"Indeed, no simple man. No wonder you were able to grow to such heights at this age. You probably have some connection to the legendary lands of Central Continent, do you not? Please forgive this offense."
Just as Zhang Qingyuan's voice fell, an aged voice suddenly came from the empty void ahead. At the same time, the air trembled like ripples across a water surface, and an old man in an earth-yellow robe, gripping a white walking stick, appeared before everyone.
The old man raised his hand and cupped his fist toward Zhang Qingyuan on the high platform in apology.
His voice was gentle, giving one the feeling of a spring breeze brushing over the face.
This man's aura was ordinary. No trace of a stronger's aura could be sensed all over his body. He was like an utterly ordinary old man, so harmless that not even the slightest hint of danger could be felt from him.
Yet probably no one present would truly regard him as ordinary.
"I am Duke Nanshan. This is but a small token of apology. Please do not take offense at my earlier rash conduct, fellow Daoist."
As he spoke, the old man spread open his hand. A streak of light rose and drifted slowly toward Zhang Qingyuan.
"Oh?"
Zhang Qingyuan was not afraid. He reached out and caught it, only to find that it was a Storage Talisman.
His Spiritual Sense entered it.
Inside, one thousand High-grade Spirit Stones were arranged in neat, square rows.
This apology gift
was rather decent.
It would also bring no small benefit to his cultivation.
But what was this old guy's purpose?
Zhang Qingyuan narrowed his eyes as he pondered inwardly.
At the same time,
on the plaza below, the North Mountain Domain Great Power elders whose strength