Bai Bing and Yunxi Peak Master Zhou Yunyi walked side by side out of the Main Peak Hall.
They proceeded slowly along the cloud-shrouded mountain steps. A cool breeze brushed their faces, and mist swirled around them, yet none of it could conceal the oppressive sense of a storm about to break.
Neither said much. At a fork in the path, they exchanged slight nods and went their separate ways. Zhou Yunyi returned to Yunxi Peak, while Bai Bing headed straight toward Lingxi Peak.
Along the way, lush vegetation covered Lingxi Peak, and spirit energy wreathed its slopes.
Whenever the Lingxi Peak disciples passing along the path spotted Bai Bing's plain white figure in the distance, they immediately stopped and bowed beside the road, their expressions deeply respectful as they called in unison, "Greetings, Peak Master!"
Bai Bing acknowledged them with a slight nod. Her steps were unhurried, her bearing as cool and aloof as a frost-covered pine beneath the moon. Without pausing, she continued straight toward the summit.
Before long, Bai Bing reached the summit of Lingxi Peak. As she approached the entrance to Lingxi Hall, she saw a tall, straight figure waiting quietly outside. It was Si Jiawen, Lingxi Peak's Senior Sister.
Si Jiawen wore a pale blue-green dress. Her posture was dignified and her aura steady; clearly, she had been waiting there for some time.
Seeing Bai Bing approach, Si Jiawen immediately gathered her attention and hurried forward. She stopped three paces before Bai Bing, bowed, and said respectfully, "Greetings, Master."
Bai Bing nodded faintly, her voice cool but gentle. "I've just returned from the Main Peak Hall. The Sect Master has issued instructions: in an hour, the Peak Masters of the Seven Branches and the sect's senior members will gather at Fu Mountain Square.
"Go to