Moonshade Realm, Council Hall

Alaric’s expression was grim.

“The scout just reported back. At least thirty factions have already sent people.”

He handed the intelligence to Jared. “The Celestial Tribunal, the demonic Shadow Hall, the beast-race Skywolf Tribe, the human Wandering Cultivators Alliance… big factions, small ones—they’re all here.”

Jared took the report, scanned it, and said nothing.

“Officially, they’re here to investigate why the Pyre Chasm went out. But in reality…”
Alaric’s jaw tightened. “They’re here to loot. The rocks inside the Pyre Chasm were tempered by heavenfire for tens of thousands of years. They’ve turned into extremely rare emberstone crystals. Those crystals carry fire-aspect spiritual energy. For anyone cultivating fire techniques, they’re priceless.”

He pushed to his feet and began pacing the hall.