It was dusk.
The last rays of the setting sun spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the Top-Floor Hall.
A river breeze blew through the half-open windows, making the napkins on the table flutter gently.
Several Western Ocean waiters in black waistcoats approached with silver trays. They gently set a pot of black tea, several plates of delicate pastries, and some fruit on the table, then bowed and withdrew.
Jiang Jingnian sat by the window and took a sip from his teacup.
Liu Qingzhi sat opposite him, holding a cup of tea.
Hong Yufang sat beside Liu Qingzhi. She had only recently recovered from her serious injuries, and her face was still somewhat pale, but she looked much more spirited.
Elder Li Qiu stood to one side with a thin booklet in his hands, reporting the news he had gathered from various sources.
"Daoist Master Jiang."
Li Qiu closed the booklet, his expression complicated. "Our Mountain Cloud School previously attracted little attention at the Southern Martial Gathering. Only True Disciple Liu made something of a name for herself in the arena."
"But since the day before yesterday, our Mountain Cloud School's reputation among the visiting martial artists in Lin'an has become no less prominent than the Sea-Gazing Pavilion's."
The Sea-Gazing Pavilion, which rivaled the Twin Water-and-Fire Sects.
That also meant that, judging by their recent fame alone, they were now second only to the Five Hegemons of the South.
"It's just that this reputation..."
As Li Qiu spoke, his expression gradually grew awkward. He discreetly watched Jiang Jingnian's face, and only after confirming that he showed no displeasure did he continue, "Most of the comments are unfavorable, especially those concerning you, Daoist Master Jiang."
"The martial artists from the Two-East Region have been fairly restrained. But many prodigies from other