From a grassy hillside, Qiu Ben could see Distant Mountain City. Standing on blades of grass, he rose and fell with the wind, staring at the city with a deep frown.
His disciple Zhu Xin suddenly darted out of the woods. After two bounding adjustments, he landed beside him and cupped his fists in report. "Master, we found them. The two of them returned to the Vermilion Jade Pavilion."
"Returned to the Vermilion Jade Pavilion?" Qiu Ben was taken aback and recalled what he had heard. Had their talk of leaving meant only leaving the Divine Mountain, not leaving the area?
Judging by their checking out of the Vermilion Jade Pavilion earlier, the targets should have been heading for the Divine Mountain. What were they doing back at the pavilion now?
The problem was that he had already revealed his identity to the Divine Mountain. It would be inappropriate to return to the Vermilion Jade Pavilion for lodging. Besides, he had finalized the arrangements for gathering qi at the Divine Mountain with a letter personally written by the Sect Master. How could he go back on his word over a major sect affair, saying they would no longer go simply because he felt like it? Backing out so casually would only arouse suspicion. If it drew the Divine Mountain into the matter, complications might sprout like branches from a knot.
He raised a hand and rubbed his short hair, somewhat baffled. He was only trying to capture two brats in the advanced martial realm. Why was nothing going smoothly?
After thinking it over repeatedly, he said, "I can't very well return to the Vermilion Jade Pavilion. Make your arrangements and keep a close eye on them. They'll have to come out eventually."
"Yes..." Zhu Xin acknowledged the order, then hesitated