Several days later, in Liying City in the Northern Frontier, several envoys from the Sect escorted a middle-aged cultivator dressed in splendid robes and a jade crown to a residence built by a local aristocratic clan in the southern part of the city.
"Elder Long, this is where Elder Fang is staying." Their guide was an elder of the local clan.
Elder Long was a man of considerable standing: an elder responsible for transmitting cultivation teachings, he held one of the ten seats in the Azure Cloud Sect's Heavenly Observation Court.
The Heavenly Observation Court oversaw education as well as diplomatic etiquette, and had always been where the honored elders served.
Fang Qianyuan, meanwhile, was a leading figure among the younger generation of the Azure Cloud Sect and the Southern Wilds. Even across the world, he ranked among the renowned experts of both the righteous and demonic paths. Recently, in particular, word had spread like wildfire that he had fought Yin Zheluo of Central Province and successfully slain his spirit creature manifestation.
Naturally, this was publicity the Azure Cloud Sect had deliberately spread to help build his reputation. After verifying the news, the various aristocratic clans and other powers regarded Fang Qianyuan with even greater awe, and became increasingly optimistic about his prospects.
Elder Long naturally noticed the local clan's cautious, deferential attitude. Yet only a small part of it was on his account; most was because of this junior from his own Sect. He could not help feeling moved.
For the Sect to produce such a genius-what an honor to share in his glory.
Before long, the two reached the inner courtyard, where an attendant of the residence came to receive them. "Elder Fang already knows you have arrived. Please come inside to meet him."
Elder Long and the