Qing Chen looked composed as he stepped steadily into Blackstone Hall.
As he entered, the hall doors slowly creaked shut behind him, leaving Han Shi outside.
The hall was extremely dim, lit only by the dozen or so Netherworld Pearls hanging from the beams, which gave off an eerie green glow like flickering ghost fires.
The green light stretched the shadows of Qing Chen, Second Elder Xuangu, and Gong Shisan in the seat of honor, casting them slantwise across the black stone floor with an eerie, sinister air.
Second Elder Xuangu had long been waiting in the hall.
The instant he saw Qing Chen enter, his face filled with a warm smile. His steps unconsciously quickened as he approached, saying:
"Deputy Sect Master Qing! It's been almost twenty years since we parted at the Golden Core Ceremony on Digu Pass Peak. I knew you wouldn't miss such a heaven-sent opportunity."
Even the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothed out. His gaze stayed fixed on Qing Chen, and the stone that had been hanging over his heart finally settled.
The exquisite "Yin-Yang Primal Magnetism Baleful Seal" he had last seen Qing Chen perform in the Recording Stone had earned Qing Chen high praise from both Palace Masters.
Those two Palace Masters were important figures from the Nanhua Continent, pillars of the younger generation who would eventually return there.
If he built a good relationship with them, or received some reward from them, he would surely reap endless benefits.
Qing Chen nodded slightly.
Then his gaze passed over Second Elder Xuangu and settled on Gong Shisan in the seat of honor.
The Palace Master of the Devil Palace was leisurely toying with the Black Pearl Beads in his hand.
The beads knocked together with faint, crisp clicks that sounded especially