elders, anyone not on the list must leave the Cloudships immediately. Everyone else, take your positions and prepare to land!"
Yun Qing turned and