Jiang Yang's arrival naturally did not escape Zhi Yu's notice. The True Person constantly swept the area with his spirit sense and came out to meet him at once.
Jiang Yang was not surprised by his eldest senior brother's sudden appearance. He first cupped his hands in greeting, then replied:
"Nothing happened. The journey went very smoothly."
"Good. If anything had happened to you, I'd have had a hard time answering to Master. It's only because this place can't be left unattended—otherwise, I would have gone to meet you, no matter what..."
Zhi Yu smiled, his broad sleeves snapping in the air.
Jiang Yang smiled and waved a hand.
"You're joking, Senior Brother. I'm not that precious."
"Come, let's talk inside the hall."
"All right."
Jiang Yang readily agreed and followed his senior brother down from the clouds, descending among the towering heights.
The clouds parted and the mist dispersed as they passed into the spirit array. In an instant, a clamor of voices rose around them. Jiang Yang looked down curiously, the sounds of bustling crowds filling his ears.
A thousand-zhang rift gaped like a wound in the earth, crimson flames surging from its center. Craftsmen had built workshops to draw upon the spirit fire, and the clang of hammering rang out without cease. The blue stone plaza was piled with raw ore hauled out of the tunnels, while large groups of shackled lesser demons were driven back and forth to carry it.
Zhi Yu led Jiang Yang into the Cloud-Crowned Hall, where they took their respective seats. Maidservants emerged from behind the curtains to serve spirit tea.
Jiang Yang picked up a cup and drained it in one gulp, then said with a smile:
"After so many days on the road, I was just getting thirsty. This place