The Iron Dragon slowly docked at a massive airship berth. The moment the hatch opened, Zhang Tie stepped out with Bai Suxian and saw an elderly man waiting at the boarding stairs outside the airship. He wore an exquisitely tailored long robe, his temples touched with gray. He looked amiable enough, yet there was no lack of shrewdness in him.
Behind the old man stood eight attendants in uniform, their auras steady and composed.
With Zhang Tie's discerning eye, he immediately recognized the old man as a Black Iron Knight. The eight attendants behind him were all valiant men who had weathered countless battles and seen death time and again. Every one of them had reached level thirteen—the rank of a battle general.
As she stepped out of the airship, Bai Suxian naturally looped her arm through Zhang Tie's, leaning against him like a delicate little bird. The old man first gave their entwined arms an imperceptible glance, a strange light flashing through his eyes. Then a warm smile spread across his face, and he hurried over.
"Miss, you've finally arrived..."
"Uncle Zhong, why did you come in person? Sending someone would have been enough..." At the sight of the old man, Bai Suxian smiled as well, looking far more intimate. Pulling Zhang Tie along, she quickly stepped forward.
"I heard long ago that Miss would be coming to Xuanyuan Hill these days. The last time I saw you was at the old madam's birthday celebration at Prince of Guangnan's Mansion. I haven't seen you in all these years, and you never came to Xuanyuan Hill. I was afraid that if I didn't come now, I'd have fewer and fewer chances to see you in the future..." As Uncle Zhong spoke, his face suddenly reddened. He took out a white