Mountain Top Dojo.
Just after lunch, the sunlight was abundant. Sunlight brushed over the sparse treetops and spilled across the quiet woodland clearing of the dojo.
Amid the gentle play of light and shadow, Wang Ping, dressed in a short-sleeved gray-white house robe, sat upright beside the tea table beneath the Old Huai Tree, leisurely savoring fragrant tea. His gaze was calm and composed. After setting down his cup, his eyes swept over the people before him, seeming to peer straight into their inner worlds.
Under the brilliant sunlight, Zi Luan, Que Cai, Li Miaolin, Xuan Ling, and Xia Weny sat cross-legged on the Spirit Grass patch ahead. When Wang Ping's gaze fell upon them, they instinctively lowered their heads.
Yulian, sprawled across Wang Ping's shoulder, curiously studied Shenhe peeking out from Zi Luan's collar. Shenhe was studying Yulian as well, but after only one glance, he was so frightened that he burrowed back into the collar.
Wang Ping smiled at the five people before him, then first looked to Li Miaolin and asked, "Has Fellow Daoist Chongxing sent back any news recently?"
Li Miaolin, who had been addressed, looked flattered and overwhelmed. He immediately clasped his hands and replied, "Reporting to Prefect, my Master has not sent back any news for three years."
Yulian said in the Spirit Sea, "Judging by the time, with that old man's hidden injuries, he is likely nearing the end of his lifespan."
Wang Ping remained silent. Daoist Chongxing's spot would probably not be his to meddle with, but that was within his expectations, so he did not find it particularly regrettable.
"You may use the Thousand Wood Temple token to contact the Star God Alliance and have them deliver a message to your Master. You should take the initiative to contact him more