The Cross Yin-Yang Forbidden Zone, a small courtyard with a thatched cottage.
A gentle breeze stirred the branches and leaves of the ancient tea tree, making them rustle as if recounting events from ages past.
The tea's fragrance curled through the air, bringing a sense of peace and delight to all who breathed it in.
The Lord of the Forbidden Zone set down his Tea Cup. His eyes, which had witnessed countless vicissitudes, were fixed on Qingyi.
His gaze was not sharp. Instead, it held a softness and a distant quality, as though it had crossed the ages.
Looking at the ethereal woman in white before him, he seemed to see the figure who had once followed behind him and cultivated by his side in a distant age.
Under the gaze of this former Immortal King Giant, Qingyi felt a little uneasy. She instinctively took half a step back and turned to Ye Xuan beside her, seeking help with her eyes.
"Venerable One..." Qingyi spoke softly, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Ye Xuan remained composed. Turning toward Qingyi, he said gently, "Qingyi, there's no need to be nervous. You and this senior share an unresolved karmic bond, as well as a rare bond between master and disciple."
"A bond between master and disciple?"
A flicker of confusion passed through Qingyi's beautiful eyes.
She had grown up in the Butian Sect and cultivated the Sky-Mending Technique,
and though she was exceptionally gifted, she had never heard of having any connection to the Lord of the Forbidden Zone, who had lain dormant here for countless ages.
As she wondered about it, the space behind the thatched cottage rippled faintly.
Two figures appeared without a sound.
They were a boy and a girl, both young-looking Daoist attendants with delicate, cherubic features.