The Extreme Fire Sect's party abruptly descended from Divine Mountain and arrived at the Vermilion Jade Pavilion.
They acted directly and forcefully, openly surrounding the Vermilion Jade Pavilion and requiring everyone entering or leaving to submit to questioning by the Extreme Fire Sect.
Naturally, the proprietress Yin Xu was alerted. She hurried downstairs and blocked Qiu Ben at the entrance, forcing a smile over her anger as she tried to remain courteous. "What distinguished guests are these, daring to surround my Vermilion Jade Pavilion outright? Are you men of the Royal Court?"
"Proprietress, we meet again." Xi Quan, the Extreme Fire Sect's representative in Distant Mountain City, appeared again and stepped forward to introduce Qiu Ben. "This is the Hall Master of our Extreme Fire Sect's Martial Hall."
Yin Xu was slightly startled. She had not expected even the Extreme Fire Sect's Martial Hall Master to come in person. Immediately, she bowed. "So it is Hall Master Qiu. I have long heard of your great name. Had I known you would honor us with your presence, I-"
"Enough." Qiu Ben had no time to waste trading pleasantries with this fox spirit. He asked directly, "The two guests in the finest room on the top floor. Take me to them."
Yin Xu's heart lurched. She looked at the forces arrayed before her. "Hall Master Qiu, searching for someone with such a show of force will alarm the other guests. My little establishment will hardly be able to do business. Could you withdraw your men first?"
Unmoved, Qiu Ben stared coldly at her.
Withdraw his men? How could he? Was he supposed to pull them back and give those two a chance to slip away?
Suddenly, he shot into the air, circled the Vermilion Jade Pavilion like a phantom, and reached the