She smiled softly and nodded slightly.
"Welcome to the Misty Cloud Sect."
"Our sect is humble. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality."
Liu Bai returned the gesture with cupped fists.
"Sect Master Yun is too courteous. This Liu has imposed."
Yun Yun's smile deepened, and she stepped aside with a welcoming gesture.
"This way, please."
The two walked side by side, soon leaving the main hall area and arriving at a quiet courtyard halfway up the mountain.
Slender bamboo grew in groves here, clear springs murmured, and an exquisite stone pavilion stood by the cliff's edge. The view was vast, with a sea of clouds churning in the distance, lending the place an air of otherworldly seclusion.
Yun Yun guided Liu Bai to a seat.
Then she personally took out a tea set. With her fair hand, she lifted the teapot and slowly poured the clear tea into the cups.
The fragrance of tea drifted through the air.
"Mr. Liu, please."
"Thank you."
Liu Bai accepted the teacup and took a small sip, finding its lingering sweetness long-lasting.
Yun Yun sat down, her expression becoming slightly more solemn.
She had clearly gathered her thoughts and was preparing to get to the point.
However—
"Master! Master!"
A crisp voice suddenly rang out from afar.
"I've broken through to the ninth stage of Dou Qi!"
Before the words had even faded—
A slender figure had already jogged into the courtyard.
The young girl wore the disciple robes of the Misty Cloud Sect, her long hair tied high. Her lively brows and eyes were filled with unconcealed delight.
Liu Bai subconsciously turned to look.
Wasn't this Nalan Yanran?
Nalan Yanran ran up, about to proudly report to Yun Yun, but she noticed someone else in the pavilion.
She froze slightly, her gaze