Wang Yue wore a Black True Disciple Robe, the two cloud patterns along its hem faintly shifting in the morning light.
He took a deep breath and suppressed the unease in his heart, then slowly headed toward the prefectural city. Beneath his black robe, his palm quietly clenched the Communication Talisman Zhu Chaoying had given him.
On a pavilion high within the sect, Yun Kaitian and Zhu Chaoying stood side by side, their gazes following Wang Yue's figure until he vanished at the end of the mountain path.
Zhu Chaoying's grip on the Flame Hammer tightened slightly as he said in a low voice, "If that Third Prince harbors crooked thoughts..."
Yun Kaitian nodded lightly, his fingertips rubbing over his longbow as his eyes flickered.
Wang Yue suddenly realized that the road to the prefectural city, which had once seemed quite long, felt exceptionally short today.
Before long, the pavilion of Gold and Silver Tower, with its gilded tile roof, came into view. Armored guards stood solemnly at the entrance. Unlike its usual bustle, Gold and Silver Tower was filled with a deliberate hush today.
Wang Yue slowly entered the first-floor hall and saw dozens of Eight Immortals Tables, each surrounded by people.
Most of them were Inner Sect disciples. Lin Yue and Xu Hui were among them, and the Black True Disciple Robes they wore were particularly conspicuous.
The moment he crossed the threshold, Lin Yue rose to his feet. A forced smile piled across his face as he hurried forward and said, "Senior Brother Wang, you came to attend the Third Prince's banquet too?
"I thought you wouldn't come."
Wang Yue glanced at him, a trace of confusion flashing through his eyes. Lin Yue was here as well.
Before he could respond, a series of footsteps came from