Within Perching Phoenix Hall, luminous pearls hung motionless, their clear radiance flowing like lengths of silk.
The doors closed soundlessly behind them, cutting off the lingering clamor of Yunqu Peak entirely. Only the stillness and majesty unique to the cavernous hall remained.
Yun Huang walked straight toward the dark jade throne at the highest point. The broad sleeves of his ceremonial robes brushed the cold jade steps, lending him an air of effortless authority.
First Elder Yun Che followed him like a shadow, half a step behind. He stopped below the jade steps, head bowed and eyes lowered, his bearing deferential.
Yun Qing knowingly stopped on the inner side of the desk, standing tall and straight like a solitary peak crowned with snow.
He deliberately chose a spot neither too close nor too far away, where he could hear instructions clearly without being an eyesore. He stood with his hands lowered, doing his best to make himself inconspicuous. Meanwhile, his mind raced as he plotted how to "naturally and casually" slip into Langhuan Clear Void-his perfect sanctuary for both refuge and cultivation!
First Elder Yun Che broke the silence in the hall. Cupping his hands, he said, "Your Majesty, the Nine Heavens Azure Cloud List has opened. The fortune of this age has reached a boiling point, and the stage is set for a great contest. According to past precedent, the official competition for the rankings will begin in roughly six months."
"At that time, the Heavenly Dao will send down the 'Azure Cloud Road' to connect the various domains. The prodigies whose names appear on the list must travel to the 'Azure Cloud Road' themselves, undergo trial after trial, and compete for supreme opportunities."
He paused briefly before continuing, "Although our 'Nine Heavens Divine Palaces' have an agreement with