As one of the Eight Vein Heads and the man in charge of Venerable Skysoar's vein, Hua Ziliu lived in a remarkably modest residence, one that hardly matched his exalted standing in the Longevity Sect.
It looked less like a bedchamber than a study.
Built entirely of bamboo and wood, it had an airy feel. Books and scrolls stood in neat rows everywhere.
Now this Void Step expert, his face full of weariness, was receiving Su Che in the reception hall.
"I heard you've spent the past few days struggling over your alchemy, junior brother. You've even ruined several furnaces. I was wondering what great medicine you were making. What brings you to see me today?"
Hua Ziliu raised his teacup and took a gentle sip.
"You're in a leisurely mood, senior brother. You still have time to sit here drinking tea?"
Su Che glanced at the cup before him. It was an ordinary vessel, and the tea leaves held nothing remarkable.
The scent was a little like new tea from Jiankang.
"It's Phoenix Feather Tea, freshly harvested in Jiankang. One pleasure of the mortal world is that touch of warmth from everyday life."
Hua Ziliu gave a couple of grunts. "I asked you a question, and you ask me one instead. What, have you found something worthwhile in your research on that worm?"
"Can't I come see you without showing off?"
Su Che lifted his cup and took a small sip.
Jiankang is my hometown too, in theory. But I barely spent any time there. I wonder how Little Fox is doing now.
Ridiculous, really. The universe stretches boundlessly, heaven and earth are vast, yet apart from the life within three feet of me, I seem to have nothing to hold on to.
*Bare and unburdened, with no ties