The clouds over the sea gradually parted, and sunlight shone straight down, making the bluestone slabs in the clearing gleam with golden light.
Several seabirds landed on the distant cliff edge, tilting their heads to look this way as though they were watching a show.
"What are you getting involved in this for?" Qingyuan said expressionlessly. "I've already handled most of it. If you have nothing to do, go back. Why do you have to make so much fuss?"
After saying that, he turned to leave.
Jieyin hurried after him, his steps somewhat rushed. The hem of his monk's robe swept across the ground, stirring up a small cloud of dust.
He wore a fawning smile, and the wrinkles on his face deepened beneath it.
"Nephew, though Western Teachings cannot compare to the Interception Sect in scale and wealth, we still have some capable disciples. If you are short-handed, just say the word. Don't stand on ceremony—we are family."
Zhunti followed as well, moving faster than Jieyin. In just a few strides, he reached Qingyuan's other side.
Turning sideways as he walked, he said, "That's right, Nephew. Although Western Teachings has not developed particularly quickly these past years, we have accumulated some resources. The affairs of the All-Heavens Worlds must consume quite a few resources, no? Western Teachings can do its part. If we join forces and make this bigger, it will benefit the entire Primordial Wilderness."
The two flanked Qingyuan, one offering people and the other resources. Their coordination was remarkably seamless.
Qingyuan stopped and turned to look at them.
The sea breeze blew in from the side, stirring the loose strands of hair before his forehead.
He stood right at the boundary between sunlight and shadow, with half his face lit by the sun and the other half