In mid-November, on the Heavencrystal Snowfield.
As spiritual light flared from the Teleportation Array on the open snow-covered ground, a group of Spirit Tamers from the Azure Cloud Sect's Headquarters appeared in this world of ice and snow.
At their head stood an old man in sumptuous robes, with strikingly unusual features.
He rested both hands on a cane carved from solid wood. His figure was slightly stooped, but his bright, lively eyes shone with unmistakable confidence.
The freezing wind howled, sweeping up vast drifts of white snow. A haze like smoke and dust rushed toward him amid a sky full of ice fragments, yet the old man remained unmoved. Like a towering mountain, he stood firmly on the frozen plain without so much as blinking.
The retainers who had accompanied him also stood solemnly, watching a group of Spirit Tamers dressed as guards ride toward them on gray wolves.
The wolves raced across the snow and soon reached them. Several riders jumped down and said, "Welcome, Master Lin. Grand Elder Fang has issued instructions. Please accompany us to the Traveling Palace for an audience."
The old man nodded. "Please lead the way."
This old man was none other than Elder Lin, Lin Zaixing, the master of foreign-race studies whom the two former Spirit Mine wardens had recommended to Fang Qianyuan.
Before long, Lin Zaixing followed the guards to the Traveling Palace on the hilltop terrace. Fang Qianyuan was already waiting inside.
Seeing Fang Qianyuan seated in the place of honor, Lin Zaixing stepped forward and bowed. "This old man pays his respects to Grand Elder Fang."
Fang Qianyuan said, "Master Lin, a pleasure to meet you, a pleasure." He then swept his sleeve and said, "Someone bring him a seat."
Lin Zaixing thanked Fang Qianyuan again and, without standing