The languid, mature beauty walked forward with Little Tabby Cat in her arms and exchanged cupped-hand greetings with Bai Ziyin.
"Sect Master Bai, it's been years, but you're still devastatingly handsome."
Her voice was soft and melting.
A hint of mockery lingered at the corners of her eyes, yet her gaze swept over the ranks of Danyang Sect disciples, seemingly casually.
"So these are your Danyang Sect's prodigies this time? They look quite good. It seems first place is yours for the taking."
Bai Ziyin smiled faintly. "You jest, Senior Sister Qing. We're only here to join the excitement. It's the Tai Chi Hall disciples who are all extraordinary."
"Junior Sister Yun..."
"Senior Brother Bing..."
The Yellow Dragon Great Experts leading the eight sects approached and greeted one another.
Though some spoke differently and harbored their own thoughts, things were generally peaceful. At least their words were courteous.
The Cat-Raising Fairy said nothing, simply standing there quietly.
Her gaze passed through the crowd and settled on Lin Shisan, lingering briefly before shifting away.
"The Heavenly Sword Sect, Setting Sun Valley, Thunderclap Temple, Netherworld Hall, Five Elements Sect, Ice Soul Palace, Tai Chi Hall, and Danyang Sect. All eight sects are present."
Bai Ziyin surveyed his surroundings, his voice clear and ringing.
"Before we open the secret realm, please welcome the Immortal Alliance's two special envoys, Elder Qingming and Elder Xuanji."
As soon as he finished speaking, melodious bells suddenly rang out in the sky.
Two figures slowly descended from the clouds.
One wore azure Daoist robes, with a stern face and eyes blazing like torches, and held an ancient bronze mirror.
The other wore gray robes, with crane-white hair and a youthful face. He smiled kindly and held a gray horsetail whisk.
Elder Qingming and Elder Xuanji.
They were the