Bai Yu considered Yang Mei's request for an audience and ultimately agreed.
Hongjun had refused to see Yang Mei because he could not be sure how the Primordial Heavenly Dao felt about him.
But Bai Yu had no such concerns.
The majestic aura of the Great Dao descended. Yang Mei knew at once that the man he had come to see had arrived.
"Yang Mei welcomes the venerable master of the Dao."
Yang Mei bowed until his forehead struck the ground, his voice full of respect.
"Venerable master of the Dao" was not Bai Yu's Daoist title. It was simply Yang Mei's way of honoring him.
Just as everyone in the Chat Group addressed Bai Yu as Immortal Exalted.
After seeing how cold Hongjun had become, Yang Mei no longer dared call Bai Yu Dao Friend.
Of those who might listen to Yang Mei now, only the man before him remained.
So Yang Mei spared no effort in flattering him.
Reality had worn down Yang Mei's sharp edges.
Had he attained Enlightenment of the Dao, Yang Mei would have been riding high by now, sparring with Hongjun, defeating him, then sweeping away in triumph.
Well, that was how Yang Mei had once imagined it.
Now, all that remained was bitterness.
"There's no need for that, Dao Friend. Let's address each other as we did before."
Bai Yu offered no comment on his behavior, speaking mildly instead.
"Ah, Dao Friend..."
Yang Mei nodded gently, rose, and looked at Bai Yu with a long sigh.
How much heartache and helplessness lay in that single sigh?
If he and Bai Yu had been closer, Yang Mei might have burst into tears on the spot. His grievances needed no words.
Yang Mei brought out the finest wine and spirit fruits he had to entertain