Zhou Qi's pupils contracted slightly.
Foundation Establishment, First Layer.
He knew that aura all too well.
A moment later, the courtyard gate opened from within.
Someone walked out.
Yang Zhenshan.
He had aged considerably compared to a few months ago. There was more white at his temples, and the wrinkles on his face had deepened, but those eyes remained as sharp as ever.
When he saw Zhou Qi, his steps halted.
The two looked at each other.
Several breaths passed in silence.
Then Yang Zhenshan suddenly smiled.
There was complexity, surprise, and delight in it.
"You came."
Yao Ke's side courtyard.
When the old man pushed the door open and entered, Yao Ke was standing by the pond with his hands behind his back, watching the koi fight over food.
The old man stopped three paces behind him, bowed, and said, "Young Master, he has been delivered."
"Mm." Yao Ke did not turn around. "Did you see my second brother?"
"No. This old servant only escorted him to the entrance. After knocking on the door, I left."
The courtyard sank into silence.
A little while later.
"Young Master, can that boy be trusted?" the old man asked.
Yao Ke said mildly, "Just an idle move for the next step."
An idle move.
Useful or disposable, of no consequence either way.
The old man nodded, then asked, "What about Wu Dun?"
"Find someone else to fill the gap." Yao Ke's tone was casual.
The old man acknowledged him and was about to withdraw when Yao Ke's voice came again.
"Wait."
His steps paused.
Yao Ke stood beside the pond with his hands behind his back, watching the koi scatter through the water. After two breaths of silence, he said, "Check whether there was a third person at the scene."
The