Chen Changming had only gone a short distance when Geng Li'an emerged from a nearby cave dwelling. Dressed in a green robe with his hair tied up, he looked full of vigor.
"Fellow Daoist Chen!" Geng Li'an greeted him with a smile. "Did you rest well last night?"
"Not bad." Chen Changming nodded. "What about you?"
"Not too bad. Just a little nervous."
Geng Li'an scratched his head and lowered his voice. "I may have three divine leaves, but after hearing what Han Tian said, I still don't feel entirely certain. What if I fail?"
Chen Changming shook his head. "With three divine leaves, the chances of a successful fusion should be high. Just perform as you normally would."
"Let's hope so."
Geng Li'an took a deep breath, and the two headed toward the open ground side by side.
Several hundred people had already gathered there, standing in small groups of twos and threes.
Among the crowd, Han Tian was naturally the most conspicuous.
He stood at the very front with his hands behind his back, clad in white like snow, utterly out of place amid the surrounding green garments.
His expression was calm, a faint, elusive smile on his lips, as though today's fusion was nothing more than a formality to him.
As usual, a group of outer disciples surrounded him, their faces wreathed in smiles as they showered him with flattery.
Chen Changming withdrew his gaze and stood quietly among the crowd.
Before long, Su Yin emerged from deep within the bamboo grove.
He had changed into a dark green robe, with a black belt around his waist. His steps were steady, and his expression composed.
"Is everyone here?" Su Yin swept his gaze across the crowd and asked in a deep voice.
"Reporting to Elder, all three