The night breeze brushed softly by, and waves of pine roared across Welcome Guest Peak.
Led by a steward disciple, Chen Qing passed through several courtyards and arrived before a guesthouse.
Two plain white lanterns hung beneath the eaves, swaying gently in the night wind.
"The Sword Lord's two disciples are staying here."
The steward disciple lowered his voice. "Senior Brother Nan is inside as well. He arrived about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea ago."
Nan Zhuoran was here too?
Chen Qing's thoughts raced, and he vaguely guessed why.
Li Yujun must have sent him here to inquire.
After all, Li Qingyu's life and death were at stake. Naturally, she had to send someone to get to the bottom of it.
And as the Top True Disciple, Nan Zhuoran was indeed the most suitable person to represent her in dealings with Jiuli City.
Chen Qing nodded, then pushed open the door and entered without betraying a hint of emotion.
The guest hall was brightly lit. Pale ink landscape paintings hung on all four walls, while the furnishings were simple yet elegant.
Three people sat at separate seats around a round rosewood table in the center.
Ling Han and Su Cheng occupied the seats of honor. Upon seeing Chen Qing enter, they rose together.
Nan Zhuoran sat in the guest's seat and turned at the sound as well.
"Brother Chen is here. Please, sit."
Ling Han gestured toward the empty seat.
Su Cheng said slowly, "Brother Nan arrived not long ago as well. We were just speaking of what happened after Red Sand Town that day."
Chen Qing returned the salute with cupped fists and took the seat opposite Nan Zhuoran.
Their gazes met briefly. Nan Zhuoran gave a slight nod in greeting, neither warm nor