"Clang, clang..."
The bronze doors of the Nine Yang Pavilion slowly opened in the sunlight. Half the Nine Yang Cauldron was exposed to the light, the dark red cracks at its base faintly visible. Occasionally, a dark purple gleam flashed deep within the cracks, like a sleeping behemoth turning over.
Lin Shisan followed beside Bai Ziyin into the pavilion, his steps unhurried and his gaze lowered.
The flagstone floor beneath their feet was covered with sealing patterns that Patriarch Tianjizi had personally laid down all those years ago. Like blood vessels, they extended outward from the base of the Nine Yang Cauldron, each giving off a dim golden glow that had not gone out for a thousand years.
Qingming walked at the front with a hand behind his back, the Bronze Ancient Mirror resting on his palm. The mirror reflected the Nine Yang Cauldron's complete outline. Six Formation Hall disciples followed close behind, each with a palm-sized Formation Disk hanging at their waist. Fine Star Patterns engraved along the disks' edges gave off a cold blue-green glow in the gloom.
Qingxuan came last. As he crossed the threshold, his sleeve stirred an exceedingly faint breeze. The dark red crack at the cauldron's base gave a slight twitch, then fell still again.
"Sect Master Bai, with the Nine Yang Cauldron's seal worn down to this extent, your Danyang Sect hasn't been paying much attention these past few years."
Qingxuan's nonchalant voice came from behind, like a needle driven into the quiet stone chamber.
Bai Ziyin paused, turned sideways, and cupped his hands. "You are right, Elder Qingxuan. There have been frequent incidents in the Danyang Sect lately, and the sect's affairs have been complicated. We have indeed been negligent in inspecting the Nine Yang Pavilion. Fortunately, Saint Child Lin is helping