Inside the Internal Affairs Hall, the elders' discussion fell silent at the sound that echoed through the mountain gate.
Sang Yanping's face was as still as an ancient well, betraying little emotion. He merely said mildly to those beside him, "Since they have come, we should meet them. Let us go out and take a look."
With Sang Yanping in the lead and several elders following behind, they arrived outside the mountain gate.
Outside, the mountain gate was already packed shoulder to shoulder. At the end of the passage voluntarily cleared by the Wutai Sect disciples, three figures stood tall and alone.
Sang Yanping's gaze first fell upon the gray-robed elder. He forced a faint smile onto his face, cupped his hands, and said, "So Elder Mo has come in person. Forgive us for failing to welcome you from afar. A guest who has traveled far is welcome here; why not come inside for a cup of clear tea?"
Mo Yun's gaze was calm yet profound. He returned the salute, his voice low and clear. "Elder Sang is too courteous. This old man has come only to protect the Dao and will not involve himself in other matters. There is no need for tea, lest we spoil the young people's spirits."
Sang Yanping understood at once. This was Hanyu Valley's older generation making their stance clear: they would watch the battle, but not interfere.
He nodded slightly and turned his gaze to the main figure, Xiao Bieli.
Xiao Bieli stepped forward and cupped his hands to Sang Yanping and the elders.
"This junior, Xiao Bieli, greets Elder Sang and all seniors. I have rashly come to your door today because I have long heard that the Wutai Sect is Yunlin's sacred land of martial arts. The inner cultivation methods of