Wang Chen climbed for what felt like an eternity, the presence of the others a constant, prickling awareness at the edge of his senses. The playful one seemed to dance around him, a whisper of amusement in the fog. The steady one was a silent, resonant pressure from below. And the one with the sword... her sharp, metallic echo was a distant lure from above, pushing him to climb higher, faster.
Finally, the sheer cliff face gave way. He hauled himself over a final ledge, his muscles screaming in protest, and found himself on a wide, flat expanse of stone. It was an artificial platform, clearly carved by human—or something beyond human—hands. Ancient, weathered pillars stood at its corners, and intricate, swirling patterns were etched into the floor, so worn they were almost smooth. At the center of the platform, the mist was thinner, as if held at bay by some residual power.
This was a place of significance.
-Special Sign-In Location Detected: Convergence Platform-
-Historical Data: Ancient Meeting Ground of Ascendants.-
-Reward Potential: Extremely High.-
Wang Chen's heart hammered against his ribs. This was it. He stepped onto the patterned stone, the air growing still and heavy around him.
-Sign-In at Convergence Platform? (Y/N)-
He didn't hesitate. "Yes."
A warmth, different from any he had felt before, spread from the soles of his feet through his entire body. It wasn't the violent surge of the Pillar of Fortune, nor the chaotic energy of the valley. This was a deep, thrumming, connective power. The ancient stones beneath him seemed to hum in recognition.
-Sign-In Successful!-
-Reward 1: Cultivation Base Upgrade – Qi Adept (High) -> Qi Adept (Peak)-
-Reward 2: Technique Obtained: Spirit Sense (Elementary)-
-Reward 3: +150 Qi Amount-
Information flooded his mind—the method to project his awareness beyond his body, to perceive the world not just with physical senses, but with his spirit. It was a foundational technique for any true cultivator, one he had been denied his entire life.
He immediately closed his eyes and activated it.
The world exploded into a new dimension. He could "see" the Qi flowing through the ancient pillars, the lingering echoes of powerful auras long faded. And then, he felt them. Clearly.
To his left, perched lightly on one of the broken pillars, was a shimmering, vibrant presence. It felt quick, intelligent, and brimming with a curious, almost mischievous energy. The playful one.
From the edge of the platform, where the mist began, emanated a deep, earthy, and unshakable aura. It was solid, patient, and immense, like the mountain itself. The steady one.
And from a path leading further up, beyond the platform, a sharp, brilliant, and fiercely independent signature burned like a lone star. It was disciplined, proud, and carried the faint, cold scent of ozone and steel. The sword-wielder.
They were all here.