"Holy Maiden, we meet again." Zhou Yan smiled as he stepped forward.
"We meet again, Young Master Zhou." Xia Qiuer nodded.
"Please, take a seat. I specially reserved that seat for you and Fairy Bing." Zhou Yan pointed to the seat of honor opposite the Heavenly Execution Prince. Given Xia Qiuer's status, it was only fitting for her to sit there.
"Thank you." Xia Qiuer did not refuse. Though she disliked drawing attention, she represented the Imperial Court when she was away from home. In certain matters, she naturally had to step forward without yielding.
After taking her seat of honor, Xia Qiuer looked around, but did not see the person she wished to see.
Suddenly, her eyes lit up slightly as she looked toward the entrance of the manor. Two people were approaching—it was Hua Yunfei and the Nether Child.
"Fellow Daoists, we have finally been awaiting your arrival." Zhou Yan smiled as he went to greet them, exchanging pleasantries with Hua Yunfei and the Nether Child.
"So that is the Nether Child of the Dark World?"
Everyone stared at the Nether Child, their expressions exceedingly serious.
Even the Heavenly Execution Prince, who had been resting with his eyes closed, looked over and began sizing up the Nether Child.
"Fellow Daoist, look, this..."
Zhou Yan glanced at the Heavenly Execution Prince's seat. It had originally been reserved for the Nether Child, but after the Heavenly Execution Prince arrived, he had plopped down there. Zhou Yan could hardly drive him away.
The Heavenly Execution Prince had clearly realized this as well, yet he did not rise, remaining firmly seated.
"It is no matter. It is merely a seat; I can sit anywhere."
The Nether Child waved a hand, completely unconcerned. He looked around, and then his eyes suddenly lit up