Heavenly Pass City, Yangdu Ward in the east of the city.
In a courtyard with white walls and black tiles, a Long Table stood before the screen wall.
An elderly man with snow-white brows and beard, and a bald head, sat expressionlessly behind the table.
Chen Mu stepped forward, bowed slightly, and handed over the Identity Jade Token issued by the Hundred Illusions Sect. At the same time, using his body to block the sight of those behind him, he quietly slipped a small gray cloth bag into the other man's hand.
The old man's brows rose slightly. With a flick of his wrist and the faint clinking of White Jade, the gray cloth bag vanished into his wide sleeve.
"Senior, I do not like socializing. I would like somewhere quieter to stay," Chen Mu said softly.
"The houses were all assigned long ago. What makes you think you can be picky?" the old man snapped impatiently, though he secretly gave Chen Mu a slight nod.
"You are right, Senior. I will stay wherever you arrange for me," Chen Mu said, feigning panic.
"That's more like it. Take your things and go to East Wing Sixteen." The old man nodded slightly, pulled out a small wooden box from beneath the table, and handed it to Chen Mu along with his Identity Jade Token.
Chen Mu cupped his fists again. Carrying his things around the screen wall, he saw three two-story buildings directly north and to either side.
Chen Mu went to the east wing, climbed the central wooden stairs to the second floor, and followed the little wooden plaques hanging by the doors until he found the room at the southernmost end.
He pushed open the creaking door, revealing a rather spacious room.
"Not bad." Chen Mu looked around and