The Grand Hall exploded.
Not with sound, not with an outward burst of energy, but with light. A blinding, golden-silver radiance erupted from the Pedang Awan Roh, instantly filling the entire space. The sheer intensity of it was overwhelming, a pure, divine light that seemed to emanate not from the blade itself, but from deep within its core, awakened by Li Chen’s touch.
Disciples screamed, clutching at their eyes, many collapsing to the polished stone floor, overwhelmed by the sudden, incandescent brilliance. Elders shielded their faces, their Qi shields flickering, struggling to withstand the pure, unadulterated spiritual pressure. Master Sekte and Elder Su staggered back, their faces awash with a mixture of terror and awe.
The light pulsed, an ancient heartbeat, resonating with the G
