A Fortuitous Bond

"What... is this?"

As Zhao Sheng gradually approached the stone pavilion ahead, he grew increasingly shocked. In his field of vision, the pavilion was rapidly growing larger—and more ancient.

By the time he stepped into the pavilion, the octagonal stone structure had become as immense as a grand, ancient palace. The stone table, pillars, railings, paving stones... every inch of the place exuded indescribable traces of Dao rhythm. At that moment, the immortal-looking old Daoist had likewise become as towering as a mountain. Yet in Zhao Sheng's perception, the old Daoist seemed to possess no Mana whatsoever, as ordinary as a mortal.

No!

It was not that everything before him had grown "larger"—he himself had unknowingly become "smaller."

At that thought, Zhao Sheng halted abruptly in shock. Dense lightning suddenly engulfed his entire body, bursting forth in blazing, tangible light.

Seeing this, the old Daoist said gently, "Do not panic, little friend. If this poor Daoist bore you ill will, I would have taken your life the moment you entered Divine Palace Sky. Why would I wait until now to invite you into the pavilion?"

After hearing this, Zhao Sheng's heart skipped a beat before he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. His vigilance greatly diminished.

Though the man before him was unfathomably mysterious, he truly had not displayed the slightest hint of malice.

Zhao Sheng simply lowered all his guard, strode to the stone table, and slowly sat down.

Yet only then did he realize something was amiss. The omnipresent, crushing pressure had vanished without explanation.

Secretly startled, Zhao Sheng looked at the old Daoist opposite him and probed, "This junior is Zhao Xi. May I ask Senior's honored name? Why did Senior ask me to enter this pavilion?"

"This poor Daoist's surname is Wu, with the given name