For several days, the strange phenomenon deep in the heavens had been gathering.
Now, high above the sunlit sky, at a height and distance beyond reckoning, the very texture of space seemed to change.
At times, the outline of a forest too ancient and dense to describe flickered into view. At others, the silhouette of a corner of a vast land appeared.
Its mountains and rivers were magnificent, its spiritual energy wreathed in mist. Yesterday, in one fleeting glimpse, Lin Chen had even seen a sprawling palace complex.
Lin Chen knew these changes were caused by the Cloud Dream Ancient Land drawing near to this world.
In the courtyard, the parasol leaves had yellowed and fell with a soft rustle.
Lin Chen gazed toward the horizon, pondering something.
Just then, faint footsteps sounded outside the courtyard.
The visitor was Liu Yun. She held a communication jade talisman glowing faintly green, her expression respectful.
"Young Master Lin, Elder Su requests your presence. Please go to his residence at once."
"Elder Su?"
Lin Chen was a little surprised. Why had Elder Su invited him over so suddenly? Could it have something to do with the Cloud Dream Ancient Land?
"I understand."
Lin Chen smoothed his already unwrinkled blue robes and drifted out of the courtyard.
Elder Su's residence lay within a quiet Purple Bamboo Grove deep in the merchant guild's headquarters. Its tranquil surroundings and abundant spiritual energy surpassed Lin Chen's residence by several degrees.
After following a secluded path, he came upon a bamboo pavilion. An old man stood with his back to him, hands clasped behind him as he gazed at the sky.
The old man made no deliberate show of power, yet simply standing there, he seemed subtly in harmony with the world around him. His cultivation was clearly