Lin Wei bent low and hurried over, slipping quietly into her place and sitting down.
Jin Si stood outside, not daring to edge closer.
If he forced his body, more than five zhang long, into the crowd, he would certainly shove and crush someone. Since he could hear from a distance anyway, he pressed his belly scales to the ground and lay obediently at the outermost edge.
He did not coil up, but stretched his tail back along the stone steps leading up the mountain. Once settled, he raised his head, his vertical pupils fixed on the white-haired Daoist atop the green stone. Several nearby Daoists turned to look.
A flicker of surprise crossed their eyes. They had not expected this Black Flood Dragon, who had only recently entered the mountain, to come listen to the Dao. Some frowned slightly, feeling it was rather inappropriate. The True Person on the green stone did not so much as lift his eyelids, spare him an extra glance, or utter another word. His eyes remained half closed, his expression serene, as though this was only natural. Seeing his attitude, the others put their concerns aside and paid no further attention.
Lin Wei quietly straightened her collar and inwardly sighed with relief.
The white-haired Daoist spoke at an unhurried pace, sometimes pausing for a breath or two between sentences.
Everyone was silent.
Only the rustle of mountain wind brushing the pine tips remained in the cavern hall.
The aged voice was not loud, yet it echoed gently through the spacious cavern, both distant and near, reaching every ear with perfect clarity.
Jin Si lay at the outermost edge, his vertical pupils watching the gaunt figure on the green stone, looking exceptionally attentive.
In truth, however, his brain had already sunk into profound bewilderment. He