"A memento. Junior Brother Xiao Zhi, no need for such courtesy. Sit."
Wan Zhong smiled and pointed at a White Jade Stone Chair.
Though he was being treated with courtesy by one of the strongest Senior Brothers in Void Piercing Sword Peak, Zhang Xiao Zhi showed none of the joy he ought to have felt. Instead, he looked as if he were sitting on pins and needles, a trace of panic deep in his eyes.
"I called you here this time because Junior Brother Lu Xuan of Still True Sword Peak has business with you."
Wan Zhong turned to look at Lu Xuan.
"Junior Brother Zhang, if I'm not mistaken, you come from the Zhang Family of Star Yue City? Do you know Fellow Daoist Chen Yuqiu of the nearby Chen Family?"
Lu Xuan asked with a smile.
"The Chen and Zhang families are less than a thousand li apart and have always had dealings with each other. When I was a child, I met the Chen Family Head more than once. It was only after I came to Sword Sect to cultivate that we saw less of each other."
Zhang Xiao Zhi chose his words carefully.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang advanced to Core Formation at such a young age, a rising star of Sword Sect, while I am only a decrepit old man who has not many years left. I would not dare compare myself with you, Fellow Daoist."
Chen Yuqiu said expressionlessly, a faint trace of resentment in his tone.
"Uncle-Master Zhang."
Chen Qingshuang rose and bowed.
"Little Sister Qingshuang, no need to be so polite. You and I entered the sect not far apart in time. Just call me Zhang Dage."
Zhang Xiao Zhi forced a faint smile onto his face.
Chen Qingshuang remained silent.
"Uncle Chen, no