Outside Green Maple Valley.
The sky was clear, with a gentle breeze and wisps of cloud.
A portly middle-aged man walked alone along the mountain path.
He wore a dark gold robe, with a white jade pendant hanging at his waist and a warm smile on his face.
He looked like a wealthy merchant who traveled far and wide.
Yet every step he took landed soundlessly on the blue stone beneath his feet.
Before the mountain gate.
More than a dozen disciples guarding the mountain for the Li Family looked up at once.
Their leader stepped forward and raised a hand to stop him.
"Halt."
The portly middle-aged man stopped and glanced up at the sky above Green Maple Valley.
There, a faintly visible golden dragon of fortune swam through the clouds.
A flicker of wistful wonder crossed his eyes.
The last time he had come here.
Green Maple Valley had possessed nothing like this grandeur.
"I have an important matter to discuss and have come to request an audience with the King of Chu."
An audience with the family head?
The leading disciple's pupils contracted.
His tone immediately softened considerably.
"Senior, do you have a calling card?"
"I do."
The portly middle-aged man took a calling card from his sleeve and offered it with both hands.
The mountain-guarding disciple accepted it with both hands.
He lowered his head to look.
His entire body instantly froze.
The cover of the calling card was plain and unadorned, bearing only a few simple words.
Myriad Treasures Pavilion, Shi Qianqiu.
The mountain-guarding disciple trembled all over.
He sucked in a sharp breath of cold air.
He abruptly raised his head and stared at the portly middle-aged man before him.
"You are the Chief Pavilion Master of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion's Southern General Pavilion?"