Within Azure Sky Pavilion on the top floor of Heavenly Origin Pavilion, the gauze curtains hung low, shutting out all the clamor beyond.
The furnishings within were simple yet elegant. Several plates of spiritual fruit sat upon a table of green jade, while the fragrance of tea curled through the air.
Heavenly Centipede True Person sat cross-legged in the seat of honor. Across from him sat a lean-faced middle-aged female cultivator clad in a cloud-and-mist Daoist robe—the leader of the Moon Mist Sect's delegation, Xiawei True Person.
Several disciples stood behind each of them, and the atmosphere was fairly cordial.
"Fellow Daoist Xiawei has come from afar. I failed to welcome you properly; I hope you can forgive me."
Heavenly Centipede True Person raised his cup, his polite tone carrying a hint of warmth.
Xiawei True Person nodded slightly and raised her cup in return. "You are too courteous, Fellow Daoist Heavenly Centipede."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Heavenly Centipede True Person shifted his gaze to the graceful figure behind Xiawei True Person and said, "I have long heard that the Water Moon Lineage of the Moon Mist Sect produced an unprecedented genius disciple, one who reached the peak of Foundation Establishment at such a young age. This must be her, I presume?"
Xiawei True Person laughed heartily and beckoned. "Ruyue, why have you not greeted Fellow Daoist Heavenly Centipede? Though Fellow Daoist Heavenly Centipede was born a Rogue Cultivator, he has inherited the divine abilities of the [Wu Earth] path and is no mere ancient cultivator. One day, he is certain to become a figure who founds a sect."
The woman behind Xiawei True Person wore a moon-white Daoist robe. Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall, casually gathered by nothing more than a white jade hairpin.
Her features