Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect stood fifty kilometers west of Heaven Dou City, in a remote place nestled among a cluster of mountains.
It was nearly dawn, but the sky was still dark. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, however, was ablaze with lights.
Xu Lanqing and the Ice Empress stood outside the gate at the foot of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's mountain. They had traveled all night and had only just arrived before daybreak.
After identifying themselves, they entered the sect under the escort of the gate guards. Their way was unobstructed.
The Ice Empress glanced at the figures keeping watch all around them and said softly, "Their security is much tighter than when we were here last time."
"It's clear enough."
Xu Lanqing nodded. "Something must have happened, or it has to do with this war."
From the moment they passed through the gate, Xu Lanqing sensed at least three hidden gazes every ten steps. That was only what he could detect; the ones he couldn't were the most concerning.
Still, Xu Lanqing wasn't worried. The lives of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's leaders were in his hands. They knew what was in their best interests.
Before long, Xu Lanqing reached the sect's main hall. Ning Chengye stood outside, waiting for him, his manner refined and scholarly.
Beside him stood Ning Tian in a yellow palace dress. Chen Yue and Gu Hua were on either side, with the sect's four elders behind them.
The moment Ning Chengye saw Xu Lanqing, he stepped forward to greet him. After the guards had sent word, he had immediately summoned everyone to wait for Xu Lanqing. He was clearly taking his arrival very seriously.
"Your Highness, you came unexpectedly, and I haven't prepared a proper welcome. Please forgive me."