The number of figures on the mountain increased steadily. Besides a few familiar faces and recognizable Daoist robes, there were many in unfamiliar attire—likely cultivators from Wu State or the northern regions—each standing silently amidst the clouds.0

After a few moments, a figure finally stepped forward from the crowd. He appeared young, dressed in white robes embroidered with faint gold patterns at the cuffs, and carried no visible weapons. With a calm demeanor, he cupped his fist and surveyed the gathered crowd before speaking softly, "Standing idly gains us nothing. Whatever we aim to contend for, the first step is to break this formation. I am Nian Yi of the Yue Cultivating Sect. If there are no objections, let us of the upper sects organize and open the formation."0

His mastery of flight techniques was evident. Despite the...0