Standing at the very edge of the massive crowd, Qiu Yan adjusted the thin white veil covering her face, her gaze fixed on the disciples of the Dust Valley Sect in the distance.
She had expected a large turnout, but the sheer number of spectators stunned even her.
The crowd had swelled to an exaggerated degree, suffocating and overwhelming.
She had thought she could quietly slip in, watch the Dust Valley Sect's disciples display their alchemy skills, and then leave without drawing attention.
But she had been wrong.
Horribly wrong.
The entire place was filled to the brim
Just as she was about to turn back toward the martial battle arena, her steps halted.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a familiar silhouette.
Her body froze.
Slowly, almost unwillingly, she fixed her gaze on that figure.
Her lips parted.
Her eyes widened.
"T-This… How could this be…" she whispered, her voice trembling as though she could not trust her own sight.
