Dong, dong, dong...
Daybreak arrived, and the morning light shimmered like floating radiance on the far-off sea. Reverberating bell chimes echoed long and deep within Qi Yun Valley.
The outsiders instinctively turned their gaze toward the valley, fixating on the glowing curtain above. With mounting excitement, some shouted, "The final competition is about to begin!"
Those who had gathered early positioned themselves at the prime spots, much like Duan Xiangmei.
Most were drawn from their inns by the commotion, and they shuffled into open ground to gaze up at the mirrored images overhead.
Among the crowd, Xiang Laner and Feng Chi carried heavy hearts. Almost reflexively, their eyes darted about, wary of everyone as if suspecting anyone might be a Stargazing Pavilion spy sent to monitor them.
