The lingering echoes of thunder and fire dissipated like a retreating tide at the summit of Tianmu Mountain, leaving a scorched scent hanging in the air.
Seven elders in the Heart-Reflecting stage gathered on the open ground in front of the bamboo house, smiles on their faces brighter than the rising morning sun between the mountains.
Master Bai Shou stood with his hands behind his back at the foot of the steps, the three silver strands of beard under his chin trembling slightly with emotion. He glanced over the elders, his voice resonating with the heavy spiritual power unique to a Golden Core cultivator, echoing through the valley:
"Fellow Daoist Shi achieving a High Grade Golden Core is an unprecedented grand event in the five hundred years since our sect was founded!"
He paused, his gaze sweeping towards the direction of the mountain gate, and said loudly:
