Inside the Council Hall on West One Guard Island, sandalwood incense mingled with killing intent, sharp as a blade, sending chills down the spine.
Under the surrounding spiritual light, every island and shipping route on the enormous Sea Area Defense Map in the hall stood out with perfect clarity.
It was as though a vast, living panorama of a battlefield were slowly unfolding.
Grand Elder Wan Hun sat upright to the left of the chief seat, his eyes slightly narrowed as though pondering something.
When he suddenly saw Qing Chen and Xue Qingxia step through the hall doors, his gaze sharpened, then returned to calm.
The two men exchanged a brief yet meaningful look.
Thinking of Qing Chen's past achievements and what they were to do today, Wan Hun felt something he could not quite name.
At last, he slowly rose and cupped his fists, his voice low. "Greetings, Deputy Sect Master."
At the sight, the other Golden Core cultivators in the hall, along with Chi Xuntian and several Pseudo-Core and Foundation Establishment Peak cultivators, all saluted in unison.
Some raised their clasped hands high;
others bowed deeply, every face solemn, none daring the slightest negligence.
Ignoring Wan Hun and the others, Qing Chen kept walking, heading straight to Master Budong.
His expression respectful, he said softly, "Master, there is no need for this."
True Person Budong smiled with gratification but said nothing, merely nodding lightly.
His disciple had shown him every courtesy; as his master, he had all the more reason not to trade on his seniority.
Then Qing Chen strode straight toward the chief seat.
The Dragon Robe in Battle Armor he wore swept across the floor like a dense cloud of ink.
With a slight turn of his palm, the Pojun Battle Halberd appeared in his hand.