In Green Maple Valley, the fine rain had just cleared.
Today, a guest from far away arrived in Green Maple Valley.
Hua Wuyi followed Elder Jiang, his guide, along the wet bluestone path.
Ancient trees towered on either side, spiritual mist swirled, and rare birds and exotic beasts occasionally flashed through the depths of the haze. Such splendor far surpassed that of Qiong Province Hundred Flowers Valley.
Hua Wuyi kept his head lowered, his heart uneasy.
Half a year had passed since Jade Prefecture surrendered.
Yet throughout those six months, the stone suspended in his heart had never settled.
He understood perfectly well that after pledging allegiance to the Marquis of Chu, he had become the marquis's dog.
A dog used to tear into his former masters and strike fear into people's hearts.
Now that Jade Prefecture's fate was settled and Hundred Flowers Valley could no longer stir up any waves, would this blade of his, stained with the blood of his fellow disciples, be put away—or even... snapped?
Especially since a month ago, when a spy he had planted in the Shattered Star Archipelago sent back vague news that Third Elder Hua Wuying seemed to have made contact with an overseas power, the Four Seas Alliance.
That news had left him unable to eat or sleep in peace.
Hua Wuying hated him to the marrow. If she truly gained powerful support, the first person she wanted dead would likely be him, the "traitor."
Amid his mounting anxiety...
The Marquis of Chu summoned him.
He looked at Elder Jiang, who was leading the way.
"Elder Jiang..." he said quietly.
Elder Jiang did not stop walking. "What is it, Grand Elder Hua?"
Hua Wuyi quickened his pace to walk beside Elder Jiang, forced a humble smile onto his face, and slipped