It was not yet seven in the morning, but quite a few people had already gathered outside the Discussion Hall.
As Su Yu climbed the stone steps, several gazes shifted toward him. Most of these core disciples had never dealt with him, but they were clearly familiar with the young disciple who had received the Grand Elder's guidance soon after joining the sect.
Beside the hall entrance, Han Xiao gestured to the man next to him.
"Su Yu's back."
Lu Heng followed his gaze and remarked casually, "I heard he took a mission to escort medicinal herbs. Counting the days, it was about time he returned."
He soon looked away, turning toward the tall young man ahead with an iron spear strapped to his back.
Wei Zheng, fifth among the core disciples.
If they chose participants based on past achievements, he would undoubtedly claim one of the spots. Lu Heng had also trained hard lately, but as he looked at that figure, he still had little confidence.
Su Yu entered the hall and found several people already standing at the front.
A woman in blue was speaking with a young man in black beside her. As they talked, they occasionally glanced at the map in their hands. Off to one side, a short-haired man stood with his arms folded. He gave Su Yu a couple of extra looks when he entered.
The Sect Master soon arrived with several elders.
The conversations in the hall gradually faded, and everyone took their places. The Sect Master sat at the front, unfolded a map, and hung it on the wooden stand beside him.
"I summoned you today to discuss the Demon-Subduing Ancient Land."
He first explained the routes they would take in and out, then pointed to two areas marked in red, warning