The next morning, He Lingchuan went up the mountain to meet Elder Dao again.

This time, Dong Rui and Zhu Daniang did not follow him. Instead, they went to wander around the towns below the mountain, giving He Lingchuan some space for a private conversation.

Unexpectedly, there was another person here. He looked not yet fifty, with faintly graying temples and beard, and an air that seemed to stand apart from the world.

When Elder Dao stood beside him, he looked far too old by comparison.

“This is our Sect Leader Xue.”

The head of the Rongshan Sect personally came to meet me? He Lingchuan was startled, then stepped forward and performed the courtesy of a junior.

Sect Leader Xue gave an empty supporting gesture and smiled. “No need for such courtesy, truly no need.”

Of course, he had already heard Elder Dao’s account. At this moment, he looked He Lingchuan up...