The hall of the marquis's mansion remained enveloped by soft music and low conversations, but the atmosphere gradually changed as the guests began to arrive in organized groups. The party ceased to be merely a celebration and took on the form of a gathering of forces.
Kyrian remained seated, his back straight, his gaze attentive. He showed neither anxiety nor excessive curiosity. He simply observed.
The first force to formally enter the hall, announced by a servant at the entrance, was the Earth Forge.
Five young cultivators advanced together, wearing robes in earthy tones, reinforced with thin plates of spiritual metal on their shoulders and forearms. Their bodies were robust, their dense and heavy energies were released. Each step transmitted stability.
At the front came a broad-built young man with a firm face and attentive eyes. There was no arrogance in his expression, only solid confidence.
"Han Mu…" Yan Ling murmured, recognizing him.
