After Yang Lingkong finished speaking, his gaze lightly flicked toward Song Qingming beside him again, only to find that the other man's expression had not changed in the slightest.
"Fellow Daoist Yang is correct. When I arrived at the foot of the mountain half a month ago, I did indeed inquire at the marketplace about the cross-continent Teleportation Array to Xihua Province.
"I only heard that sectarian warfare had broken out over in Xihua Province, forcing your sect to temporarily close the Teleportation Array.
"However, Song had only just arrived and was not a local cultivator, so it was difficult to learn the details at once. That was why I presumptuously came here to ask about it.
"Song truly has matters requiring him to travel to Xihua Province. I came to pay respects at your mountain in all sincerity, and I hope you two Fellow Daoists will understand."
After calmly offering this explanation, Song Qingming rose to his feet and cupped his hands toward Yang Lingkong before him.
Seeing this, Yang Lingkong and Yu Ning, who was seated beside him, exchanged a glance before hurriedly rising to return the salute.
"Hehe! Fellow Daoist Song, there is no need for such courtesy.
"Strictly speaking, this matter concerns our sect's secret regarding the cross-continent Teleportation Array. The two of us should not casually mention it to outsiders.
"However, since Fellow Daoist Song has come in genuine sincerity, this old man cannot simply refuse you and make you lose face. I will tell you a few truths.
"But once you learn of this, you must promise never to reveal it outside.
"Otherwise, if Sect Leader Senior Brother holds us accountable, Junior Sister Yu and I will have no way to answer to the sect. Fellow Daoist, can you understand?"
"You two Fellow Daoists