West of the Flowing Cloud Grotto, amid a vast sea of forest...
Fang Qianyuan rode Little White at a gallop, shooting forward like a white arrow.
Before long, the terrain ahead suddenly opened up, and another city crowded with tall buildings appeared before him.
This city was called Clearwind City. It stood midway between the Flowing Cloud Grotto and the Golden City Ward, and its appearance meant Fang Qianyuan had covered a little less than half of his journey home.
Once he continued west for another ten thousand li or so and reached the Golden City Ward, he could immediately use the Teleportation Array there to return to the sect's Headquarters.
Something about what happened a few days ago felt unusual. Still, whether it was a coincidence or not, I'd better be careful.
With that thought, Fang Qianyuan kept up his speed, only slowing to a stop when he reached the city gates.
As before, he entered the city, found lodgings, washed up, rested, and replenished his energy.
Before long, the local magnates received word that Fang Qianyuan had arrived.
Invitations drawn by his fame soon followed.
This time, the influential local Lin Family stepped forward, preparing a dinner banquet to welcome Fang Qianyuan.
As it happened, this Lin Family was the very Lineage to which Lin Yanshan, the talented young man Fang Qianyuan had once fought, belonged.
"Lin Yanshan's Lineage?" Fang Qianyuan still remembered his former opponent. After a moment's thought, he told the messenger, "Very well. Thank you for the gracious invitation. I'll be there on time tonight!"
Avoiding social engagements forever was no solution. Fang Qianyuan decided to accept the Lin Family's invitation.
That evening, Fang Qianyuan arrived punctually at the Lin residence for the banquet. Sure enough, he met the Lin Brothers and the others he