As Hu Qi and the others made their way up Fire Lotus Mountain, Lin Bai did not hurry to leave. Instead, he stood at the foot of the mountain and waited.
Half a day later, Hu Qi came down from the ancient path on Fire Lotus Mountain.
Lin Bai clasped his fists and said, "Hu Qi, how did it go? Can I go up and discuss things with True Monarch of Myriad Treasures?"
Hu Qi shook his head, a trace of a smile appearing on his face. "There's no need, Lin Bai. Master has already made his decision. As his disciples, we can hardly stop him!"
"But we've also reached an agreement with Master. The five of us disciples will stay behind to help him forge this sword. Afterward, the five of us will leave Fire Lotus Mountain!"
"And after Master finishes forging this weapon, he'll probably withdraw from the world as well!"
Lin Bai froze. The guilt in his heart was impossible to dispel. He clasped his fists and said, "Hu Qi, I..."
Hu Qi smiled. "I know, Lin Bai. You don't need to say anything more. I know you feel guilty, but this is Master's choice. None of us has the right to interfere!"
"Besides, he believes that being able to help you forge this sword is both his honor and his destiny!"
"He believes that he lived on the Barren Ancient Continent for five hundred years precisely to await this day!"
"Since that's the case, why should we disciples stop him?"
"You don't need to apologize, and you don't need to feel guilty. This was Master's choice!"
"We're still brothers!"
Hu Qi smiled and patted Lin Bai on the shoulder.
"Come on, let's find somewhere to drink!" Hu Qi pulled Lin Bai toward his residence.
At Hu