The Annan Sword Sect.
Before news from Annan Star Pass had reached them, Xia Qiuer used her status as Supreme Elder to bring Hua Yunfei deep beneath the Annan Sword Sect with ease.
A massive barrier stood here, its runes and laws flickering, concealing everything behind it without leaving the slightest glimpse.
An old man sat cross-legged before the barrier, a greatsword resting across his knees. Even without him moving, the powerful, intangible sword intent within him was palpable.
"This is the Annan Sword Sect's sect master, Annan Xiao. He was originally an expert from the Realm Lord's Residence, but later founded the Annan Sword Sect on the Annan Realm Lord's orders. He's an expert at the early Third Step."
Xia Qiuer asked uncertainly, "Are you really confident you can defeat him? Your cultivation..."
Hua Yunfei nodded and said confidently, "Don't worry. It'll be as easy as turning over my hand."
Though Xia Qiuer still had doubts, they had already come this far, and she had no way back. She could only step forward and say, "Sect Master, it's me, Qiu Xia."
Annan Xiao opened his eyes, his gaze clear as he looked calmly at Xia Qiuer. "Elder Qiu Xia, have you come here on the World Lord's orders?"
Xia Qiuer nodded slightly. "The World Lord ordered me to make contact with Ying Chuan and see whether we can recruit him into the Realm Lord's Residence and put him to good use."
Annan Xiao slowly stood and pointed his sword at Xia Qiuer. "Is that so? Then why did the World Lord tell me that you absolutely must not learn of this?"
"Your motives are impure. And that person behind you has a strange aura. Who is he? Your accomplice?"
Xia Qiuer wanted to speak, but Hua Yunfei had already