Chapter 48: The Power of Qing Long
Two days later.
At the foot of the Celestial Mountain, overwhelming auras reigned. Tens of thousands of cultivators had gathered, forming an ever-expanding sea of people. Every second, new arrivals joined the crowd, coming from all the major sects and ancestral families. Some sought glory, others opportunities to rise, and a few simply the chance to survive against the Devourer.
In a makeshift headquarters, hastily constructed with tents and luxurious pavilions to accommodate the elite, the most powerful young cultivators were gathered. It wasn’t just a matter of strength, but also of status and political power.
At the center, a large table covered with a detailed map of the Eternal Ruins dominated the room. Around it, renowned figures exchanged whispers, casting wary glances at the other factions present.
On the side of the Immortal Clan, Qiu Jian of the Heavenly Star Sect stood tall, arms crossed. His thunderous aura commanded respect. Beside him, his fiancée Xue Yuming of Snowy Night Mountain wore an impassive expression, her piercing gaze scanning the map. Not far from them, Cang Fei of the Ethereal Skies Sect idly twirled a wine cup between his fingers, while Yin Mei of the Moon Sword Sect observed the scene with detachment.
Among the ancestral families, Hu Guowei, representing the White Tiger, faced Ruoxi Feng, a direct descendant of the Vermilion Bird. Both were respected figures, their names synonymous with power.
However, an unexpected presence disrupted the group’s balance.
Standing slightly apart, a man with a singular appearance wore a mischievous smile. A mask covered half his face, revealing chiseled features and a piercing gaze. His cyan, curly hair fell in wild strands, while his ears resembled gills, showcasing his amphibious nature. His luxurious, sleeveless tunic revealed prominent muscles, raw power concealed beneath apparent nonchalance.
Guan Yushen, heir of the Abyssal Krakens.
His name alone was enough to grind teeth, but his presence here was pure provocation. His family was not particularly liked, as they were the main cause of the Qilin’s downfall, and their territory lay over the Cloud Dynasty.
Guowei glared at him with suspicion, his fingers tightening on his sword’s hilt.