Gu Yuanqing smiled faintly. "Indeed, it is I!"
A trace of delight appeared on Di Feng's face. "It really is you, Daoist Friend Gu! We haven't seen each other in over forty years, yet your bearing surpasses even that of old. Your cultivation has clearly advanced greatly. Congratulations, congratulations!"
As he spoke, he descended from the city wall.
Hearing the exchange between Di Feng and Gu Yuanqing, the surrounding soldiers relaxed their vigilance somewhat.
Gu Yuanqing said, "I've made a little progress. But... judging by the soldiers here, these past years... haven't been easy, have they?"
The delight faded from Di Feng's face, becoming a heavy sigh. His brow, too, took on a weathered look. "Not easy hardly begins to describe it... The Heavenly Demons' attacks have grown fiercer and fiercer, and the corrosion of demonic qi deepens by the day. Our brothers..." He shook his head without continuing, then asked instead, "Daoist Friend Gu, have you come on some important business?"
Gu Yuanqing said, "First, to revisit this place and see some old friends. Second, as a fellow member of the human race who has made a little progress in cultivation, to see whether I can contribute my modest strength. It will also settle some karma!"
Di Feng's spirits lifted slightly at this. "If we could have your help, it would truly be a blessing for the Nine Domains Divine Continent! Would you come into the city with me, Daoist Friend? Allow me to report..."
Before he finished, a sword light as dazzling as a river of stars arrived in an instant. Its radiance receded, revealing a middle-aged man in a plain blue robe, with an ancient-looking sheathed sword on his back.
It was none other than Ling Yi, Sect Master of the Nine Heavens Sword Sect.
"Greetings, Sect