"Indeed."
Hongyuan rose slowly and walked toward the door.
"Since you can contact me, Master, I imagine you've gained some understanding of the situation in the Divine Treasury. This place resembles a stretch of history from Primordial Antiquity, though not quite. The Xu Tribe I'm with now is small, but thanks to Senior Brother Master Soaring's arrangements, it has caught the Youqiong Clan's eye. They've sent envoys several times to discuss an alliance. The clan's ambitions run deep, though, and dealing with them has taken considerable effort."
Chang Wuyou caught the implication. "So the alliance proposal arose from Master Soaring of Taihua?"
Hongyuan's steps faltered slightly. She nodded. "Yes. After entering the Divine Treasury, I was often still weighing my options, or had only just begun to form a plan, when Senior Brother had already stepped in and settled the matter. Some of his arrangements are beyond even me."
Chang Wuyou was taken aback. He knew this disciple of his better than anyone. She seemed courteous on the surface, but precious few people truly earned her regard. From the sound of it, had she been bested? Did she even admire him a little?
As though she had seen through her master's thoughts, Hongyuan smiled. "Senior Brother may have laid the groundwork, but he didn't see just how voracious the Youqiong Clan was. I'm confident I can handle them. I'll settle this first, then tell him the whole story when he emerges from seclusion."
At that, Hongyuan's expression abruptly changed. Her gaze sharpened, and she changed the subject. "Our guests have arrived. Master, we'll catch up another day." With that, she flickered away.
Chang Wuyou froze, then tried to follow their connection. But the moment he moved, the thought forming his projection met resistance and exploded!
Three uninvited guests had arrived