There were no lamps in the Sea God Pavilion. It relied on the Golden Ancient Tree's soft radiance, clear and bright without being harsh.
Arriving before the attic's main doors, Huo Yuhao bowed respectfully.
"Come in," Mu En's voice called out.
Huo Yuhao's expression grew more solemn as he strode inside.
Several elderly men were seated in the hall, all familiar faces: Mu En, Xuan Zi, Elder Song, Old Lin, and Old Zhuang.
They all regarded Huo Yuhao with gentle expressions.
"Martial Ancestor, Elders." Huo Yuhao stepped forward and bowed.
"Forget the formalities. I called you here mainly because of Demon Empress," Mu En said directly, making his intentions clear. He glanced at Huo Yuhao and smiled. "Find a seat. Yuhao, you are also a future member of the Sea God Pavilion. There is a place for you here."
"Yes." Huo Yuhao did not decline, but neither did he sit in the seats reserved for the other Sea God Pavilion members. Instead, he fetched a chair himself and placed it behind Yan Shaozhe's seat, showing respect for his teacher.
Seeing this, everyone smiled quietly.
As the hall fell silent, Mu En casually took out the Demon Whale Pearl that Demon Empress had given them during the day.
The Golden Ancient Tree's golden light spread across the deep-blue Demon Whale Pearl, refracting a magnificent, strange radiance, as though it truly contained an entire sea.
"Mu En, since Demon Empress is with the Holy Spirit Cult, could there be some trick behind her initiative in meeting us and giving us this?" Old Zhuang asked vigilantly.
It was not only Old Zhuang. The other elders more or less shared the same concern.
Mu En did not answer. Instead, he looked to Huo Yuhao, his meaning obvious: he wanted Huo Yuhao to explain.
Huo