"No matter. A guest follows the host's arrangements."
Xuan Di answered softly upon hearing this.
Standing behind his own True Person, Jiang Yang followed with a slight cupped-hand salute without speaking, his eyes brimming with irrepressible curiosity.
The moment he drew near the old man, the Immortal Foundation within Jiang Yang stirred in response. The man seemed to give off an aura both familiar and unfamiliar.
Yet no matter how he searched his memories, he could not identify it. This was clearly no time to pry into the man's secrets, however, so Jiang Yang could only rein in his thoughts for now.
Just then, spirit vigor surged, and a fissure opened in the Great Void, out of which emerged two people.
One was middle-aged and the other young. They wore ceremonial robes with upper garments and lower skirts embroidered with the sun, moon, stars, and other emblems. Jade ornaments weighed down their waists, lending them a decidedly splendid air.
The middle-aged man had a handsome, flowing beard. His broad sleeves fluttered as he stepped forward and cupped his hands.
"This humble prince, Lu Xinghuai, greets Senior Yuanzhu. The Dragon Lord's birthday is truly a grand occasion for all under heaven. I trust this junior has not arrived too late?"
The old turtle Yuanzhu returned the salute with a genial smile.
"So it is an imperial descendant of the Heavenly Directorate before me. I am merely an old fellow; I would never dare accept the address of senior."
"All who share the destined connection may attend His Lordship's birthday banquet. Not late at all—you have come at just the right time. Please, come aboard."
This time, Yuanzhu did not put on such an elaborate display, instead allowing the two to climb onto the Softshell Turtle Beast's back themselves. Though imperial descendants