The sea view, the nightscape, the roar of the waves, and the buzzing and dazzling lights overhead-the inn's lanterns swayed in the wind.
Hidden in the shadows beyond the lights, the Fengluo Cult leader and the others watched the entrance to Artifact Cloud Valley with eager eyes.
Luo Yan, leader of the Heavenforging Sect, Gu Yanduo, leader of Summer Path Mountain, and Qu Wuming, leader of the Treasure-Evolving Sect, appeared at the entrance to Artifact Cloud Valley, each with two or three attendants.
The accompanying Blazing Fire Sect master waved the disciples guarding the entrance aside. He would personally keep watch here.
The reason for such a grand turnout was the two distinguished guests waiting at the entrance. The personal arrival of the Three Great Sects' leaders was a gesture of respect toward them-or, more precisely, toward Young Master Qian. Young Master Nan did not command enough respect to warrant their coming out to greet him in person.
In truth, this did not quite count as a welcome. Even Young Master Qian did not have enough standing to make the leaders of the Three Great Sects come together to welcome him at the Mountain Gate. These were the foremost sects in the Artifact Refining World. To stand at the pinnacle of an entire profession also placed them among the foremost sects in the whole Cultivation World.
Still, Young Master Qian's background was indeed extraordinary. His name was Qian She, and he belonged to the natal family of Jambu Continent's princess consort.
Under ordinary circumstances, they would have considered Qian She's blatant behavior rather lacking in judgment.
But since he had already come to visit, refusing to see him would seem disrespectful, while letting him in would violate the Artifact Refining World's rules.
After discussing it, the leaders of the Three