Setting Out (3)

True Person Yu Qing lightly rubbed his fingertips, and a thread of spiritual power as fine as a hair silently drifted from them. It lightly swept past the tightly shut hall doors, crossed the barrier, and headed for the side hall next door.

Inside the side hall, Shen Yuxi was studying a complex array diagram with rapt attention. His fingers hovered in midair, the vermilion brush poised just before touching down, when he sharply sensed that familiar fluctuation of spiritual power—it was his master summoning him.

He immediately set down his brush, instinctively raised a hand to straighten the collar and cuffs of his fitted robes, then turned and strode steadily yet swiftly toward the main hall.

"Knock, knock." Soft, rhythmic knocking rang through the silent hall, neither hurried nor lacking in respect.

"Enter." True Person Yu Qing's voice came from within.

Shen Yuxi pushed open the door, and the familiar scent of pine needles washed over him. He quickly walked to the center of the hall and deeply bowed to the two True Persons seated side by side above him. In a clear, respectful voice, he said, "Greetings, Master. Greetings, Martial Uncle."

True Person Yu Qing's gaze fell upon his disciple. "Qingming, a secret realm is about to open. Your martial uncle intends for Qing Shu to lead a team there, and he hopes you will go as well to lend him some support. What do you think?"

A secret realm? At this time?

Shen Yuxi's heart gave a violent leap. Almost instantly, his mind matched it to the corresponding plot point. A powerful sense of resistance rose within him; he had no desire whatsoever to get involved.

Yet outwardly, he maintained his usual obedient posture, lowering his eyes as his voice remained so even that not a ripple