"Many thanks, Lord, for coming to fetch us. We are endlessly grateful!"
Li Qingyun, Gao Bian, and the others approached the green-robed middle-aged man and Yi Sheng, cupping their fists in a respectful greeting.
"You fellow Daoists have had a hard journey all the way here. From now on you are safe, just come back with the ship!"
The green-robed middle-aged man, whose figure was slender yet whose gaze was deep and steady, raised his hand with a faint smile in return, his eyes lingering on Li Qingyun for a moment longer.
Yi Sheng stood nearby and introduced with reverence, "This is Lord Zhong Xuanfeng, the deputy commander of the Cosmic Dwarf Star's third commoner Qihuo Army, and also one of the commoner pillars whom we ought to sincerely respect!"
"Lord Zhong!"
Li Qingyun, Gao Bian, and the others immediately cupped their fists once more.
"No need for such formalities. Like all of you fellow Daoists, I am just following the name of that great banner—Qihuo, begging to survive, merely trying to beg for survival in this eternal great era..."
The green-robed middle-aged man, Zhong Xuanfeng, waved his hand, his gaze falling upon the tragic, blood-stained banner. A hint of desolation and sorrow grew between his brows, as if he thought of many bleak and withered old friends.
The atmosphere turned somewhat heavy for a moment.
Yi Sheng hurriedly led Li Qingyun and the others away, not daring to disturb Zhong Xuanfeng's deep contemplation.
"I will lead you down first. From this moment on, you are handymen on the ship. If any members of the Eternal Clan forcefully board to interrogate you—let's hope there is no such 'if'..."
After some arrangements, Li Qingyun was assigned a cabin, and the others were also settled in their respective places.
Yi Sheng finally