As the swirling vortex of clouds continued to rotate, it seemed to generate an inexplicable gravitational pull.
The clouds across the entire Mist Cloud Sea were slowly drawn into it, merging with the vortex.
Its scale grew increasingly vast, dominating the entire sky. Merely gazing upward was enough to suffocate one's breath.
At the same time, the frequency of the blue flashes at the vortex's center intensified.
Finally, when everything reached a critical point—
A brilliant blue light erupted from the vortex's core.
It formed a ring of azure radiance, expanding outward at an alarming speed.
At first, the light was confined within the swirling clouds.
But in the blink of an eye, it swept past all the cultivators present.
Before their faces could even register shock, those touched by the blue light faded like illusions, vanishing without a trace.
The light continued to spread.
Had anyone been observing from ten thousand meters above, they would have seen the blue ring expand from the central sea to the entirety of the Mist Cloud Sea in mere moments.
Only when it reached the farthest edges of the sea did it finally halt.
Then—
It abruptly contracted.
Collapsing back to its origin at several times its expansion speed, the blue light flared with dazzling brilliance.
The thunderstorm within the vortex ceased.
The massive cloud layer, thousands of meters thick and spanning tens of thousands of miles, seemed to be kneaded and compressed by an invisible hand.
Meanwhile, across the Mist Cloud Sea below—
Countless blue specks of light emerged from the ocean's surface, gathering and floating upward.
Swiftly, they converged toward the clouds above.
Gradually, the dense clouds silently reshaped, forming the outlines of vast, interconnected structures.
Then, as the shimmering blue light—infused with misty water vapor—coated their surfaces, the clouds turned translucent and azure.
The phenomenon lasted a full quarter-hour.
In the end, a colossal celestial palace, woven from clouds and water, materialized above the Mist Cloud Sea.
Neither wholly real nor entirely illusory, its blue-translucent form loomed in the sky.
The Cloudwater Celestial Palace, sealed away for millennia, had returned to the world!
Scene Break
"The frontlines are dire. Every major sect has suffered heavy losses. As the leader of the Mist Cloud Sea's factions, our Cloudwater Celestial Palace is no exception."
"Who knows how many of our brothers and sisters have perished in battle?"
"Before departing, the Sect Master entrusted me with recruiting new disciples. I cannot fail him."
"Fortunately, this trip has been fruitful."
Li Fan gradually regained consciousness.
Looking around, he saw a plaza littered with over a hundred unconscious cultivators.
Strangely, all their robes had transformed into blue-and-white garments faintly embroidered with the characters for "Cloudwater."
At the front stood a tall, sharp-eyed man in white, muttering to himself.
Though handsome, there was an air of irreverence in his demeanor.
Recalling his past life's knowledge, Li Fan realized he had successfully entered the Cloudwater Celestial Palace.
For now, he needed to remain still and wait for the "plot" to unfold.
Suppressing his aura, he stayed motionless.
One by one, the cultivators on the plaza began to wake.
A few grew agitated upon seeing their surroundings.
"What's going on? Where are we? Weren't we just near the vortex clouds?"
"And why are we wearing these robes?"
Noticing the white-robed man's starkly different attire, someone shouted:
"Hey, you in white! Did you bring us here? Who are you? What do you want?"
The man snapped out of his musings and smiled cheerfully.
"Ah, you're finally awake! Now, quiet down. I'll explain the rules—"
Before he could finish, an impatient cultivator interrupted:
"Enough nonsense! Tell us where this is!"
The white-robed man's lips curled. "Tsk. This batch of newcomers is quite unruly."
With nothing more than a glance, a streak of blue light flashed—
The outspoken cultivator's head tumbled to the ground.
The plaza fell deathly silent.
Some trembled in fear; others seemed to grasp the situation.
Satisfied, the man leisurely continued:
"I am Qin Tang, Chief of the Cloudwater Celestial Palace's Scripture Transmission Pavilion. You will address me as Senior Brother Qin."
"You are all outer disciples I've recruited. Over the next few months, if you pass my trials, you may formally join our sect."
"But remember these rules:"
"First—you will respect Senior Brother Qin. Obey without question. The alternative… well, you've seen it."
"Second—"
…
Qin Tang droned on.
Though the crowd appeared docile, covert spiritual sense conversations buzzed among them:
"Does anyone understand what's happening?"
"This is a paranormal phenomenon! The Cloudwater Celestial Palace must be a sect ruin shrouded in one."
"Is Qin Tang even human?"
"Of course not! Can't you sense he has no living aura?"
"Stay calm. These phenomena operate on rules. If we follow his demands, we should be safe for now."
…
Li Fan discreetly observed Sikong Yi and Baili Chen.
Both wore calm expressions, as though they had anticipated this—or were confident even in the face of the supernatural.
He then studied Qin Tang again.
From his past life's memories, Qin Tang was the first trial of the Celestial Palace.
Not a living being, but a rule-bound entity akin to a haunting spirit.
To survive, one had to obey.
Only by passing his tests could one earn the right to explore the palace further.
…
Finally, Qin Tang clapped his hands.
"It's late. I'll take you to rest. Tomorrow, the trials begin."
"Follow me."
He turned and strode off the plaza.
Most cultivators, including Sikong Yi and Baili Chen, obeyed. Li Fan followed closely.
But a handful exchanged glances and fled in the opposite direction.
Qin Tang ignored them—at first.
Unnoticed by the escapees, threads of blue light seeped from their bodies the farther they ran.
By the time they realized, it was too late.
Their forms withered into desiccated husks before crashing lifelessly to the ground.