A day passed quickly. Inside a secret chamber, Han Benqi sat cross-legged on a yellow cushion, his eyes shut and his hands forming seals. A Sound Transmission Talisman flew in.
As if sensing something, Han Benqi hurriedly ended his cultivation, opened his eyes, caught the Sound Transmission Talisman, and crushed it. A woman's voice, clear as silver bells, rang out. "Fellow Daoist Han, how was your rest? I'd like to introduce you to a few fellow Daoists."
Han Benqi rose and walked out. When he opened the courtyard gate, Xu Yixin stood outside with a broad smile on her face.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Han Benqi followed Xu Yixin to the entrance of a five-story azure pavilion. The plaque overhead bore the three words: Golden Ape Pavilion.
Two Nascent Soul Cultivators stood guard outside. They entered the pavilion and made their way to the fifth floor, where nine Spirit Transformation cultivators—seven men and two women—had long been waiting.
Xu Yixin had personally gone to invite Han Benqi, showing him every courtesy. None of the cultivators found this strange.
As Han Changming's son, Han Benqi's status was far beyond that of an ordinary Spirit Transformation cultivator.
"Fellow Daoist Han, it has been a long time."
"I have long heard of your great name, Fellow Daoist Han. At last, I have met you in person."
"I heard long ago that Ten Thousand Gourd True Man's son was an outstanding talent. Now that I have seen you, your reputation truly does not exaggerate."
The cultivators all greeted Han Benqi warmly. Some knew him, while others were meeting him for the first time, but they had all seen his portrait. After all, he was Han Changming's son.
Han Benqi did not dare put on airs. Cupping his fists, he said, "I am