Obstacles at Every Turn

After the two sides met and exchanged introductions, Wan Tiancheng led Xiang Yang toward the Cloud Pavilion, while Little Black and Yan Mumei were taken elsewhere by the servants to rest.

Only after entering the Cloud Pavilion did Xiang Yang see its interior arrangements. The surrounding walls were painted jade white, and countless small chain chandeliers protruded along the edges, red flames burning within them. The instant he stepped inside, Xiang Yang felt as though the dazzling sight had nearly blinded him.

The seats on the floor were arranged in distinct tiers. The throne at the eastern head was carved with flood dragons. It served as both the usual place for receiving guests and the Jingxiao Alliance's council hall, reminding Xiang Yang of certain scenes from Little Lianyun Stockade on Mount Xiaoyun.

Xiang Yang was placed in the first seat on the right, followed by Ren Xiu, Gu Yilong, and the others. Across from them sat Yu Du, Gan Hongyu, and other second-generation descendants with powerful backgrounds. Wan Tiancheng alone occupied the throne at the very head.

"Little Xiang, I invited you to make your mark in the Jingxiao Alliance, yet you politely declined. I can more or less guess what you were thinking, but let's set that aside for now. We can discuss it later.

"First, let me tell you in detail about the Divine Saber Sect ruins in Gaoli Mountain. I imagine that is why you came as well."

Wan Tiancheng sat steadily upon the flood-dragon chair, both hands resting before him on the armrests, like an overlord holding heaven and earth in his palm. His bearing and aura were utterly unlike the peaceable warmth he had displayed before. Only once Xiang Yang and the others had taken their seats did he speak.

After Wan Tiancheng finished, Gu