Demonic Alliance, a Nascent Soul Cave Abode! 160,000 words coming tomorrow and the day after!

Chapter 454: Demonic Alliance, a Nascent Soul Cave Abode! Updates tomorrow and the day after! Makeup updates—please send monthly votes!

"Sorry for the trouble, Elder. Please lead the way."

Xu Mingxuan nodded slightly at those words.

His expression, however, betrayed nothing.

The elder said no more and turned to leave.

Xu Mingxuan followed him through courtyard after courtyard.

They walked along winding corridors for roughly the time it took to drink a cup of tea, finally stopping before a secluded courtyard.

The courtyard was small but exquisitely arranged.

Several slender bamboo plants grew inside, with a clear pond beneath them where colorful carp swam leisurely.

A bluestone path wound toward the main room. Two plain lanterns hung before it, casting a gentle light.

"Please enter, Fellow Daoist Xu. The city lord is waiting inside."

The elder stepped aside to gesture him in, then withdrew.

Xu Mingxuan straightened his robes and stepped inside.

Inside was a study with an antique charm.

Its furnishings were simple yet elegant.

At its center stood a long rosewood table bearing a bronze mountain-shaped incense burner. Fine calming incense burned within, sending up delicate wisps of smoke.

Behind the table was a low couch. Gu Xuanyou sat upon it, a tea set before him giving off a fragrant steam.

Seeing Xu Mingxuan enter, he smiled slightly and raised a hand. "Please sit, Fellow Daoist Mingxuan."

Xu Mingxuan sat as invited, facing Gu Xuanyou across the table.

Gu Xuanyou personally poured a cup of tea and pushed it toward Xu Mingxuan, his movements unhurried.

Xu Mingxuan accepted it with both hands and thanked him, but did not hurry to drink. He simply waited for the other man to speak.

Gu Xuanyou was in no hurry either. He took a sip of his own tea before slowly saying,