Several days later, an earthen-yellow spiritual radiance streaked across the skies above Azurewood Sect.
Then Yue Kunlun descended with a thin, frail-looking merman.
This man—or rather, this merman—was Lin Qi from the Azure Sea Realm.
He wore a plain prison uniform. Though his face was pale, his eyes were clear and bright.
He still clutched an ancient book with curled edges. It was clear that although he had been 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. "First Elder, Lin Qi has been brought here."
Lin Qi raised his eyes. When his gaze fell upon Xu Changqing, his body trembled slightly. He hurriedly bowed, his voice brimming with reverence. "Lin Qi greets Sect Master Xu and the First Elder."
Xu Changqing was surprised. "It has been decades. You still remember me?"
Lin Qi nodded firmly. "Back then, if not for the Sect Master's mercy, my soul would have scattered and my spirit would have 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 in his heart.
Xu Changqing waved a hand. "We did not summon you here today to make things difficult for you. We have something to ask."
Lin Qi took the initiative to ask, "What is it?"
Xu Changqing stared at Lin Qi with a solemn gaze and said, "We suspect that the Water Qi in the Heavenly Origin Realm has been growing thinner by the