That evening at Swallow Dock's Listening Pavilion, Murong Fu and his retainers warmly entertained Zhao Qin and her companion.
Murong Fu had grand ambitions, and he was eager to win over a martial artist of Zhao Qin's caliber.
Wu Xuantian was an unexpected bonus. If even an expert like Zhao Qin treated him with such deference, he either possessed extraordinary martial arts or came from an influential background.
Neither guest had outright refused him, which gave Murong Fu hope.
The next day, Wu Xuantian left Swallow Dock with Zhao Qin.
Dali was vast, its roads thronged with carriages and pedestrians. Hundreds of thousands of people lived in each district.
The people were hospitable, too. The pair made it all the way to Heavenly Dragon Temple without spending a cent.
The temple was tall and imposing. Its signboard hung high above the entrance, weathered with age.
"May I ask what brings you two to our Heavenly Dragon Temple?"
The speaker was a middle-aged man emerging from the temple. He carried himself with effortless grace and looked remarkably youthful. Beside him walked a rosy-lipped, fair-skinned boy of about ten.
"I'm Zhao Qin, and this is my young master," Zhao Qin introduced them with a smile. "He seldom travels the martial world, but he's long admired Heavenly Dragon Temple and wished to visit. I hope we haven't troubled you."
"Zhao Qin, the Qin Fairy?" The man looked surprised. "I'm Duan Zhengchun, and this is my son, Duan Yu. I've long heard of you.
Your visit is an honor for Heavenly Dragon Temple."
Duan Zhengchun led them inside, into Heavenly Dragon Hall.
Seated ahead in the hall were six eminent monks, each radiating a powerful aura.
Six First-Class Experts. Wu Xuantian sensed it at once.
The six old monks paid them no attention.