When Elder Fu and the others saw the Mechanism City ahead and the stance of the people atop it, doubt flickered in their eyes. Only after exchanging a few voice transmissions did Elder Wuming step forward to speak.
"Who are you, sir, and why have you come to our gates under the banner of Heavenly Mechanism City without first sending a visiting card?" Elder Wuming asked, carefully choosing his words.
The resolute-looking man at the head of the group swept his gaze over them and said, "I am Che Qingtian, heir to Heavenly Mechanism City. Naturally, I fly its banner."
"Che Qingtian?" Everyone froze. None of them had ever heard that name.
"Fellow Daoist Che, which elder had the honor of teaching you?" Elder Wuming still thought he was the disciple of some former elder of Heavenly Mechanism City who had left to establish himself elsewhere.
"Impudence! My master is Heavenly Mechanism City's rightful heir. How could some elder have taught him? Who would have the qualifications?" The white-haired old woman beside Che Qingtian immediately flew into a rage, pounding her cane hard against the ground.
Her outburst left everyone even more bewildered.
What did she mean by Heavenly Mechanism City's rightful heir? Their succession had always proceeded in an orderly, unbroken line. They had never heard of any distinction between rightful and illegitimate heirs.
"It seems Heavenly Mechanism City has forgotten my surname for a very long time..." After a moment's reflection, Che Qingtian could not help speaking with a touch of wistfulness.
The elders of Heavenly Mechanism City were left lost in clouds and mist. Elder Fu, never particularly even-tempered, was finally so irritated by their deliberately mysterious manner that he could no longer resist the urge to curse.
Elder Wuming, however, seemed to have suddenly thought of