As everyone watched him appear, they almost had the illusion that a traveler in a straw raincoat and bamboo hat was approaching them, returning home through a snowy night.
The cold wind cut like knives, and snow filled the sky, bringing a chilling current of air. Billowing dust seemed to fill heaven and earth, shrouding the entire courtyard in a hazy veil of snow and grit.
Li Chen wore a blue-gray cloak of the kind Rogue Cultivators often used when traveling. It could keep out wind and rain while shielding its wearer from prying eyes. His freshly washed Puppet Master's Robe still looked as good as new, but the plain outer garment concealed it, leaving only a patch of fabric visible at his chest where the collar was unfastened.
He kept his body and hands hidden within the spacious cloak, making them difficult to discern. Each step he took seemed measured with a ruler, precise and unwavering.
This put tremendous pressure on Qian Wanli, who sat at the head of the gathering. He could not help straightening up and stepping out from behind his table.
"Sir." A trusted guard stepped out from the side and shielded him, saying in a low voice, "He carries killing intent. You had better not approach."
"Who are you?" Hu Xing did not know Li Chen. He had only recently arrived at the Coldwind Valley Battlefield. By then, Li Chen and the others had already learned that the Master Artisan would be leaving and had begun preparing for their journey, leaving them no leisure to befriend other Rogue Cultivators.
"Mr. Hu, this is the Master Artisan's renowned Retainer here in our city, our young friend Li Chen."
Qian Wanli waved to the guard blocking his way. A smile quickly appeared on his face as he