Lin Bai was led away by Pei Ji. The farther they went, the fewer disciples Lin Bai saw around them. He began to suspect that they had arrived at the area where the higher-ups of the Sword Dao Institute lived.
"Dean, I've brought Lin Bai!"
Pei Ji led Lin Bai to the front of a simple tiled house and called out respectfully.
"Oh? He's here? Come in."
A teasing voice drifted out from the humble tiled house.
Lin Bai knew at once that it was Dugu Yun.
Pei Ji and Lin Bai pushed open the door together and saw Dugu Yun warming wine in the courtyard.
On the fiercely burning charcoal fire, a pot of aged wine was boiling hot, filling the air with an enchanting fragrance.
Lin Bai chuckled. "Just from the fragrance, I can tell it's good wine."
Upon hearing this, Pei Ji immediately reprimanded him. "Lin Bai, mind your manners. Hurry up and pay your respects."
Lin Bai gave a faint smile.
Dugu Yun laughed. "It's fine. Lin Bai, come in and sit. Pei Ji, there's nothing for you to do here anymore. Go on and get busy. Lin Bai and I have something to discuss privately."
Pei Ji was greatly surprised. From Dugu Yun's tone, it sounded as though he and Lin Bai were old friends despite their age difference!
"Yes!" Pei Ji replied before turning and leaving.
Dugu Yun laughed. "Lin Bai, come over and sit. This is fine wine I specially won from Pei Ji for you. Come, let's have a couple of cups."
"Sure."
Lin Bai walked over with a smile and sat across from Dugu Yun.
Dugu Yun poured out the warmed wine and handed it to Lin Bai.
Lin Bai took a sip and chuckled. "It really is good wine."
Dugu