A Conversation with Gu Yuan

Verdant peaks rose like dark brows, lush forests blanketed the mountaintops, and light mist curled through them like gauze, tinting the entire mountain into an otherworldly paradise. Even the wind flowing through the mountains carried a refreshing coolness.

Xiao Ling walked at an unhurried pace, following the mountain path toward the summit. His robes brushed past grass and foliage beaded with morning dew, while his fingertips occasionally swept through the thin mist around him. There was a knowing calm in his expression.

When he had left the Bloodline Awakening Plaza earlier, Xun Er had leaned close and softly told him that someone wished to see him.

Though the girl had not explicitly named the person who had invited him, Xiao Ling had already formed a vague guess. Within the Ancient Clan, there seemed to be no one besides the Clan Chief Gu Yuan, who had long remained behind the scenes, with enough standing to make Xun Er inform him so solemnly.

Xiao Ling slowly made his way through the woods of the verdant peak, allowing the Flame Mantra within him to circulate on its own.

It had to be said that the natural energy in the core region of the Ancient Realm was several times purer than that of the outside world. Threads of energy seeped into his body through every pore, nourishing his limbs and bones like clear spring water. Even every inch of his muscles and bones seemed to stretch, leaving him thoroughly refreshed.

But just as he immersed himself in that comfortable state of breathing and cultivation, his steps suddenly halted.

His half-closed eyes snapped open. The relaxed look on his face instantly vanished, replaced by solemnity. He looked toward the end of the mountain path, where a figure stood with his hands behind his back. His