The cloud was an immense, solid carriage, furnished with a couch, tables, and chairs above, and steps and a base below. Its spirit essence was contained within, betraying nothing outwardly, but the instant it touched the ground, sand and stone melted, and oily lava flowed in every direction.
Even the scant moisture in the ground was baked dry, releasing great clouds of steam.
Everyone from the commerce guild watched in horror.
This was actually a searing cloud refined with the Blazing Cloud Flame Art. Yet, transformed by dharma power, it was as cool as a white cloud and as yielding as soft candy. Its rounded contours gave it the air of something from a fairy-tale wonderland.
Only those truly familiar with Yellow Cloud True Person's deeds knew that this was a terrifying thing comparable to the lava of purgatory. An ordinary person stepping onto it would immediately turn to ash.
Yellow Cloud True Person still reclined on the cloud. She slowly raised her hand, tapped her pipe against the tea table beside her, and parted her lips slightly to exhale a mouthful of smoke.
"I am the chief steward of the Guest Reception Hall at the Four Seas Commerce Guild's North Sea Branch Headquarters... I respectfully welcome your arrival, Senior Yellow Cloud True Person!"
The leader of the commerce guild party stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
Yellow Cloud True Person said, "I previously demanded an explanation from your guild. Do you have an answer for me now?"
The chief steward said, "To our shame, we only captured a few minor lackeys, along with the Blood Shark Bandits' Tenth Chieftain."
He waved his hand, and several people behind him brought forward the one-eyed burly man who had once appeared in Lucky Harbor.
The Tenth Chieftain was bound with magical artifact ropes,