Chen Yan hadn't gone to Cangwu Studio to meet Fu Qian. Instead, he'd headed in the exact opposite direction.
"Chen Yan."
Bai Qiming sat in the main hall and smiled as he nodded. His slightly narrowed eyes settled on Chen Yan, who stood before him and bowed respectfully.
"I know who you are."
"Just over a month ago, at the Outer Court Grand Competition, you killed Qi Yadong, a candidate for Chief Disciple of Kongyuan Mountain. You also got Lin Qifeng, Sect Master Yun's beloved disciple, removed from his post as an Outer Court elder and sent to the Back Cliff to reflect on his mistakes. You could say you turned the plans that Kongyuan Mountain had spent years laying into utter chaos."
"As Lin Qifeng's disciple, you were transferred back to Kongyuan Mountain along with him after he left the Outer Court. You went from being an Outer Court Disciple to an Inner Sect Disciple in one fell swoop. I must say, you're quite a character. If only your talent were a little greater, you'd make a fine pillar of Empty Mountain Sect in the years to come."
Chen Yan said nothing, but inside, he was deeply shaken.
He had never expected someone of Bai Qiming's stature to know so much about him.
And he couldn't tell whether Elder Bai's words were praise or a thinly veiled taunt.
"Tell me, what brings you here?"
Bai Qiming asked.
"Forgive my presumption, Elder. Before I explain why I came, I have a question for you."
Chen Yan said.
"Ask."
"Elder Bai, why were you willing to see me?"
Bai Qiming fell silent for a moment, then laughed.
"What kind of question is that?"
"I just want to know the answer."
Chen Yan said.
"Because you came to pay me a visit,