On Jade Sun Mountain, True Person Cangyuan recounted an old affair at an unhurried pace. If word of it spread through the martial world, there was no telling how many storms it would stir up.
Xue Baizhi listened quietly. The confusion and doubt that had clouded her eyes at first gradually gave way to clarity.
The past could no longer be changed. Yet Jade Sun Mountain still stood in the Central Land, the foremost righteous sect revered by all under heaven. Countless disciples of Jade Sun Mountain traveled the land, slaying demons, punishing evil, and upholding good.
True, there might be flaws in its inheritance and rough stretches along its Dao Path. But all Jade Sun Mountain had done in the Central Land over the years was no sham.
"Rest assured, Master. Your disciple will not fail this mission."
Xue Baizhi paused, then continued, "I'll set out for Jiankang at once."
"Go quickly, and return quickly."
True Person Cangyuan gazed at the memorial tablets of the sect's past patriarchs.
"These are troubled times. We must take care in all things."
Master and disciple discussed the sect's future, but boundless worry lay in True Person Cangyuan's eyes.
Blessing and disaster walked hand in hand in the mortal world. Who could say whether the Ancient Netherworld's emergence would prove a blessing or a curse for Jade Sun Mountain?
Jiankang.
Mount She lay northeast of Jiankang, near Mount Zhong. Though its peaks were not high, its lush vegetation and concealed spiritual energy would make anyone praise its scenery. It was already deep winter, when all things withered, yet life still hid on Mount She. Pale wildflowers pushed through soil dampened by the cold and waited, bright-eyed, for spring to break the hush.
The green that had never faded from the mountain paths was