The faint hum of the final spiritual well settling into the stone basin faded, leaving a profound stillness thick with potent energy in the cave.
Fang Yuan dusted his hands with a crisp clap, the gesture light, almost theatrical, as if sealing the final stroke on a masterwork.
"Well," he said, turning with an air of smug satisfaction, "that's the last of them. These should serve as more than adequate temporary replacements for our usual cultivation formations."
His gaze flicked to Elder Joshua, a teasing glint in his eye.
"Care to give your expert opinion now?"
Joshua, still visibly impressed despite the effort to compose himself, crossed his arms.
His tone was gruff, but the respect underneath was impossible to miss.
"No need, Clan Head. It's impressive. Too impressive, really." He cleared his throat, nodding firmly.
