Xu Yi was immersed in seclusion, studying the texts he had obtained from Zhao Tingfang's Sumeru Ring. He hadn't even finished reading a few books when the voice-transmission ball in his waist pouch rang again.
Xu Yi picked it up and listened, then shook his head with a wry smile. So he really was the hard-worked sort they talked about.
Gong Xiuhua returned to the Tianyi Dao sect, his heart full of grief and indignation.
To his surprise, the Tianyi Dao Sect's main hall was occupied by the sect leader, Gong Dao Yi, his wife, Su Qin, and their second son, Gong Zhongyue.
Besides them, there was also a man in a green robe, a bright star gleaming on his chest. He was Su Qin's nephew, Su Guangzhao, Vice Commander of the Tiger Fang Guard.
"Xiuhua, you're back. Come, greet your cousin Guangzhao."
Su Qin approached with a smile and tugged at Gong Xiuhua's sleeve as she spoke.
Su Guangzhao cupped his fists toward Gong Xiuhua. "Cousin, you've been promoted to First-rank Star Official, and I haven't even congratulated you yet. Congratulations!"
"Xiuhua, why haven't you returned your cousin's greeting? Your cousin rarely visits, so you two should take the chance to grow closer."
Gong Dao Yi spoke in a clear, ringing voice. He had also noticed that something was amiss with Gong Xiuhua. He had always doted on his eldest son, but things were different now. Su Guangzhao rarely came to visit, and he hadn't just come to pay his respects to his uncle-in-law; he had brought a valuable gift as well. A major figure from the Tiger Fang Guard was due to arrive shortly. They were heading north to take over a garrison post and would be stopping here to rest.
This was a rare opportunity. If