Amid lofty green mountains and babbling emerald waters.
A courtyard of white walls, black tiles, and upturned eaves sat in a broad mountain hollow, like a secluded orchid blooming in the wilderness.
Before the courtyard ran only a narrow path wide enough for a single carriage. At its end stood a towering ancient tree, while snowy-white, jagged stone cliffs rose on either side.
Nearby stood a small wayside pavilion. An elderly Daoist in robes, his hair gathered in a Daoist topknot, stepped out and looked at the man and woman approaching along the path. The old Daoist smiled. "So this is what the two of you truly look like."
The strikingly beautiful woman looked slightly embarrassed.
The old Daoist was the first to ease the awkwardness. He said to the woman, "In the four months since we last met, Jing Province's situation has developed to such a state. That the two of you were able to come at our invitation is already the best possible outcome."
"His Highness is waiting in the pavilion. Please."
The old Daoist was none other than Xuan Sheng Zhenren. After speaking, he stepped aside and opened up a path.
Pu Yangying was forthright as well. "Before I came, the clan elders instructed me to discuss matters with you whenever anything arose. Still, none of us expected your Great Qian to let such a pack of fools lead the charge, resulting in the Martial Forest Alliance losing half its territory."
"But that is all in the past. There is no use saying more. Since we share the same goal, I will follow the clan elders' advice."
Pu Yangjun did not speak. His gaze remained arrogant as he swept it over their surroundings.
Led by Xuan Sheng Zhenren, the two made their way toward the courtyard at