The Sea of Clouds churned.
The familiar emerald bamboo forest of Great Bamboo Peak came into view.
Tian Buyi's face was dark as he lowered his sword and dumped Ye Xuan onto the square in front of Shou Jing Hall.
"Stay away from that old bastard Cang Song from now on. Got it?"
Tian Buyi still wasn't reassured, so he gave another fierce warning.
Ye Xuan rubbed his neck, sore from being choked by his collar, and looked utterly innocent.
"Master."
"Cang Song, Martial Uncle's legs are his own. If he comes looking for me, I can't stop him."
"Besides, I think Martial Uncle Cang Song treats me pretty well. He even let me live..."
"Shut up!"
Tian Buyi's eyebrows shot up as if he'd heard something foul.
"He's a weasel paying his respects to a chicken!"
"Enough. Quit talking and get inside!"
The two of them entered Shou Jing Hall, one after the other.
Most of Great Bamboo Peak's disciples were in the back mountain cutting bamboo, so the hall was empty.
Tian Buyi plopped down in the Grand Tutor Chair and drained a large gulp from his teacup. He looked less like he was drinking tea and more like he was drowning his sorrows in liquor.
"Go."
"Ring that big bell."
Tian Buyi pointed at the bronze bell by the entrance.
Ye Xuan raised an eyebrow.
The bell was only rung when something important happened. Apart from mealtimes, it was basically just decoration.
Looked like Old Tian was genuinely worried this time.
"Dong—"
"Dong—"
The bell's clear toll echoed across Great Bamboo Peak, sending countless birds flying from the forest.
Before long,
several streaks of light shot over from the back mountain.
Song Daren was in the lead.
Wu Dayi, Zheng Dali, and the others followed behind him.