Five auras of Sages crossed the void and descended before Huoyun Cave.
Hongyun raised his brows slightly, but in that briefest of moments, his thoughts had already turned over several times.
Five Sages had come together to visit Huoyun Cave. It seemed Tathagata's defeat had shaken them all quite badly.
With a sweep of his sleeve, Hongyun sent the heavy stone doors of Huoyun Cave rumbling wide open.
"Fellow Daoists, your honored presence brings light to my humble Huoyun Cave." Hongyun cupped his hands in greeting.
Jieyin pressed his palms together and bowed slightly in return.
"Amitabha. Fellow Daoist Hongyun, my respects."
Zhunti also followed with a Buddhist salute.
"This poor monk has taken the liberty of visiting unannounced. I hope Fellow Daoist will forgive the intrusion."
Taiqing, Yuanshi, and Nuwa each returned the greeting as well.
"Fellow Daoist Hongyun, pardon the disturbance."
Hongyun led them into the cave. With a wave of his hand, five cushions appeared out of thin air in the hall.
"Fellow Daoists, please sit."
The others took their seats one after another.
Hongyun returned to the main seat, picked up the teapot, and personally poured tea for them.
Tea flowed into the cups, and misty spiritual Qi rose into the air.
No one spoke first.
The hall fell quiet for a moment.
Hongyun set down the teapot, swept his gaze over the five of them, and the corner of his mouth curved faintly.
"It is rare indeed for all of you Fellow Daoists to visit together."
"I wonder what wind has blown several of you to Huoyun Cave today."
His words were courteous, but everyone could hear the subtext—what are you trying to do?
Jieyin pressed his palms together and gave a Buddhist salute.
"Fellow Daoist Hongyun."
"My junior brother and I have come this