Especially in recent times, as the next Black Abyss Contest drew nearer and nearer, the cultivators of the Red Talisman Society had come under increasing pressure.
Lu Ye's sudden appearance at such a time would undoubtedly raise the Red Talisman Society's morale somewhat, because his arrival told them that Square Inch Mountain had not abandoned them!
Morale was intangible and elusive, yet it could often play an immensely important role. Lu Ye's arrival represented Square Inch Mountain's stance. Hu Dequan immediately understood that Square Inch Mountain was still making an effort, and that the cultivators sent here before were not without backing.
"Which division of Square Inch Mountain do you come from, Fellow Cultivator?" Hu Dequan asked. "And who is your cultivation partner?"
Although the power of the Red Talisman Lu Ye had activated felt familiar and close to him, some matters still had to be clarified.
"Eastern Division," Lu Ye replied. "As for my cultivation partner... Su Yuqing!"
"Who?" Hu Dequan froze, nearly thinking he had misheard.
Lu Ye repeated himself.
Hu Dequan's expression turned strange. He looked Lu Ye up and down for a while before hesitantly saying, "Fellow Cultivator, this is no joking matter."
Naturally, he knew Su Yuqing. She was one of the Eastern Division's three great Sunlights! Lu Ye was only at the Moonlight Realm Mid Stage—what right did he have to become her cultivation partner?
"It is no joke." Lu Ye's expression was solemn.
Hu Dequan was somewhat flustered. Instinctively, he did not want to believe it, but he also knew Lu Ye would never joke about such a thing.
But if that was the case...
He himself had been sent from Eastern Division Square Inch Mountain. His cultivation partner was a female cultivator from Cloud Sea Peak, a disciple of Chen Xuanhai.
Chen