Xu Buyu cupped his hands. "Fellow Daoists, one of our sect members has yet to arrive. Please wait a little longer."
As soon as he finished speaking, Tang He frowned slightly, impatience showing on his face. His lips moved as if he wanted to say something.
Sikong Xuanyin reached out a hand and pressed it down gently, signaling him to be patient.
The gray-feathered bird on her shoulder hopped back and forth, from her left shoulder to her right, then back again. It fluttered its wings twice, restless, making a faint rustling sound.
The four of them stood before the inn, each waiting in silence.
Farther down the long street, the crowd of onlookers had yet to disperse completely. Small groups gathered beneath the eaves along the street, still quietly discussing the "Jiang True Disciple" from earlier.
Tang He swept his gaze over the crowd, his brow furrowing even deeper, confusion and impatience filling his eyes.
"How much longer will your fellow sect member be?" he asked in a low voice.
"Jiang True Disciple? Your fellow sect member is a Foundation Establishment True Disciple?" Tang He paused, then gave a scornful laugh. "He's nothing but a Qi Gathering traitor. Is there any need for your Heavenly Fire Sect to make such a fuss?"
Xu Buyu's expression remained calm. "He is indeed a True Disciple, but he hasn't reached Foundation Establishment. He's at the Qi Gathering stage."
"Oh?"
Surprise immediately appeared on Tang He's face. He raised an eyebrow, his voice full of mockery. "A Qi Gathering True Disciple? Heh. Has your Heavenly Fire Sect really fallen so far that someone at the Qi Gathering stage can become a True Disciple?"
"Fellow Daoist Tang, please watch your words!" Xu Buyu's expression darkened, and his voice turned cold.
Mu Sining's expression darkened