An azure vortex gate stood quietly among the trees.
A cloud-patterned boot stepped out onto the soil, stirring the almost tangible spiritual energy among the plants into billowing mist.
Yan Sen looked around curiously. "What a fine place."
Out of courtesy, he did not probe with his divine sense. But to an Emperor Immortal, even a glance left no secrets in a blade of grass or a tree.
"Herbs and spirit plants over ten thousand years old, all varieties I've never seen. The laws within them differ too; they aren't from the same world." Yan Sen looked toward the figure below the jade steps on his right. "But leaving them here to grow together so casually must affect their medicinal properties. Don't you find that a pity, fellow Daoist?"
Below the long path paved with rough jade stood Su Lin, white-haired and dressed in a Taiji robe. He smiled faintly.
"This isn't a medicinal garden. Spores and seeds from some spirit plants drifted here, and with no one tending them, they grew like this. It's a little messy. I hope you won't laugh."
"Not at all. I was presumptuous." Yan Sen nodded.
The instant their gazes met, an instinctive perception passed between them. Yan Sen's lips gradually curved upward, while Su Lin studied the handsome man before him, with his black hair, black robe, and dark crown.
"Yan Sen, sect master of the Heavenly God Sect."
"Su Lin, sect master of Heaven's Will Sect."
Su Lin inclined his head and raised his right hand toward the stone steps. "If you have time and don't mind, fellow Daoist, shall I show you around?"
It was the most ordinary courtesy, yet Yan Sen suddenly fell silent.
No skintight hero had rushed up looking for a fight or shouted an embarrassing catchphrase before