Han Chen gave Chang Yang a couple of looks. Now that the people of Origin Xia had left, he was residing on Celestial Xia's side and inevitably had to heed Celestial Xia's wishes. Thus, he courteously invited Chang Yang to sit, took his own seat as well, and ordered his disciples to bring tea.
After the disciples withdrew, he asked, "Fellow Daoist Chang, what did you wish to discuss with Han?"
Chang Yang said, "True Person Han, Chang wishes to ask one question: have you been living as you pleased in Origin Xia?"
Han Chen immediately became wary. He raised his head to look at Chang Yang, considered for a moment, and only then said, "In Origin Xia, those of humble standing cannot live as they please. In the end, it still depends on one's cultivation and achievements. If one cultivates diligently and obtains the cultivation of the higher method, one will certainly live as one pleases. But for those in the lower realm, it is difficult to live as they please no matter what."
Chang Yang sighed. "Fellow Daoist Han, if you reach the higher realm, will you truly be able to live as you please? Chang has heard that you, too, came from an outer world. You are an outsider in the end. Can you truly win Origin Xia's trust and esteem?"
Han Chen said displeasedly, "Fellow Daoist Chang, I am an envoy of Origin Xia. Mind your words. Do not go too far."
Yet Chang Yang showed no restraint at all, continuing as if on his own, "Origin Xia is so guarded against outer-world cultivators such as yourself. Why not join our Celestial Xia instead?"
Han Chen's eyelids twitched repeatedly. He had not expected Chang Yang to say such a thing openly and so bluntly. It made