The lingering toll of the Great Void Bell echoed through the valley for a long time before fading.
The middle-aged Daoist stood before the Mountain Gate, not daring to move.
The dozen or so disciples behind him even softened their breathing, all their gazes darting between Fang Mo and Jade Purity Peak.
Fang Mo was also watching the bell.
The dark-gold inscriptions shone for roughly twenty breaths before gradually dimming, and the Great Void Bell vanished back into the depths of the clouds and mist.
"Interesting."
Fang Mo withdrew his gaze and looked at the middle-aged Daoist.
"What's your name?"
"This humble Daoist is Ling Xuzi, Outer Hall Chief Seat of Taishang Palace."
Ling Xuzi tightened his grip on his fly whisk.
"Fang Shizhu, the Great Void Bell ringing on its own is a grave matter. I must report to the Inner Hall Elders immediately. Please-"
"No need to report."
An aged voice came from the passage behind the Mountain Gate.
Ling Xuzi turned around. Upon seeing the newcomer, he immediately stepped aside and bowed.
"Martial Uncle."
A thin, wizened old Daoist emerged from the passage, wearing a gray cloth Daoist robe washed almost white and a pair of hemp-rope straw sandals loosely on his feet. His graying hair was casually pinned up with a wooden hairpin.
Fang Mo had never seen the old Daoist's face, but he recognized the gleam in those eyes.
He remembered the eyes of everyone who had schemed against him.
"Qing Xuzi."
Fang Mo spoke his name.
The old Daoist stopped in the very center of the Mountain Gate plaza, looked Fang Mo up and down, and let out a long sigh.
"Young friend Fang, during my seclusion, I calculated that you would arrive in the Eastern Wasteland around the winter solstice. I never expected