Haoqing smiled and cupped his hands in greeting. "Fellow Daoist Minghong, it has been a long time!"
Minghong, hovering in the air, returned the salute with a smile. "It has indeed been a long time. Fellow Daoist Haoqing, are you leading the Haoran Sect this time?"
"Yes. I never expected to run into you here. Have the Famous Sword Sect's participating disciples set out as well?"
"Yes. It is better to arrive early and make preparations. The same goes for you, I presume?"
The two exchanged pleasantries, both understanding more than they said. Yunxi, who appeared afterward, did not interrupt and merely stood respectfully to one side.
Venerable Minghong remembered Yunxi. When he saw her current cultivation, his gaze flickered before he smiled and asked, "Will little friend Wei also be participating in the Grand Competition of the Five Regions?"
Having been addressed directly, Yunxi immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Venerable Minghong. My master said that this junior's combat experience is lacking and told me to gain more practical experience. The Grand Competition of the Five Regions is a good opportunity, so this junior registered to participate."
Minghong nodded. "Your master is right. It will not do to cultivate in seclusion blindly. Still, seeing all of you grow so swiftly brings us old fellows great comfort. At last, there are successors to carry on the torch."
It was clearly praise. Yunxi gave a modest smile. "You overpraise me, Venerable. Yunxi still has many shortcomings and needs further tempering."
Once Yunxi had finished speaking, Haoqing suggested, "Fellow Daoist Minghong, since we have met here, why not have our two sects travel together? We can look out for one another should anything arise."
"That would be excellent."
That had been Minghong's purpose in catching up to them as well, so