Two days later.
At the foot of the Celestial Mountain, overwhelming auras reigned. Tens of thousands of cultivators had gathered, forming an ever-expanding sea of people. Every second, new arrivals joined the crowd, coming from all the major sects and ancestral families. Some sought glory, others opportunities to rise, and a few simply the chance to survive against the Devourer.
In a makeshift headquarters, hastily constructed with tents and luxurious pavilions to accommodate the elite, the most powerful young cultivators were gathered. It wasn't just a matter of strength, but also of status and political power.
At the center, a large table covered with a detailed map of the Eternal Ruins dominated the room. Around it, renowned figures exchanged whispers, casting wary glances at the other factions present.