Even with the mottled light of the setting sun before him, a gloomy shadow settled in the Western Emperor's eyes once he received a definite answer.
He said nothing more, turned, and left.
Hu Gongxian hurried forward to lead the way, escorting him to a carriage beside the winding mountain road and personally lifting the curtain to welcome him aboard.
The driver flicked the reins and drove up the road...
Inside the Heavenly Terrace Gallery, Yin Xu was using a Mother-Child Talisman to contact Shi Chun, tending the flowers and plants beside her between exchanges-or perhaps contacting Shi Chun between tending her plants. She was warning him that the Xun Gate used to enter and leave Gathering Grotto Continent had been placed under strict control. According to reliable information, the measures were aimed squarely at Shi Chun and his companions.
In short, she was reminding Shi Chun to be careful.
Even without her warning, Shi Chun had already guessed as much. He had stationed someone near the Xun Gate's exit specifically to pass through the gate and relay messages. Shortly after the incident in Dazhi City, the Xun Gate serving Gathering Grotto Continent had come under strict control, and he had guessed it was aimed at him.
This had been within his expectations all along.
Having finished their exchange, Yin Xu put away the Mother-Child Talisman and turned, only to find someone standing right behind her. She jumped in fright. Even after recognizing the Western Emperor, she could not help pressing a hand to her chest and patting it. Rolling her eyes, she chided him lightly, "Could you stop appearing without a sound next time?"
Although he always appeared like this, unseen by gods or ghosts, she simply could not get used to it.
She also knew why he could