Demons Reign

Atop a precipitous peak, on the summit of the mountains, stood the Hall of Ages, a grand hall measuring thirteen zhang square. Four colossal pillars, each so thick that three people could barely encircle them, soared skyward, dominating the heavens. The hall had neither dome nor walls—only those four pillars entwined with totems resembling dragons or serpents.

This was the sacred hall of the Soulmaster Sect, one of the three great sects, a place reserved for the rare moments when the sect chose a new master and only the most eminent among them were permitted entry.

A few hundred of the sect's most formidable cultivators lingered a hundred paces beyond the hall, their conversations buzzing as they awaited the announcement of their new leader.

Within the hall, clouds drifted and swirled, lending the air an ethereal quality as if it were a realm of immortals. Yet the two men inside paid the scenery no heed, their gazes locked in silent confrontation, their auras clashing with such intensity that it seemed a life-and-death duel might erupt at any moment.

The elder of the two, whose hair was touched by the frost of age, bore the surname Jiang and the given name Longquan. He was the head of Baize Hall, a subsect of the Soulmaster Sect—a man with thick brows and deep eyes, features as sharp as chiseled stone, exuding a natural air of dominance. To all observers, he was the undisputed candidate for the next sect master.

Facing him was a youth who, though his presence seemed somewhat overshadowed, stood with quiet resolve. His surname was Chen,