By Jade Lake, where the Zhu Family resided, stood an inconspicuous little courtyard shrouded year-round in a faint white mist.
Heavy mist by the water was perfectly normal. Through the thin fog, one could vaguely make out sparse fencing and three Wooden Houses.
Toward evening, San Duo True Person arrived outside the courtyard and respectfully announced, "Nian Di requests an audience with the Second Ancestor. I have something to report."
The gate in the fence opened by itself without a breath of wind, and a clear voice came from within. "Come in."
The Second Ancestor was named Zhu Jiayi, a somewhat weathered-looking middle-aged man.
He silently listened to San Duo True Person's report, pondering for a while before asking, "What do you think?"
"They probably wanted to show that their intentions do not lie in Dongsheng?"
"Not necessarily." Zhu Jiayi slowly shook his head. "They mainly want to show goodwill toward the Zhu Family."
He pondered before speaking. "Starting by asking someone for a minor favor is a very good opening. It does not make people resentful."
After all, they were Nascent Soul True Immortals, and among the top twelve powers at that. Others might find entering Central Province difficult, but to them, it was a trivial matter.
"At the same time, they can speak with a junior like you and express their desire to travel to Central Province. Their goodwill is more than obvious."
Worthy of being the Zhu Family's Old Ancestor and strategist—he could infer their motives from such minor details.
"Oh, right." San Duo True Person took out a fist-sized stone. "They also gave me a Space Stone as a greeting gift."
"Oh, that is quite generous." Zhu Jiayi glanced at it, then nodded slightly. "No wonder you are called San Duo. Your Luck is truly good."