"Who are you?!"
The moment Pei Shiju's friend saw the newcomer, wariness flashed across his face. He shot Pei Shiju a questioning look, only to find Pei Shiju looking just as puzzled.
Pei Shiju felt the young man was somehow familiar, yet no matter how he searched his memory, he could not place him. It was deeply strange.
And then there was...
"Why have you come unannounced?" Pei Shiju stopped his friend from rising and waved several guards back. "And what do you mean by that?"
He looked unconcerned, but he knew his household was no official residence. Still, the Pei clan was a prominent family of Wenxi Commandery, with no lack of security. Anyone who could appear here without a sound and remain so composed was no ordinary man. For now, he needed to learn the visitor's purpose and keep him calm.
"I mean you no harm."
The blue-robed youth was, of course, Chen Cuo's Azure Lotus Incarnation.
His true body was immersed in contemplation, refining the power of the Five Elements. Before entering that state, however, he had split off half his will and joined it with an incomplete Talisman, taking divine form to contemplate the mysteries of the Divine Path. He could still create incarnations.
Now, at Pei Shiju's question, Chen Cuo made himself at home. His wide sleeve swept out as he drifted up to the group and sat down. With a reach of his hand, he drew the wine pot and cup from the table without touching them, poured himself a cup, and took a sip. "Fine wine. Its mellow fragrance lingers."
Pei Shiju and his friend were startled to see Chen Cuo draw objects through the air. Their unease deepened.
"Are you some wandering knight?" Pei Shiju ventured, studying Chen Cuo as he spoke.