Zhong Shan flew down in front of a small pavilion in the mountain valley.
"Your Majesty!" Sword Red gave Zhong Shan a slight bow. The Netherworld Heaven disciples beside her also bowed slightly, but said nothing.
Inside the pavilion, Sword Pride slowly opened his eyes.
A gentle breeze blew outward from Sword Pride, instantly sweeping the plum blossom petals that had fallen into the pavilion back out.
"Red, take everyone outside!" Sword Pride said.
"Yes, Father!" Sword Red nodded and led the Netherworld Heaven disciples out into the open.
"Wushuang!" Zhong Shan looked toward Liu Wushuang.
"Yes!" Liu Wushuang understood and withdrew as well.
Watching everyone leave the valley, Zhong Shan turned to Sword Pride.
"Please!"
"Mm!" Zhong Shan nodded.
He stepped into the pavilion and walked to the other cushion before Sword Pride.
The two knelt facing each other. A set of cooking utensils lay before them, and clear wine simmered over a small brazier.
Sword Pride raised a hand, and dozens of different plum blossoms immediately flew over from the distant plum grove. When they came close, he took one petal from each and slowly placed them into the wine over the brazier.
Plum blossoms simmered in clear wine, releasing wave after wave of fragrant aroma.
"We haven't seen each other for more than a hundred years, yet your cultivation has grown ever deeper. Do you still hold to the ambition you once had—to 'defeat all the heroes under Heaven'?" Zhong Shan asked with a smile.
Sword Pride smiled faintly. "Naturally. I've never forgotten it!"
"Oh?"
"Thirty years ago, I gained tremendous insight from the battle in Great Qin. That's why I invited you here," Sword Pride said.
"The battle in Great Qin?" Zhong Shan raised his brows, slightly startled.
The battle in Great Qin? With whom? Sword