A halo around the sun foretold rain at the third watch; a halo around the moon foretold wind at noon.
At some point, a fine, pattering rain had veiled the heavens. Half the sky exuded a refreshing coolness that left one feeling wonderfully at ease.
The warship was exceptionally spacious. What they called a cabin was, up close, no smaller than an ordinary palace.
Jiang Yang and his companions announced themselves at the door, and a woman's voice soon granted them permission to enter.
The voice was clear and lilting, as though its soft down could tickle the heart. Having met Xuan Xi before, Jiang Yang naturally recognized that it did not belong to the True Person. He looked up to find a foxishly alluring face right before him, its lips parting:
"Please come in, fellow Daoists."
The three hurriedly straightened their clothes before stepping calmly inside.
"This disciple pays respects to the True Person."
"Rise."
The woman seated at the head had clear, composed features. Her manner was gentle as she said:
"Since everyone is here, take a seat. There is no need for ceremony."
The first group of direct disciples had already departed with True Person Xuan Yi. All those remaining were here now—four in total, including Jiang Yang.
Jiang Yang and the others obediently acknowledged her words and took seats on either side.
The alluring female cultivator who had invited them inside now stood close beside True Person Xuan Xi, immediately confirming her identity for Jiang Yang: Lian Fei, the Third Senior Sister Shang Qingzheng so often mentioned.
Before he came, Shang Qingzheng had repeatedly urged Jiang Yang to keep his distance from her. The two women were on poor terms. Though there was no deep hatred between them, neither could stand the other. Shang Qingzheng had