Xiao Jinghong glanced at Chen Yi without answering.
Chen Yi tactfully patted Shui Hetong on the shoulder, then turned and headed toward the Prefectural City with Liu Lang and Yuan Liu'er.
Only after they had disappeared from sight did she speak.
Xiao Jinghong looked earnestly at Shui Hetong. "I wish to request an audience with Senior Uncle White. Please pass on my request, Senior Brother."
"You want to see Master?"
A trace of puzzlement appeared on Shui Hetong's handsome face. "Junior Sister, of course you can see Master, but what exactly-"
Xiao Jinghong shook her head slightly, interrupting him. "This matter is confidential. Forgive me for being unable to explain it to you, Senior Brother."
Seeing how firmly she spoke, Shui Hetong asked no further questions. He looked up into the sky and said softly, "Your disciple Shui Hetong and Junior Sister Xiao request an audience with Master."
The next instant, an invisible force pulled the two of them straight into the sky.
Inside the pleasure boat on the pond.
Hearing Xiao Jinghong's voice outside, Elder Master Xiao no longer looked as delighted as before. His expression had grown somewhat grave.
Earlier, Xiao Jinghong's arrival from Mengshui Pass had coincided with that of Shui Hetong and the others, leaving Elder Master Xiao little opportunity to investigate whether she knew about Fu Wanqing.
But now, seeing Xiao Jinghong take the initiative to seek out White Immortal, even saying she had "a favor to ask," he could hardly help reading more into it.
"Jinghong-"
"I hope I'm merely overthinking things-"
Unaware of his thoughts, Zhang Xuan, the Duke of Qianguo, was looking outside the pleasure boat with great interest.
"Excellent, all excellent."
"Old Xiao, help me decide. Should I invite that East Extreme Swordsman, or the successor of Hundred Flowers Valley?"
"My