Outside the cave abode.
Just as Chen Shiyuan and Qin Guan fell silent, the white mist surrounding the cave abode parted to either side, revealing a passage. At the same time, a man's voice rang out:
"May I ask which fellow Daoists have honored me with a visit? Forgive me for failing to come out and welcome you."
The corners of Chen Shiyuan's mouth lifted slightly. Without so much as looking at Qin Guan, he strode into the passage leading to the cave abode.
Qin Guan did not remain outside either, but followed him in.
The two soon reached the main hall of the cave abode. Shen Luo was already waiting there, and three cups of spirit tea had been set on the table.
"May I have your name, fellow Daoist? My humble abode is rather simple, so please forgive any shortcomings in my hospitality. Have a seat." Shen Luo looked Chen Shiyuan over and gestured for him to sit.
"You must be Fellow Daoist Shen Luo. Temple Master Qin has just told me about you. To reach the mid-Great Vehicle stage in less than two hundred years-you truly are a heaven-gifted genius." Rather than answer Shen Luo's question, Chen Shiyuan chuckled.
"Junior Brother Shen, this is Senior Chen Shiyuan from Little Maoshan," Qin Guan introduced him from beside them.
"Little Maoshan!" A flicker passed through Shen Luo's eyes.
He had long admired this sect's reputation.
"So you are a cultivator from our parent sect, Little Maoshan. Forgive my discourtesy. What important business brings you to our Spring Autumn Temple?" Shen Luo's expression quickly returned to normal, and he cupped his hands as he asked.
As a member of the parent sect, Little Maoshan, Chen Shiyuan had been traveling from place to place lately, visiting its branches. Every branch sect