Yan Li had arrived ahead of them with a group of Purple Gold Cave personnel, all experts from Purple Gold Cave. They had placed Thatched Cottage Estate under heavy guard, wary of Skyfire Cult doing something desperate. Before the meat reached their mouths, Purple Gold Cave would not allow a bargaining chip like Kun Linshu to be casually destroyed.
For a time, the entire Thatched Cottage Estate was steeped in an unusual atmosphere.
Niu Youdao hurried to the gate to receive the guests.
Gong Lince glanced at Yan Li, who gave a slight nod. Knowing that arrangements had already been made, he smiled. "Elder Niu, Sect Master Yuwen and the others wish to first confirm whether Kun Linshu and his wife are safe and well. Purple Gold Cave is not so devoid of human feeling. Let them have a look."
Niu Youdao hesitated. "Kun Linshu and his wife may be too ashamed to face people from Skyfire Cult. What if they refuse to see them?"
Gong Lince immediately shot Yan Li another look. Had he misunderstood? Had they not settled this?
Yan Li froze, then stepped closer and tugged at Niu Youdao's sleeve, seemingly asking, What did you mean? Hadn't you agreed just fine before?
Yuwen Yan said impassively, "They are in your hands. Whether they see us or not should be your decision. Is it for them to decide?" As he spoke, he continued closely observing Niu Youdao's reactions. There was no helping it—the letter delivered to Skyfire Cult could not confirm who had sent it.
If they had been one hundred percent certain it was Niu Youdao, there would have been no need for all this back-and-forth. Once they knew Niu Youdao would not raise any conditions and could settle this matter, they would naturally have gone straight