After some discussion, everyone finally settled on the distribution of resources.
The presiding elder's gaze fell heavily upon Ye Qingluan and did not move away for a long while.
A trace of hesitation hid between his brows. His expression shifted through several rounds of indecision, his lips moved, and at last he slowly spoke, "Pavilion Master Ye..."
The words had only just begun when Ye Qingluan raised her eyes, her gaze colliding with his.
Looking into those calm, unruffled eyes, the elder's words caught in his throat. His mouth opened and closed, but in the end, it became only a deep sigh.
So be it.
Since she was unwilling to reveal the truth herself, there was no need to press further.
Ye Qingluan swept her gaze lightly over the cultivators present. Once she had confirmed that everything had been settled and no loose ends remained, she gave a slight nod, rose, cupped her hands in salute, and took her leave.
Bang—
The heavy wooden door of the chess room was pushed open, letting out a dull creak.
Ye Qingluan stepped inside with a grave expression, faint threads of chill still clinging to her robes.
Sensing the oppressive atmosphere, Jiang Lu's fingertips trembled sharply. The chess piece pinched in her hand rolled free, landing on the board with a tap before rolling far away.
She hurriedly looked up, only to see her master seated before the table, his expression utterly undisturbed. His eyes were as tranquil as water, fixed upon the chessboard before him, as though the thunderous sound just now had not startled him in the slightest.
Jiang Lu marveled inwardly.
Worthy of being Master.
She was still far from possessing such composure—remaining unflustered even if Mount Tai collapsed before her. She would have to cultivate herself much more in