Everyone gathered around the ancient vessel, the atmosphere suffocatingly heavy, taut like a tight-strung bowstring on the verge of snapping.
Elder Xuankong and Fairy Qingchen stood off to the side, their gazes piercing and stern as they watched like two guardian deities or judges rendering a final verdict.
Lu Yao gripped the Spiritual Bead tightly, fine beads of sweat seeping from her palms. Her gaze was resolute, yet it could not entirely mask a trace of nervousness.
Chapter 36