The next day!!
Dawn had just broken!
Knock, knock, knock!
The door to Qin Jishi's residence was knocked on.
"Hall Master of Jishi Hall, Realm Venerate has invited you to the council hall."
"..."
Not long after the maid's voice fell, a reply came from within the room.
"Alright, I'll head over shortly."
"..."
After washing up briefly, Qin Jishi opened the door and headed toward the council hall.
By the time Qin Jishi arrived at the council hall, Azure Realm Venerate and the others had already been waiting for quite some time.
Of course!
It seemed Azure Realm Venerate had arranged it deliberately—Han Wen was here as well.
Upon seeing Qin Jishi arrive, Han Wen immediately stepped forward, his face full of gratitude.
Qin Jishi gestured for him not to stand on ceremony, then swept his gaze over the crowd.
Very quickly, Qin Jishi noticed something unusual. "Azure Realm Venerate, why is Senior Dugu nowhere to be seen?"
Normally, Dugu Qiubai could be considered inseparable from Qin Jishi, like a shadow following its form.
Now that he had come to the hall yet saw no trace of him, Qin Jishi could not help but feel somewhat surprised.
"Little Friend Qin!"
Azure Realm Venerate smiled softly. "Senior Dugu had matters to attend to and has left. He will return in a few days."
He had left because of some matter?
Qin Jishi furrowed his brow. It seemed Dugu Qiubai had departed in great haste.
For something to make him leave so hurriedly, it was surely no trivial matter.
Just as Qin Jishi was filled with doubts, Azure Realm Venerate spoke again.
"Little Friend Qin, I shall accompany you these next few days and show you the sights of our Azure Realm."
"..."
Qin Jishi said nothing more and nodded in