The Humble Door Opens at Last (4)

The first light of dawn broke through, and the sky had only just turned pale. Misty Spirit Peak lay veiled in hazy morning mist. Thin fog drifted like gauze through the forests along the mountainside, lending the green peaks an otherworldly beauty.

The stone steps leading to Clear Parasol Hall gleamed softly in the dawn. Dew still clung to them, reflecting the sky and clouds above.

Amid that picturesque scene, someone had been waiting at a bend in the steps for quite some time.

Ning Yantong sat casually on an unobtrusive stone railing. The blue-green robes of a Profound Heaven Sect inner disciple caught the growing light, their hems stirring in the mountain breeze.

A long, thin blade of grass hung from his mouth. He chewed it absently, his gaze fixed on the mountainside below—

Figures were already milling before Vast Cosmos Hall, their varied sect robes forming a shifting tapestry of color. Guests arrived at all hours, so disciples were always on duty to receive them. The morning change of shifts made things especially busy.

Ning Yantong searched the bustling crowd, anticipation in his expression and a trace of impatience in his eyes.

When the sunlight finally touched a group dressed in tender yellow robes embroidered with sprouting shoots, his eyes lit up. Even his tightly pressed lips lifted into a faint smile.

He spat out the tasteless grass stem, hopped down from the railing, and hurried down the steps.

Before Vast Cosmos Hall, Profound Heaven Sect disciples were courteously receiving the new arrivals. Ning Yantong did not rush forward. He stood a short distance away, scanning the Evergreen Valley party.

Then his eyes met those of a disciple who looked remarkably young. The disciple had handsome, delicate features, fair skin, and bright, lively eyes. He froze at the