Several days later, an earthy-yellow spiritual radiance tore across the skies above the Azurewood Sect.
Then Yue Kunlun landed with a thin, frail-looking merman beside him.
This man—or rather, this merman—was Lin Qi from the Azure Sea Realm.
He wore a plain-colored prison uniform. Though his face was pale, his eyes remained clear and bright.
He still clutched an ancient book with curled edges in his hand. It was clear that despite being imprisoned all these years, he had not wasted his time. Instead, he had read quite a few books about the Heavenly Origin Realm.
Yue Kunlun cupped his hands. "Grand Elder, Lin Qi has been brought here."
When Lin Qi raised his eyes and saw Xu Changqing, his body trembled slightly. He hurriedly bowed, his tone filled with reverence. "Lin Qi greets Sect Master Xu and the Grand Elder."
Xu Changqing was surprised. "It has been decades. You still remember me?"
Lin Qi nodded vigorously. "Back then, if Sect Master Xu had not shown mercy, my soul would have scattered and vanished.
"Seeing Sect Master Xu again today, your bearing remains as impressive as ever."
He had always remembered that when he and his companions had secretly crossed into the Heavenly Origin Realm, Xu Changqing had been the one to discover them.
In the end, all his companions had died, while he had merely been imprisoned.
He had always kept this kindness engraved in his heart.
Xu Changqing waved a hand. "I did not summon you here today to make things difficult for you. I have something to ask."
Lin Qi took the initiative to ask, "What is it?"
Xu Changqing stared solemnly at Lin Qi and said, "We suspect that the Heavenly Origin Realm's Water Qi has been steadily thinning because of the Hundred Dragons' Procession.
"You