An imposing presence, a personal welcome from the Purple Firmament Heavenly Lord (Part I)

After leaving the Heavenly Origin Merchant Association, Lin Changqing and his companions did not hurry on their way.

He first led the Four Symbols Holy Guards and Golden Radiance out of Azure Cloud City.

Tall green paulownia trees lined both sides of the official road outside the city.

Their leaves rustled whenever the wind blew.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the trees, scattering patches of broken gold across the ground.

Lin Changqing stopped before a secluded hillside outside the city.

He turned to Golden Radiance and the Four Symbols Holy Guards, then swept the surroundings with his divine sense.

"This place is secluded enough. Hardly anyone passes through."

He withdrew his gaze and looked at Golden Radiance.

"I'll be traveling alone from here. All of you, go into the Realm Origin Pearl first."

"I'll call you out once I'm near the Border-Guard Fortress."

Golden Radiance raised its head, a hint of reluctance in its large eyes.

"My lord, can't I travel with you?"

"If an envoy from the Qilin clan suddenly shows up, I could help hold them off."

Lin Changqing laughed at that.

"You're only at the early True Immortal stage. What would you hold them off with?"

"They'll be Profound Immortal Demon Lords. A single breath could blow you away."

Golden Radiance's tail drooped at those words.

"But my lord, you're only at the peak True Immortal stage yourself. If a fight breaks out..."

It did not finish, but its meaning was clear.

Lin Changqing took two steps forward and patted its head.

"What, you have that little faith in your lord?"

Only then did Golden Radiance nod.

"All right, then. Be careful, my lord."

Lin Changqing turned to the Four Symbols Holy Guards.

"That goes for you four, too."

"Once you're inside, keep an eye on