Night had fallen.
The waning moon was as red as blood.
"The fog is awfully thick tonight."
Outside the Talisman Pavilion, an Inner Disciple concealing his figure lay sprawled atop a rock.
He had been assigned by his superiors to "keep an eye on" Master Lin for half a month, yet he had never seen fog as dense as tonight's. It was almost as if it would condense into droplets and fall.
Bright red lanterns swayed in the wind. The disciple guarding the mountain gate was drowsy with sleep, but suddenly jolted awake.
He instinctively looked into the distance. A blurred figure emerged from the dark fog.
"Who is it?"
The gatekeeper quickly took out a magical artifact and asked warily from afar.
The figure did not answer, only drawing closer and closer.
The gatekeeper's entire body tensed as he prepared to strike directly.
"It's me."
A deep, hoarse voice suddenly rang out.
The fog churned, and an old man wearing a black ghost-face mask appeared.
Once he saw who it was, the gatekeeper was startled into action and hurriedly saluted. "So it's Elder Yu."
Elder Yu had only recently been promoted to elder after Blood Bone Peak was purged. He enjoyed the Sect Master's deep trust and had been assigned to oversee the affairs of Qilian Marketplace.
"Something happened at the marketplace. I need to report it to the Sect Master."
The old man spoke indifferently.
After checking the identity token, the gatekeeper immediately opened the mountain gate.
"By the way, there's something I need you to handle for me."
The old man suddenly stopped.
"It's my honor to serve you, Elder." The gatekeeper hurriedly replied.
Elder Yu was deeply trusted by the Sect Master. If he could put in a few words on his behalf, perhaps he would