The Pavilion Master's Friendship, The Eve of Rise

"Hahaha! I was wondering why magpies had come calling today—so it turns out you've arrived on Molong Star, Shi Yan."

Amid Hu Yun'er's tension, a hearty voice reached their ears.

Immediately after, a tall figure—a middle-aged man—appeared not far in front of them.

Clad in a dark-green robe, with a square face and an expression of unyielding resolve, he was none other than Mo Shan, the tower lord of Molong's Virtual God Tower!

"This junior, Shi Yan, greets Mo Shan Tower Lord."

Shi Yan stepped forward, half a pace ahead, and cupped his hands toward Mo Shan Tower Lord.

"A pleasure. I didn't expect to meet senior the moment I arrived here."

"Haha, you came without even telling me in advance. As it happens, I've been free these past few days."

Mo Shan acted completely familiar, so much so that anyone who didn't know better might have thought the two were old friends of many years.

"And this is?"

Only then did Mo Shan's gaze turn toward Hu Yun'er, as if he had only just noticed her.

In truth, as an old fox who had lived for countless tens of thousands of years, Mo Shan had long since guessed from Shi Yan and Hu Yun'er's movements and expressions that their relationship was one of superior and subordinate.

An eighth-rank Saint actually regarded Shi Yan as her master.

There was a great deal of meaning hidden in that.

Since that was the case, no matter what, he had to make himself familiar.

"Hu Yun'er, one of my household. If there is ever an opportunity, I hope senior will look after her."

After glancing at Hu Yun'er, Shi Yan spoke, not belittling her in the slightest because she was his servant.

Since she was one of the protective forces of his household,