Miao Yilan was puzzled. "Warn us about what?"
Lan Qiaoyan said, "How would I know? If he could say it, he surely would have. But the meaning he did spell out was simple: he doesn't want us getting too close to Gong Shaoci."
Miao Yilan hesitated, then asked, "Could he be jealous?"
Lan Qiaoyan gave her daughter a sidelong glance. "Don't you know where he came from? Would someone like him make it this obvious if he were really jealous? Would he come right up to us and openly tell us? I've told you before: deep down, he's a man of loyalty and feeling." She sank into thought again, muttering, "What could be wrong with Gong Shaoci? Does he dislike his character? It seems we really do need your father to look into this."
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang had barely gone any distance from the inn when a Mount Wukang disciple suddenly appeared and stopped them.
Why had they recognized him as a Mount Wukang disciple at a glance? Because he was wearing the sect's uniform, which both men certainly knew well. His face seemed unfamiliar, but they did not know every Mount Wukang disciple, either.
The newcomer cupped his hands toward them. "Martial Uncles, the Sect Master requests your presence."
Both men paused. Wu Jinliang asked suspiciously, "Bian Weiying is here?"
The man smiled and nodded, extending a hand to lead the way. "Please follow me."
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang exchanged a glance. Neither refused, and they followed him, though Wu Jinliang casually took out a gourd and slung it over his back.
The three did not head farther into the island, but toward the shore.
They followed the coast across a stretch of beach and entered a rocky area. Seeing that they were being led farther