After Liuyun and the others, the next to arrive were over twenty of Mount Shu's outer-sect elders.
Led by Yunqing and Yunhua, the group of men and women—each exuding a powerful presence, each with their own unique appearance—walked slowly to take seats beside the outer-sect disciples.
All the outer-sect disciples rose at once, bowing respectfully with cupped hands. Only after the elders sat did the disciples dare to sit again.
"That is…"
Neuvillette looked curiously toward the seats of the outer-sect elders. In his perception, many among them were not cultivators at all—but their auras were at least on the level of Archons.
The two at the head were even more terrifying, giving him the suffocating sense that facing them meant certain death.
"They are members of Mount Shu's Outer-Sect Elders Council."
Clorinde spoke without much reverence. Outer-sect elders could only manage outer-sect disciples; in terms of standing, they weren't much different from inner-sect disciples like her. There was no need for excessive respect.
"They were Archons whom the Sect Master captured at the border and in the Quantum Sea. Later, because manpower was short and they performed well, the Sect Master made an exception and allowed them to enter Mount Shu as outer-sect elders, charged with managing disciples.
"The two leading them are Yunqing and Yunhua—names personally bestowed by the Sect Master. They are the only cultivators among the Outer-Sept Elders, both at the late stage of Spirit Transformation."
Hearing this, Neuvillette and the others were stunned as they looked at Clorinde.
"Spirit Transformation?"
Clorinde nodded calmly.
Their gazes grew complicated. This was their first time encountering beings of that level. By rights, such cultivation was already beyond the ordinary scale.
For Kokomi and the others, the impression was especially vivid: only a few days ago, when Xiao had come to Inazuma in fury and shattered the Shogun's myth of invincibility—he had only been at the peak of Refining Essence into Qi.
And now, late-stage Spirit Transformation?
What level of strength was that…?
Hard to even imagine.
At the very least, far beyond anything they could reach.
But perhaps their stares had lingered too openly. The outer-sect elders soon noticed Kokomi and her companions.
One glance from those higher lifeforms was enough to leave them dazed for quite a while.
Yet moments later, the elders actually nodded politely in return.
That left Kokomi and the others utterly bewildered.
Experts at the Spirit Transformation stage showing them courtesy?
Had the world gone mad?
Clorinde, seeing their confusion, explained softly:
"In Mount Shu, outer-sect elders are usually inner-sect disciples with no hope of further advancement. They have no authority over inner-sect disciples.
"Strictly speaking, outer-sect elders and inner-sect disciples hold equal status.
"But still, proper respect should be shown. After all, they manage all outer-sect disciples and servant disciples, a heavy task with many responsibilities."
Everyone nodded slightly, gaining a deeper understanding of Mount Shu's internal structure.
After a while, no new streaks of light appeared in the sky.
Instead, not far away, a burst of pitch-black flames blossomed. From the firelight emerged a seductive figure, who walked over and sat down.
It was Lisa. But for some reason, her expression was sour, as though she were displeased or angered. Even when Jean greeted her, she only gave a stiff nod.
"That is Senior Sister Lisa—late-stage Refining Essence into Qi, the foremost demonic cultivator of Mount Shu. With her Soul-Burning Hellfire, she once easily refined the remnant soul of the Tower King.
"Normally, Senior Sister Lisa is quite approachable. She's also highly skilled in alchemy."
Clorinde quickly introduced her. But Focalors studied Lisa carefully and asked doubtfully:
"Are you sure she's approachable? She looks rather cold to me…"
"Uh… that…" Clorinde pursed her lips, uncertain.
"Perhaps someone has angered Senior Sister Lisa today."
The others didn't press further. After all, she was the number one demonic cultivator in Mount Shu. Until they understood her better, it was safest to keep some distance.
The title of "demonic cultivator" carried no pleasant reputation.
Clorinde's eyes swept the area, weighing things silently. Apart from those certain to appear at the Rite of Descension, like Ningguang, most of the ones yet to arrive were truly remarkable figures.
As time passed, the crowd below swelled.
After Lisa, no new arrivals came for quite some time. By now, the sun had nearly reached its zenith; the ceremony was about to begin.
Suddenly, a violent streak of light shot across the sky, far more intense than the ones before.
It landed, revealing a short-statured youth—but the unmatched aura of martial battle that surged from him was utterly terrifying.
Kokomi and the others immediately straightened, their eyes fixed intently on him.
Clorinde glanced at him and said softly:
"You should recognize him. That is Xiao, chief disciple of Dragonhead Peak's Law Enforcement Hall. He is at the peak of Refining Essence into Qi—ready at any time to undergo tribulation and ascend to Spirit Transformation."
Ayaka nodded heavily.
"We saw him in Inazuma. The Conqueror of Demons defeated the Shogun herself."
Kujou Sara's face darkened, but she held her tongue. After all, that incident had unfolded before countless witnesses.
Calling it a "defeat" was already saving face. In truth, her Musou no Hitotachi had been effortlessly broken by Xiao—she had been utterly overwhelmed.
