Years Like Blades

Thousand Wood Temple's front hall square.

The heads of each courtyard and several dozen Disciples stood to either side of the front hall steps. At the very front, Liu Shuang stood quietly in the center of the square, waiting for the guests' arrival.

Under the guidance of the Disciples stationed outside, Xia Yao and Feng Miao descended onto a small Ascension Platform at the edge of the square. Then, led by Hu Qianqian and Xuan Ling, they stepped onto the square.

From far away, Liu Shuang silently cupped her fists in salute. Xia Yao and Feng Miao immediately returned the gesture.

Once they drew near, Xia Yao and Feng Miao faced Thousand Wood Temple's grand welcoming ceremony and solemnly performed a Daoist clasped-fist salute. They then followed Liu Shuang into the front hall and burned incense for Thousand Wood Temple's enshrined patriarchs.

Finally, Liu Shuang led the two into a reception room on the right.

By now, Xia Yao had completely believed that Thousand Wood Temple truly could stand shoulder to shoulder with the True Sun Sect of the Xia Dynasty era. Moreover, unlike the True Sun Sect, Thousand Wood Temple had completely separated itself from the secular world; everyone within its gates was a cultivator.

"This poor Daoist has not come to the south for several hundred years. A few months ago, I heard that your sect would be holding a Dharma assembly next month. Thinking of the ties between us, I came uninvited. I hope Hall Master Liu will not take offense!"

After sitting down, Xia Yao immediately explained her purpose.

Liu Shuang maintained a proper smile. Watching the Disciple bring over tea, she replied, "This junior was negligent and failed to consider Senior. I should have sent Senior an invitation at once. Speaking of which, the Dharma