At the Great Sea Market, before the enormous flared opening.
Six cultivators sat quietly cross-legged outside it, each occupying one of the formation's six nodes.
The Great Sea Market's opening period was already drawing to a close, when visitors should have been sparse. Now, however, figures scrambled to enter the formation one after another, then vanished into the mirror at the flared opening.
Even though these six cultivators from different factions had witnessed the Great Sea Market open many times, they still could not help frowning at the sight, communicating soundlessly:
"The Mirage has appeared... so many people can no longer sit still. I fear a great many more will die."
"Perhaps. Greed is the most ruinous thing of all. Even if they die inside, they will have brought it upon themselves."
"You cannot quite put it that way. Not everyone has the backing your Three Realms do."
"Heh, that only shows how our Three Realms' forebears laid bare their hearts and souls to establish such a foundation for their descendants. Those who came before planted the trees; those who came after enjoy their shade..."
"If we are speaking of laying bare their hearts and souls, whose forebears did not? Human strength has its limits. It is merely a matter of timing and fate!"
As they conversed, their tempers gradually began to rise.
But it remained nothing more than conversation. They bore the important responsibility of guarding the Great Sea Market's entrance and dared not let their personal feelings affect the overall situation.
Just then, a figure silently stepped through the air and landed before the Great Sea Market's entrance.
He wore a gold-trimmed cloak, his black hair falling loose, and stood with his hands behind his back.
His eyebrows swept toward his temples, his eyes shone like stars, and