Zhenyuanzi gave a slight nod, putting aside the trace of disdain he had felt as a supreme powerhouse.
"To have emerged unscathed from the Dragon Phoenix Tribulation, and to have dared establish a dojo here in the western lands, where the Witch Race runs rampant..."
"Your savior is unquestionably an unparalleled expert who has kept himself hidden from the world. Once we go inside, we must be sure not to slight him."
Just as the two powerhouses were speaking in hushed voices,
the empty space before them suddenly rippled faintly.
Then a wisp of pure, sacred golden light of Mysterious Yellow Merit shot out from the void, as though it contained the creative aura of heaven and earth at their creation.
"Bzzz—"
The spatial barrier slowly split apart, revealing a quiet passage paved with green jade and lined with exotic flowers and plants. It appeared before Zhenyuanzi and Ancestor Hong Yun.
At the far end of the passage, Lu Changsheng emerged at an unhurried pace to greet them. He wore a spotless, unadorned Daoist robe, while the Mysterious Yellow Shield above his head cast down myriad streams of clear light. A faint smile played on his face.
"Honored guests have come to my humble abode, yet I failed to greet you from afar. Please forgive me, please forgive me."
Lu Changsheng's voice was gentle as jade, carrying the composure and calm of one who had weathered countless ages.
The moment Ancestor Hong Yun saw Lu Changsheng, his eyes lit up. He hurried forward and gave him a deep Daoist salute.
"Your bearing is as splendid as ever, fellow Daoist—if anything, even more so than before! I've thought of you often since we parted all those years ago."
"You're too kind, Senior Hong Yun."
Lu Changsheng returned the salute, then turned