Baili Zilin appeared modest on the surface, but inwardly he was already ecstatic, for he had long known the significance of this altar.
Suddenly, all the prominent figures surrounding him rose to their feet, their gazes fixed on the direction from which they had come.
Baili Zilin turned to look as well.
Moments later, a vast horde appeared on the distant horizon — dense as a swarm of locusts, blotting out the sky entirely.
But they were no locusts. They were the many experts of the Prison Sect, swiftly approaching.
They had all come to witness a moment that would be etched into the history of the Prison Sect.
When they saw the figure leading the group, not only Baili Zilin but even the prominent figures standing around him bowed in greeting.
For this person's status surpassed even that of these prominent figures. He was no Hell Envoy, nor a Prison General — he was a Prison Marshal.
The Prison Sect was vast in numbers, but Prison Marshals could be counted on one hand.
Without exception, they were all beings of immense power within the Prison Sect.
"Red clouds flooding the sky — could this anomaly be the doing of Young Master Zilin?"
As the Prison Marshal drew near, both his tone and his gestures were wildly exaggerated.
But no one thought him excessive, for the sight before them was truly staggering.
They had all been deeply shaken.
"Reporting to Lord Qianzhou — this is indeed the anomaly caused by Young Master Zilin."
Before Baili Zilin could even open his mouth, those who had arrived earliest spoke up.
"Indeed, Young Master Zilin is the hope of our Prison Sect."
"Back when the Ancient Faction opposed our opening of the Prison Infant God Summoning Altar, now... their faces must be stinging, hahahaha."
The Prison Marshal laughed even more excitedly.
His name was Jimo Qianzhou. Though he held the lofty rank of Prison Marshal, he belonged to the New Faction of the Prison Sect.
He was also a trusted confidant of Baili Zilin's father.
The operation to capture Xianhai Yu'er that day had been led by him and the New Faction's experts.
Upon discovering the anomaly, he had been the first to arrive at this location and had also determined that Baili Zilin was the one who had triggered it.
But he hadn't revealed himself right away. Instead, he had turned back outside and gathered all of these Prison Sect forces, bringing them in.
He wanted more members of the Prison Sect to witness this scene — only in this way could Baili Zilin's standing in everyone's hearts become firmly cemented.
So, in the moments that followed, he casually — as if by accident — spread word of the Prison Infant God Summoning Altar's true purpose.
In an instant, everyone felt their scalps tingle. Baili Zilin's status in their hearts underwent a monumental leap.
The people of the Prison Sect all had their faith. They firmly believed that what they did was right — that the Prison Sect alone was the hope of the vast Martial Cultivation World.
It was precisely because of this that, upon learning Baili Zilin would be the successor to lead the Prison Sect to its apex— Baili Zilin's halo naturally shone brighter than ever before.
Once their purpose had been achieved, the Prison Sect members departed one after another. After all, this was a restricted area — had Jimo Qianzhou not granted them passage, most would never have been permitted entry.
At this moment, Jimo Qianzhou and Baili Zilin still remained within this spatial world.
They had arrived before a misty lake, though the mist was not white but red.
At the center of the lake stood a black pavilion, and as Jimo Qianzhou formed hand seals, crimson runes shimmered to life upon it.
This lake had been forged from countless treasures, designed for healing. Now Baili Zilin sat cross-legged within the pavilion, allowing the healing energy to flood into his body.
Jimo Qianzhou stood outside the pavilion.
He removed his conical hat, revealing his true face.
He appeared middle-aged, with dark skin and plain features — the kind of face that carried no presence whatsoever.
Setting aside strength and status, comparing his appearance to Baili Zilin's — one was noble, the other ordinary.