Azure Emperor's Treasure Garden: Northbound Plan (Middle)

Stepping out of the inn, Ji Yuan let out a long breath. The most difficult step was taken, and once started, there was no pulling back; he could only press forward step by step, for hedging one's bets would only make matters worse. What was more, actually taking that step felt somewhat easier than he had imagined. He quickly rallied his spirits. Let's go, to True Man Duanmu's place. Duanmu Senqiu was an important figure in the Qionglu Society, yet the society's background was rather delicate. During this special period, to prevent the Sword Discussion Pavilion from generating any unnecessary associations, Duanmu Senqiu had kept a very low profile after arriving in Wu Gou City. If not for some business dealings between the Feiyu Sect and the Qionglu Society, and the fact that Ji Yuan's guiding mentor had once shared a bit of friendship with Duanmu Senqiu back in the day, there was no way he could have been invited here. Ji Yuan placed no less importance on Duanmu Senqiu than he did on Jiu Yan. During these past days, he could be said to have done his absolute utmost in hospitality and attendance, and after dealing with him frequently enough, he had come to understand a bit of that person's temperament and preferences, making him feel rather more at ease than when meeting Jiu Yan. In a secluded courtyard within the main city, Ji Yuan met Duanmu Senqiu. At this moment, this heavyweight from the Qionglu Society was clad in brocade robes, tending to the grass and trees in the garden. Viewed from behind, he cut the image of a wealthy country squire, but the moment he turned around, his heavily bearded face and excessively piercing gaze shattered that impression to pieces. To put it nicely, he was bold