"In answer to your question, Senior Brother Chen."
The young woman said softly:
"Senior Sister Gu from Heavenly Pool Peak and several senior brothers and sisters from the Inner Sect wish to see you. Your performance today was so dazzling that they all want to make your acquaintance."
Gu Zhilan?
Chen Cheng's heart stirred slightly.
Of course he remembered her. She was a core elite disciple ranked ninety-seventh on the Inner Sect's Starlight Ranking.
Among the Inner Sect's eight thousand-plus disciples, only the hundred strongest could enter the Starlight Ranking. Anyone whose name appeared on it held a position and influence within the Northern Emperor Demon-Subduing Sect that absolutely could not be underestimated.
"Please lead the way."
Chen Cheng's tone was calm, neither servile nor overbearing.
The young woman nodded and immediately led Chen Cheng through the crowd toward a pavilion on the hillside north of the Battle Star Platform.
Inside the pavilion.
Gu Zhilan sat in the central seat of honor, surrounded by a group of Inner Sect disciples.
They chatted and laughed among themselves, but their gazes and conversation revolved around Gu Zhilan from beginning to end.
"Senior Sister Gu, Senior Brother Chen is here."
The young woman approached the pavilion and bowed with her hands clasped, utterly respectful.
Everyone inside suddenly fell silent.
Gu Zhilan rose at once and took two steps out to welcome him. When she saw Chen Cheng, her eyes visibly brightened, and a smile spread across her face.
Everyone else in the pavilion stood as well, looking at Chen Cheng with friendly expressions.
"Greetings, Senior Sister Gu."
Chen Cheng cupped his fist in greeting, observing the proper courtesies without seeming either distant or overly familiar.
"You're here, Junior Brother Chen."
Smiling, Gu Zhilan invited him:
"Come, come, sit inside! When we parted last