A day quickly passed.
A new day dawned in the faint morning light.
When the first ray of white light tore through the clouds and mist to shine on Cang Mountain's summit, and pinpricks of light illuminated Erhai, the Heavenly Pride Gathering officially began.
Before the imperial plaza of Dian Cang Prefecture in the Dali Domain, the disciples of the four great sects and the Imperial Clan had all gathered.
The Imperial Sovereign sat upright on his purple-and-gold throne, looking down at everyone below.
The atmosphere throughout the plaza was utterly solemn.
His voice rumbled as he slowly began, "Welcome, all you Heaven's Chosen, to our Dali Domain to take part in this grand gathering."
As he spoke, he waved a hand. The aura above the plaza instantly changed, and a sea of spirit power mingled with five-colored light abruptly gathered.
The Imperial Sovereign reached out and grasped. Under his grasp, the sea of spirit power condensed into points of light, which then drifted down.
The light coalesced into palm-sized crystals that fell into the hands of every participating Heaven's Chosen.
"These are Wasteland Crystals, which can ward off the power of wasteland spirits." The Imperial Sovereign spoke slowly, introducing them to everyone:
"The first stage of the trial will last ten days. These Wasteland Crystals will remain effective for fifteen days, long enough for your needs."
"During that time, as long as you do not encounter a wasteland spirit at the Nascent Soul Late Stage, these Wasteland Crystals will conceal your auras and ensure that you are not exposed."
At his words, everyone looked curiously at the crystals in their hands.
The crystals were snowy white like jade, cloudy within, and gave off a faint warmth. They seemed no different from ordinary jade containing impurities.
Still, everyone carefully put