The floating plaza of jade and starlight fell into a tense silence after Chen Yu's defiant words. Around him, his companions stood shoulder to shoulder: Hui's crimson eyes gleamed with mischief; Roman's holy aura radiated silent support; Gu Chaewon's cool gaze betrayed quiet admiration; Vornark's tail swayed with feline anticipation; Ling Ling watched the elders with icy detachment; Azrael's massive form loomed like a living fortress; and Nyzelia's silver hair rippled in the astral wind, eyes sharp as daggers.
Above, the elders of the Celestial Sky Sect and surrounding powers sat on floating thrones arranged in a grand circle. Light from drifting auroras reflected off their ornate robes, each elder bearing the insignia of their sect: the roaring lion of the Thunder God Hall, the frozen lotus of the Frozen Cloud Sect, the blazing sun of the Solar Flame Pavilion, and more—each representing ancient forces vying for supremacy.
