Elsewhere, in the Wutai Sect's council hall.
Sect Master He Yuzhou sat high in the seat of honor, his expression calm, though a trace of gravity lingered deep in his eyes.
In the guest seat below sat a man who appeared to be in his thirties.
The man had a fair, clean-cut face, his eyes carrying a touch of indifference and distance. He wore a long robe of brocaded white with distinctive patterns, its cuffs and lapels embroidered in silver thread with images of clouds supporting jeweled pagodas—standard attire for core members of the Tianbao Supreme Sect.
That robe alone represented supreme authority and backing throughout the three circuits and Fifty-one Prefectures.
With a smile on his face, He Yuzhou said, "Special Envoy Zhao has come from afar to grace our humble sect. He has failed to welcome you properly from a distance; I hope the Special Envoy will be magnanimous."
Zhao Kang merely waved a hand casually at this, looking relaxed, as though he had long been accustomed to such occasions. "Sect Master He is too courteous. This envoy has come under orders, so there is no need for excessive formalities."
"May I ask what instructions Special Envoy Zhao has brought on this visit?"
He Yuzhou probed without betraying anything, while countless thoughts whirled through his mind.
"Instructions would be too strong a word."
Zhao Kang waved his hand again, his tone even. "Sect Master He, surely you have already heard something of the Xuwang Mountain cultivation plan?"
He Yuzhou's heart abruptly tightened. So it really was about this!
Yet none of it showed on his face. He nodded and said, "The Tianbao Supreme Sect sees far ahead. It wishes to gather the strength of a hundred sects to resist the Demonic Sect and cultivate outstanding talent. He has