"Lesser Freedom Heaven."
Golden light shimmered brilliantly, and towering white clouds stretched like mountains and seas.
A rift in space opened, and a black-robed figure appeared out of nowhere. His presence was restrained, almost like that of an ordinary mortal. A magnificent saber rested across his back, and his gaze was calm and composed. It was Pei Ling.
He swept his gaze across his surroundings. The vast sea of clouds lay empty; his master was nowhere to be seen. Pei Ling remained where he was and waited patiently.
Soon, a figure in green appeared silently. Silver hair, like moonlight, cascaded down her back, flowing like pure silver. Yao Qingying's long lashes veiled her emerald eyes, like a dense forest surrounding a crystal-clear lake. Her gaze shimmered with gentle serenity.
Pei Ling immediately bowed and saluted respectfully. "Your disciple pays his respects to Master!"
Yao Qingying gave a slight nod, but unlike the last few times, she did not praise his achievements. Instead, she looked at Pei Ling with an exceedingly strange expression.
After a moment's thought, she suddenly asked, "What is your relationship with Si Hong Qingyan?"
Pei Ling was taken aback. Why was Master asking about this?
After a brief turn of thought, Pei Ling hurriedly replied, "Reporting to Master, your disciple is the Holy Son of Chongming Sect, while Si Hong Qingyan is the Sect Master of Chongming Sect. That is why Sect Master Si Hong holds your disciple in such high regard..."
"However, your disciple's Dao Heart is steadfast. He is benevolent and devoted to the righteous path. Though Sect Master Si Hong relies heavily on your disciple, he has absolutely never committed any demonic atrocity such as massacring a city or wiping out a clan!"
"Nor has he wantonly slaughtered the innocent or harmed living beings!"