At Qing Chen's shout of "Scram!" the ten thousand cultivators on the docks scattered as though granted a grand pardon, pissing and shitting themselves in their flight, leaving chaotic streaks of light from Dharma Artifacts and Spirit Artifacts all over the place.
"What a bunch of wretches. They won't behave without a few lashes."
His black robes stirred, and Qing Chen vanished. A few breaths later, he appeared before Heavenly Ming Palace, a hundred li away.
The palace stood ninety-nine zhang tall, its upturned eaves jutting out like blades.
Without so much as a glance at the Golden Core Demon Envoy and dozens of Foundation Establishment managers stationed outside, Qing Chen walked straight in.
The interior was vast, with over a hundred enormous black pillars supporting the dome. The floor was paved with solid slabs of cold jade, polished enough to reflect a person's image.
At the far end, above nine steps, a jet-black Sect Leader's throne stood in silence, a demon lotus design carved into its back.
Qing Chen lifted his robes and sat down, tapping a finger lightly against the armrest.
Thump-
Hearing the sound, the Demon Lotus cultivators on duty outside immediately came to their senses and hurried away.
Before even half a cup of tea's time had passed, hurried footsteps sounded outside.
Chi Xuntian was the first to enter, his ink-black hair crowned with jade, his azure robes immaculate.
Behind him followed Lin Changsheng, Su Zixuan, Xu Jiuling, Wan Hun, Xin Bairen, Gu Jianchun, Tianhuo, Gao Yuliang, Duan Tianya, Han Shi, Sun Wudi, Xue Qingxia, and others-over a dozen cultivators from the Condensed Jade Sect and Demon Lotus Sect who were either at the late Golden Core stage or above, or held important positions. Every one of them kept their head lowered and eyes downcast.
"Martial