Support III

"How had that kid ended up here?" Kong Ruyi asked in confusion.

"Who?" Duan Qinglong followed his gaze, but only saw the bearded man's retreating back.

"No one you know. Just a young friend." Kong Ruyi shook his head. "Forget it. He was probably out traveling." He turned back around. "This time, do you know why the demon spirits gathered?"

Duan Qinglong nodded.

"The Gongshang Family heard that the Ten Thousand Year Green Rope Tree had finally borne fruit. Supposedly, it became a demon and accidentally leaked a trace of spiritual energy, which the demon spirits detected. That was why vast tribes gathered to besiege it and seize the Green Rope Tree Fruit."

"The Green Rope Tree Fruit..." Kong Ruyi frowned.

***

Lin Xin swung down from his horse and followed Shang Nuo, who had come from the Gongshang Family to receive them, through the winding halls of the horn-shaped building.

Lin Youke and the other four followed behind him. Though this period of hardening had given them a cold, stern air, their gazes still drifted about as they secretly examined this rather unusual lineage of the World Extermination Society.

Along the way, arranged maidservants bowed slightly. A faint fragrance rose from the carpets beneath their feet; they had clearly been treated with incense beforehand.

Shang Nuo was a refined and elegant young man who always wore a smile. He was not much older than Lin Xin, and his manner of speech was gentle and amiable.

"To have the Lin Family, leaders among all lineages, come personally to aid us is an immense honor for the Gongshang Family. I only wonder when Brother Sun Snatcher's supporting forces behind you will arrive. This..." After exchanging pleasantries with Lin Xin for a while, Shang Nuo finally could not help asking.

"They are