Though it was called a three-courtyard residence, it actually covered an enormous area, its layout and specifications comparable to a feudal prince's mansion. Its Wudian roof was built with chiwei ornaments and laid with emerald-green glazed tiles, while the official hall's main hall spanned seven bays.
After entering the National Teacher's Manor and arriving at the side hall in the eastern wing of the third courtyard, a place used for discussions and receiving guests, Chen Ping'an moved two chairs. They sat down facing each other.
They had exchanged the roles of host and guest. Back then, Qingxia Island had been difficult to ascend, yet Chen Ping'an had finally made it onto the island. Now, the National Teacher's Manor was difficult to enter, yet Old Man Liu Cheng had still taken a seat.
Old Man Liu Cheng had already used an Illusion Technique, temporarily covering himself in a spare Dharma robe to conceal his horrific injuries. He also circulated a water-based technique to hide the scent of blood covering his body.
It could not be said that he was not in a sorry state. Since Ascending to Upper Five Realms, he had never suffered so badly.
Xie Gou followed them into the room. Rather than moving a chair to sit down, he went over to the towering bookshelf, pulled out a book, and began leafing through it with great pretension.
Chen Ping'an signaled with his eyes that Xie Gou need not remain here. Xie Gou said solemnly, "If this fellow harbors resentment and suddenly rises up to murder someone, I can guard the National Teacher."
Old Man Liu Cheng's eyelids twitched slightly.
Chen Ping'an waved a hand. Xie Gou reluctantly tucked the book into his sleeve. It seemed to be a secret copy from the Imperial Observatory in Great Li Capital