"A peak Refining Essence into Qi cultivator is the strongest existence among inner-sect disciples. At present, there are only two in all of Mount Shu."
Clorinde added. But just then, Lisa's annoyed voice rang out:
"Now there are three."
"Three? Who just broke through?"
Furina tilted her head in puzzlement. Among those present, only Xiao carried the aura of a peak Essence Refiner—that much she could sense.
Lisa sneered.
"Obviously, some scheming coward who slipped through using tricks…"
With that, everyone had some idea of what had stoked Lisa's temper.
Furina still didn't fully understand, but she didn't pry further.
Two beams of light approached from afar, and in the blink of an eye, the two figures were already seated.
Immediately, Jean and the others nearby, as well as all the outer-sect members within sight, stood to face them.
Even Ningguang and the other Liyue Qixing appeared before the offering table below.
Kokomi and the others didn't understand, but followed suit.
"Greetings, First Seat Venti, Elder Alice."
The thunderous chorus left Venti mortified. He had never been good at such situations.
Luckily, Alice was unfazed, waving with a bright smile as she bade everyone sit.
The two sat with complete composure, awaiting the Rite of Descension to begin.
Yet from all directions, countless gazes converged on them in secret.
"Acting First Seat of Mount Shu's Chaoyang Peak—Venti.
Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall—Alice.
"Both are late-stage Spirit Transformation. They joined Mount Shu very early, and are among the few in the sect who have fought against cultivators of the same rank—and even won.
"The only other one is First Seat Zhongli.
"In other words, these three First Seats have truly slain late-stage Spirit Refiners among the demon generals.
"Their real combat strength is such that any one of them could crush all the outer-sect elders. If they went all out, they could destroy Teyvat in a single day.
"They are second only to the Sect Master and First Seat Zhongli."
This time, Clorinde spoke in a hushed voice.
The others merely nodded, not daring to ask more.
Focalors watched Venti a while, then whispered:
"Neuvillette, what do you think?"
Neuvillette fell silent, then shook his head.
"One move—and I would die. Trust the Dragon King's instincts."
Not far away, the Cryo Archon and her companions shrank back as soon as Alice appeared—specifically, when her gaze briefly brushed their way.
Rosalyne and Arlecchino cowered behind the Cryo Archon.
Alice had already been their nightmare in the past. Now? Even more terrifying.
"So this is the transformation brought by cultivation?"
The Cryo Archon looked toward Venti with longing. She could clearly feel the surging power inside him, a force that nearly made her breathless.
"It's just that First Seat Venti and Elder Alice are particularly strong."
Tartaglia spoke dismissively:
"They were already terrifying before cultivating. Later, when they joined Mount Shu, they were given top-tier techniques.
"First Seat Venti and Elder Alice each possess spirit artifacts too. That gourd Venti drinks from is a high-grade magical treasure.
"If thrown, it could annihilate an Archon with ease.
"And Elder Alice's identity is even more special."
The Cryo Archon was about to ask when suddenly a fiery blaze like a phoenix soared through the sky.
"Mama! Klee is here!"
A crisp, childish voice rang across Yujing Terrace. In an instant, the fire phoenix landed, and two little girls appeared before Alice.
One stood calmly, dressed in plain robes, her face expressionless.
The other, a little sun of joy, leapt straight into Alice's arms with a cheerful cry.
"My precious darling."
Alice embraced Klee warmly.
"Why didn't you come with the Sect Master?"
"Heehee…" Klee nuzzled happily into her.
"Klee couldn't wait! Master said if I was too eager, I could come first. So I brought Qiqi with me!"
Master?
Everyone realized at once.
"This is Mount Shu's sole personal disciple of the Sect Master—the only true heir."
Clorinde explained softly.
"Klee, Elder Alice's own daughter, and the Sect Master's first disciple. She bears the legendary divine constitution—the Scarlet Emperor's Heaven-Burning Body.
"The last person to carry this constitution, after ascending to the Immortal Realm, became a Golden Immortal powerhouse.
"That person was none other than Ancestor Xuanxi of Mount Shu—a woman as well."
Suddenly, everyone's eyes lit up.
They might not know Klee's current cultivation, but…
She was the Sect Master's true disciple!
Put plainly, all of Mount Shu would be open to her. The little one's background was unshakable.
"No wonder… a true heir indeed."
Tartaglia sighed.
"What is it?" asked the Cryo Archon.
Tartaglia counted on his fingers, listlessly:
"Hairpin, necklace, rings, earrings, robe, little bells at her waist, shoes, flying sword…
"Every piece on her is a spirit artifact.
"Klee's entire body is covered in treasures.
"Especially her spatial ring—it's inscribed by the Sect Master with supreme immortal arts, including the Daoist Eight Divine Spells.
"If its guardian function triggers, it could easily slay even a Spirit Refiner.
"The care the Sect Master has poured into Klee… is truly enviable."
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