Heavy footsteps echoed from afar, growing closer. An aura, unbridled and domineering, surged forth like a column of signal smoke, piercing the heavens.
At the location of one of the nine Crystal Keys, a dozen or so Outer Mansion Disciples were locked in a standoff, waiting for the perfect moment to claim the key.
But this sudden, intensely aggressive aura made them all frown in unison and turn to look.
Yue Rong approached at a steady, unhurried pace, his expression so placid it bordered on apathy. His wide black robes billowed gently in an unseen current of energy, and his entire person radiated the unyielding pressure of a mountain.
He ignored the hostile, warning glares from the crowd.
Yue Rong walked straight up to the Crystal Key, bent down, and reached for it!
"The audacity!"
"Put that down!"
"You're courting death!"
The fragile standoff shattered in an instant. The dozen or so Outer Mansion Disciples surrounding him attacked simultaneously, lunging at Yue Rong.
