"For the past half year or so, I've felt like I was going stupid." Yan Keling scratched her hair, then habitually checked her hand. "Not only are we cycling our sleep schedules, we're doing it differently from everyone else. They go to bed later each day; we get up earlier each day. A reverse cycle."
"Poor Daoist feels the same. My memory has gotten worse."
"Indeed." Master Tongdeng rubbed his bald head. "This humble monk has even gone bald."
"Everyone, is it really that bad?"
"Exactly, is it really that bad?"
Chen Shu and Zhang Suannai spoke, then exchanged a furtive glance.
"You two benefactors are laughing inside, aren't you?"
"Absolutely not!"
"How could we be!?"
Both denied it with resolute faces.
"Sigh..."
The others sighed again.
Before long, everyone followed the big shots toward the summit. The big shots walked ahead, chatting and laughing about matters that could shape nations and the world. The young people trailed behind in twos and threes, discussing matters that were hardly small themselves.
Zhang Suannai ran over to Chen Shu.
"Where's Qingqing?"
"Up on the mountain."
"She didn't come with you to welcome the guests?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Maybe she thinks that, in the eyes of her Esoteric Sect, we're all scrubs unworthy of her welcome."
"Uh..."
"What about you?" Chen Shu glanced at Zhang Suannai. "Why didn't you come with your Sword Sect? Hitching another ride with the Group Leader?"
"I was in Jade Capital, not at the Sword Sect."
"Then why didn't you fly here yourself?"
"Riding together is more fun with more people."
"When will your Sword Sect arrive?"
"Soon, I think. They already set off."
"Is your master coming?"
"Of course! Your Spirit Sect's sect master is nearing Spiritual Decline. He's definitely coming to watch the spectacle!"
"Then..."
Chen