Mystic Continent, Great Qian Dynasty, Sacred Capital.
Inside a magnificent mansion, six people sat in the hall, sipping tea and chatting.
Suddenly, they all stood and turned to look outside.
A distinguished-looking middle-aged man walked through the arched gateway. He was Yao Lingxian, once a disciple under Li Ying and now the leader of Great Qian's Incense Perception Cult.
These people were disciples of his disciples, drawn from every corner of Great Qian and every walk of life. All were rogue cultivators from the rough-and-tumble martial world, an exceedingly mixed assortment.
Precisely because of that, however, they had brought their existing skills with them when seeking a master. All already possessed cultivation at late-stage Qi Refining or above, and two had even reached Foundation Establishment or higher.
"Master!"
They bowed slightly and offered their greetings.
"Mm." Yao Lingxian nodded slightly. "The Grand Elder just sent me a message. An expert is tracking us, and we must withdraw from the Sacred Capital as soon as possible. Make your preparations and leave at the earliest opportunity."
"How could this happen? Must the Holy Cult's Headquarters move again?" a sallow-faced man with a hooked nose could not help asking.
"Hmph!" Yao Lingxian's gaze sharpened as he looked at him. "Was I not clear enough? Did you fail to understand?"
"I wouldn't dare. This disciple is merely... merely puzzled..." Startled, the sallow-faced man broke out in beads of sweat. He wiped his forehead and spoke in a low voice.
"If you understood, then do as you were told. Otherwise, once you fall into the hands of Great Qian's Three Offices, no one will be able to save you."
He paused, then continued.
"I'm ordering you to withdraw for your own good. This place is dangerous. You cannot linger here."
With that, he turned away