A good while passed. The pavilion master had yet to return, but an attendant approached Yi Shuyuan and Jiang Lang and whispered a few words to them. The two then rose and followed him out.
Though some of the other guests were curious, none asked any questions. They continued drinking and enjoying themselves in the great hall.
Outside, Yi Shuyuan and Jiang Lang followed the attendant to the building built against the mountain up ahead-the same one they had seen earlier from outside.
"This way, please. Just ahead."
The attendant glanced back as he spoke, then led them up the exterior stairways and corridors. When they reached the sixth floor, the Spirit Pearl Pavilion Master was standing on the wooden terrace outside, evidently having waited for some time.
"May I ask why you summoned us, Pavilion Master?"
Jiang Lang asked the question, while Yi Shuyuan had already turned his gaze toward the room adjoining the inner side of the terrace.
The pavilion master waited until they drew closer before speaking.
"Fellow Daoist, you said earlier that you were a Righteous Hero acting on someone's behalf, with a document as proof. Might I take a look?"
"Of course!"
Without wasting words, Yi Shuyuan took Wang Yunchun's brocade pouch from his sleeve, pulled out the contract, shook it open, and handed it to the pavilion master.
Sikong Zhe took the document and scanned it from top to bottom, then lightly sniffed the aura lingering on the paper. He knew then that Yi Shuyuan had not lied.
Sikong Zhe then returned the paper to Yi Shuyuan.
"In truth, I did rescue a little girl recently. My earlier words were driven by a touch of greed. The child has exceptional potential, and I had hoped to keep her here and teach her properly!"
"Brother