Ji'an hastily adjusted her heavy silk robes, smoothing out the wrinkles and schooling her features into a mask of aloof, untouchable determination.
When she and Jiu Zui finally pushed open the doors of the Grand Ascendant Hall, they stepped out onto the magnificent, cloud-wreathed plaza outside.
The other Peak Masters had already departed, flying off on their swords and artifacts to prepare their peaks for the upcoming six-month crucible.
However, the chief disciples, the "Protagonists" of the novel, had lingered near the majestic marble archways, waiting for their respective masters, and clearly waiting to deliver their parting shots to the newly enlisted cook.
As Ji'an walked down the sweeping marble steps, the gauntlet began.
Lu Jianheng was the first to intercept her. The Sword Lord stood with his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his sharp, aristocratic face set in a deep, haughty scowl.
His white and silver robes snapped in the high-altitude wind.
