The Righteous and Demonic Paths were still recovering from the war. Every faction was recuperating, with no major moves underway, and the overall situation in Azure Waves remained stable.
Earlier, the Dao Academy had released the latest Heavenly Talent Ranking, stirring a wave of discussion and bringing the Northwest Yang Clan back into the cultivators' sights.
After Chen Yang appeared at Demon Suppression Pass, the Righteous Path venerables all knew that this reclusive peak cultivator would make a move after the war. They simply did not know where he would begin or how he would affect the factions of the Central Region.
Once the Yang Clan's invitations reached the leading powers of the Central Region, their questions had an answer.
Inside Lingxiao Dao Academy, the Dark Underworld Venerable gathered with the academy's senior cultivators in the hall atop the peak.
They had just received word that the Yang Clan and Dongfang Clan were joining their families in marriage and inviting the various factions to a banquet. They were discussing what to do.
"A wedding banquet. That presents a good opportunity."
After reading the invitation, the Dark Underworld Venerable nodded slowly. "We can use it as a reason to visit the Yang Clan and settle both the postwar apology gift and Xiao Yao's apprenticeship in one trip."
Seated to his left, Venerable Xuanwei considered this for a moment before asking, "Then who do you think we should send, Senior Brother?"
"Xuansheng and I will go together. We'll also take Chen Feng, Qian Chou, and Chi Tian."
"You're going in person, Senior Brother? Won't that..."
"I know what concerns you, but I promised Fellow Cultivator Chen long ago that I would visit him in person."
As the Dark Underworld Venerable sent out his orders, he continued, "Besides, even if I hadn't made