The atmosphere inside the hall was fairly harmonious.
When Chen Ling entered, there were four elderly men and a pretty young girl present, aside from Dugu Bo and Ya Li.
Almost purely from their appearances, Chen Ling could identify most of them.
One stood straight as a pine, his entire body radiating a sharp, unstoppable presence. This had to be Yang Wudi.
Another was powerfully built, standing there like a small mountain, with a rhinoceros-horn ornament on his head. He was Niu Gao, chief of the Defense Clan.
A thin elderly man sat in a chair with the young girl supporting him. He did not look particularly well. Judging by his condition, as though he had only just recovered, he had to be White Crane. Although the manner in which he had been brought here was hardly honorable, his face betrayed no unnecessary emotion.
The remaining elderly man was rather short and stout. He had to be Lou Gao, one of the few Divine Craftsmen alive today.
At the sound of Chen Ling's footsteps, Ya Li was the first to approach him.
She naturally stepped forward and linked her arm through Chen Ling's, making their intimacy plain for all to see. Everyone else rose to their feet and respectfully bowed.
They had not expected Chen Ling to come in person. Such a gesture undoubtedly demonstrated sincerity and respect.
Chen Ling had not thought that deeply about it. He simply could not be bothered to put on airs; living that way was exhausting. As long as no idiot came to provoke him, that was enough. Besides, he really had nothing to do and was bored out of his mind.
"Greetings, Sect Master."
The conversation that followed was straightforward, mainly concerning the fulfillment of Chen Ling's earlier promises. Though they did not