Within the Haisa Sect, the fragrance of tea wafted through an open-air pavilion built on a cliff’s edge.

Dressed in the robes of a Haisa Sect Elder was a handsome man in his early thirties with a carefree air about him. This was Elder Qiao Hongyun.

Across from him sat a charming middle-aged woman, another of the sect’s Powerful Elders, Wu Hui.

Standing attentively behind Wu Hui was a young man with a Long Sword at his waist. He was Chen Lin, currently ranked third among the candidates for the Haisa Sect’s next Sect Leader.

The three were casually discussing recent personnel changes within the Sect, the atmosphere relaxed and familiar.

"So, it’s settled then? The position of Vice Steward for the Sea Patrol Hall is going to Nephew Liu?" Wu Hui asked with a smile, taking a delicate sip of tea.

Qiao Hongyun nodded as he refilled her cup. "That boy is reliable, and his Cultivation has just about reached the required level. Give him some experience, and he could be of great use in the future."

He then picked up a clean cup and poured some tea for Chen Lin, who stood behind Wu Hui. "Nephew Chen, you should also try this Fog Sea Cloud Needle. It’s a new tea that just arrived this year."

Chen Lin quickly bowed slightly, accepted the cup with both hands, and said respectfully, "Thank you, Junior Martial Uncle Qiao."

His etiquette was impeccable, showing the bearing of a Core Disciple from a renowned sect.

Just then, a Guard Disciple hurried into the pavilion, bowing to Qiao Hongyun to report, "Elder Qiao, there is a visitor at the sect gate. He claims to be an old friend of yours and wishes to see you."

Without even looking up, Qiao Hongyun asked casually, "Oh? Did he give a name?"

"He said his name is Shen Xiuyong, Elder."

"Shen Xiuyong?"

Qiao Hongyun’s hand, holding the teapot, paused mid-air. He then shot to his feet, a complex and unreadable expression flashing across his face—a mixture of surprise and what seemed like anticipation.

Seeing his strong reaction, Wu Hui couldn’t help but ask, "Elder Qiao, what is it?"

She frowned, deep in thought. ’Shen Xiuyong... That name does sound familiar. I feel like I’ve heard it somewhere before...’

Qiao Hongyun took a deep breath, his composure restored. He chuckled, "My apologies for that display, Elder Wu. The man is an Elder from the Wutai Sect in Yunlin Prefecture. We’re old friends, but it’s been a long time. I heard he recently had a breakthrough in his Cultivation and reached the Astral Force Realm. He’s probably come all this way just to show off to me."

His tone was filled with familiar banter.

Understanding dawned on Wu Hui, and she nodded. "Ah, so it’s Elder Shen from the Wutai Sect."

The Wutai Sect and the Haisa Sect were both under the command of the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect, and they maintained regular contact. A visit from an Astral Force Elder certainly needed to be treated with gravity.

The disciple asked cautiously, "Elder Qiao, should I go welcome Elder Shen and his party inside now?"

"No, I’ll go greet him myself."

Qiao Hongyun waved a hand. Turning to Wu Hui, he said apologetically, "Elder Wu, please excuse me for a moment."

Wu Hui stood up with a smile. "It’s no trouble. It has been a while since we had a master from the Wutai Sect visit. I’ve had dealings with their Sect Leader He Yuzhou and Dean Chu Jinyun a few times in the past. It’s a fine occasion to go together and demonstrate the Haisa Sect’s hospitality."

Chen Lin, standing behind her, naturally followed suit.

Qiao Hongyun nodded without another word, and the group headed for the sect gate.

When they reached the magnificent archway of the sect gate, Qiao Hongyun immediately spotted Shen Xiuyong standing with his hands clasped behind his back.

An undisguised look of "disdain" immediately appeared on Qiao Hongyun’s face. He sneered from afar, "Shen Xiuyong! You old rascal! After dragging your feet for so many years, you finally bothered to break through to Astral Force? I thought you were planning to live out your days and die in the Embrace Pill Realm!"

Shen Xiuyong turned at the sound of his voice. Seeing his old friend, he shot back without missing a beat, "Qiao Hongyun! And you think you’re so special just because you broke through to Astral Force a few years ahead of me?"

The two were at each other’s throats from the very first moment, but anyone could tell that beneath the seemingly hostile exchange lay a deep friendship.

Chen Qing watched quietly from the side. ’It seems this Elder Qiao really is a close friend of Junior Martial Uncle Shen, no doubt about it.’

Qiao Hongyun snorted, then turned to make the introductions. "Elder Wu, this is Elder Shen Xiuyong of the Wutai Sect. Elder Shen, this is Elder Wu Hui from our sect."

Shedding the bantering expression he wore for his old friend, Shen Xiuyong cupped his fist politely. "I have long heard of Elder Wu’s reputation. I am Shen Xiuyong; it is an honor."

He then stepped aside to introduce Chen Qing. "This is my martial nephew, Chen Qing, Head Disciple of the Wutai Sect’s Cyan Wood Institute."

Wu Hui smiled and nodded in return. "You are too kind, Elder Shen."

Shen Xiuyong’s name was only vaguely familiar to her, and Chen Qing’s was completely unknown. She simply assumed he was a talented young disciple from the Wutai Sect, accompanying his elder to gain some worldly experience.

However, when Chen Lin, standing behind her, heard the name "Chen Qing," a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

He was close friends with Miao Zhicheng of Golden Sand Castle. Not long ago, Miao Zhicheng had returned from Yunlin Prefecture in a sorry state. Before entering seclusion to heal, he had mentioned to Chen Lin that he had suffered a huge loss at Black Stone Ridge in Yunlin Prefecture at the hands of a Wutai Sect disciple named Chen Qing. He had even lost the Profound Iron Box that he had been so sure of acquiring!

’So, that’s him!’

Chen Qing keenly felt Chen Lin’s stare, but his expression remained unchanged. Observing proper etiquette, he cupped his fist once more toward Qiao Hongyun and Wu Hui. In a tone neither servile nor arrogant, he said, "Wutai Sect disciple Chen Qing pays his respects to Elder Qiao and Elder Wu."

"Mm, not bad. Young and promising."

Qiao Hongyun offered a casual compliment, then said to Shen Xiuyong, "Alright, let’s not just stand here at the gate in the wind. Let’s go inside and talk."

Qiao Hongyun led Shen Xiuyong and Chen Qing through the sect gate. They followed the main, flagstone-paved path toward the side halls reserved for esteemed guests.

He casually asked an accompanying disciple, "Is the Mountain Pavilion available right now?"

The disciple quickly replied, "Yes, Elder Qiao. The Mountain Pavilion is unoccupied today."