Cheng Xinzhan did not know what changes were taking place on the Moon-Reflecting Mirror, nor how many old friends and acquaintances were in Peacock City. He simply swung his sword again and again, cleanly, efficiently, and calmly, climbing step after step.
Only after one particular parry drove a sword back did he discover that there were no more swords ahead.
Looking at the broad, bright jade terrace, he finally realized that he had reached the top. There was no one else here.
He stood where he was and closed his eyes in contemplation, recalling every move he had just made.
He was fairly satisfied with most of his responses, but felt that some had not been good enough,
and considered what he should do the next time he encountered them.
Before long, a second person came up.
He was a young man too. Their eyes met, and Cheng Xinzhan nodded in greeting first.
The other man nodded with a smile and said, "Xue Lixing of Laoshan. Greetings, fellow Daoist."
Cheng Xinzhan was somewhat surprised. He had thought it would be a disciple of the Mount Heng Sword Sect. "Cheng Xinzhan of Three Pure Ones Mountain. Greetings, fellow Daoist."
The Moon-Reflecting Mirror displayed not only their figures, but broadcast their conversation as well.
Everyone thus learned their names.
Just after the two exchanged names, the third, fourth, and eventually tenth arrivals followed.
But as more people came up, they stopped introducing themselves. Instead, hostility gradually grew.
Seeing that nearly everyone was there, Huanzhu Louzhu cast another spell, sending all those still struggling on the stairs who had not passed the halfway point back to Peacock City.
At the same time, the Jade Yao Terraces began dividing: one into two, two into four, and four into eight. The people on them were