One by one, outer sect disciples continued to enter the arena, taking their places among the crowd of participants. Names were announced. Cultivation stages confirmed. Talents assessed with quick, dismissive glances. Yet despite the steady flow of new arrivals, the atmosphere no longer carried the same excitement as before.
Whispers filled the arena—but they were quieter now. Measured.
After witnessing the Bai siblings' performances—especially Bai Shaoyue's Heaven Grade technique—most displays felt pale in comparison. Expectations had shifted. Standards had risen. What had once impressed now barely earned a nod.
"So," Elder Ning Ruyan said lightly, her lips curving into a smile as she leaned back against her seat, "your daughter has finally chosen her Dao partner."
The words fell casually.
The effect was anything but.
