News that the Cloudsea Secret Realm was about to open soon spread through several nearby provinces.
Lakeview City grew increasingly bustling.
These days, flying boats landed outside the city every day. The city's larger inns had long since filled up, and more than half the expensive private courtyards along the lake had been rented out as well.
Among the cultivators coming and going, those in the sea breaking realm were everywhere, and half-step venerables were far from rare. Some came in search of spirit herbs, some wanted to try their luck, and some young experts had traveled all the way here with their sect elders.
The major trading firms seized the opportunity to bring in medicinal pills and weapons, and business was far brisker than usual.
News of the arrival of several heaven piercing realm venerables stirred even more discussion among the city's cultivators.
Inside a lakeside pavilion.
Feng Yue stood at the window, watching a flying boat descend in the distance.
He wore blue and was tall and lean, with slightly prominent brow bones. A thin, pale old scar cut through his right eyebrow and extended diagonally toward his temple. The saber at his waist was somewhat narrower than most, its dark blue-green sheath resting against the hem of his robe and swaying gently in the lake breeze.
"Xie Guzhou has emerged from seclusion."
Behind him, Venerable Severing Flow put away his Communication Jade Talisman.
"Pine Crane is bringing him this way. You'll see him in another two days."
Feng Yue turned, delight showing in his eyes.
"He spent more than half a year in seclusion this time, didn't he?"
"Seven months."
Venerable Severing Flow had lean cheeks and a short tuft of beard on his chin. A hint of a smile touched his face as he looked