When Ding Fan and his companions appeared in the canyon, thirty-six cultivators saw the presence of Long Ren and Elder Xi, and immediately quieted down, standing solemnly with great respect as they spoke in unison to Long Ren:
"Greetings, Lake Master!"
"Greetings, Lake Master!"
"..."
Long Ren nodded slightly, then walked alone to a stone step in front, his expression becoming very grave, devoid of any previous mirth.
Ding Fan was a bit shocked witnessing this scene. Among the thirty-six cultivators, some were already white-haired elders, while others were burly middle-aged men, and even two middle-aged women whose elegance was unmistakable. However, none of them were below the Spirit Severing stage, and even those at the Spirit Severing Initial Stage were considered the lowest among them.
