It was not until the hour of the Tiger.
Only then did Xiao Jinghong return to the skies above Xiao Manor.
At this hour, the personal guards were scattered throughout the Marquis's mansion, clad in armor with long sabers at their waists. They held lanterns to light the way for the servants clearing debris beside them while keeping watch over their surroundings.
The earlier storm had swept through, leaving even the sturdily built Xiao Manor somewhat damaged. Broken roof tiles lay scattered everywhere, and flowers, branches, and leaves covered the corridors and the lake.
After taking a head count and confirming that everyone in each courtyard was accounted for, the manor's steward had immediately led the servants in clearing away the debris, lest the masters see it when they rose in the morning.
Very few people in the Marquis's mansion were resting, however.
Apart from Chen Yi, Xiao Wuge, and a handful of others, no one had gone to bed.
Elder Master Xiao was even presiding over matters in Qingjing Residence, dealing from time to time with developments both inside and outside the manor.
Xiao Jinghong looked down for a moment, then flashed to his side and bowed. "Grandfather."
At the sight of her, Elder Master Xiao relaxed a little. "You're back, Jinghong."
"How are things outside?"
"Did that 'Blade Ghost' break through?"
Xiao Jinghong glanced around and saw Xiao Shen, Xiao Xuanshuo, and Xiao Jing beside him. She nodded. "Senior Chu's breakthrough succeeded. He has already emerged from seclusion and is drinking with Master, reminiscing about old times."
Before returning, she had made a point of visiting Li Wudang and Chu Xiudao, offering her congratulations before coming back.
From Li Wudang, she had also learned that Dragon Tiger had lent his aid, as well as where the Willow-Folding Sword