The atmosphere in the reception hall instantly became extremely tense.
Just then, a resonant voice suddenly rang out, "Honored guests have arrived, and I failed to give you a proper welcome. Please forgive me!"
As he spoke, a stout, middle-aged man in his forties with a beaming smile like the Maitreya Buddha appeared in the reception hall.
He acted as if he hadn't noticed the incredibly tense standoff and said with a wide smile, "I'm terribly sorry. I had to deal with an urgent matter just now. I've kept all you Fellow Daoists waiting."
However, as he spoke, a powerful wave of pressure erupted from his body, bearing down on Zhao Yuan and Bai Yuting.
The middle-aged man's strength wasn't just at the Qi Listening Realm; he was at least in the Late Stage! The immense pressure caused Bai Yuting's expression to change drastically. He was forced to retreat several steps before the pressure on him eased slightly.
