This time, the knocking was steady and firm, its rhythm neither hurried nor slow, carrying a martial artist's distinctive sense of restraint.
Yi Yang instantly spread his internal qi perception outward.
The next moment, his expression changed.
The person outside possessed qi and blood as deep and powerful as an abyss, openly radiating a perfected sixth-level cultivation.
He recognized the signature of that aura-Mu Fenghai, curator of the Thundercloud Martial Arts Hall.
Seeing that his visitor was actually this man, Yi Yang set down his teacup and rose to open the door.
The door opened.
Mu Fenghai stood outside. He was in his early fifties, tall and square-faced, wearing a dark blue martial robe cinched at the waist with a tiger-patterned leather belt.
His temples were a little whiter than at their last meeting, but his eyes remained steady, carrying the composure of someone long accustomed to authority.
"Chief Steward Yi, forgive my unannounced visit. Sorry for the intrusion." Mu Fenghai cupped his fists in a respectful greeting.
After all, on the surface, their strength was about equal. Yi Yang merely had the great tree of the Heaven Patrol Office sheltering his back, so Mu Fenghai had no need to abase himself.
Yi Yang stepped aside and said, "Please come in, Curator Mu."
Mu Fenghai crossed the threshold and swept his gaze over the courtyard. Seeing Yi Xun beside the stone table, his expression showed understanding.
He displayed neither surprise nor unnecessary pleasantries. After taking Yi Zhanzhi as his Personal Disciple, he had looked into the Yi Family's affairs.
Yi Xun, kneeling on the ground, looked up at the visitor and froze as though struck by lightning, utterly astonished.
The visitor was actually the curator of the Thundercloud Martial Arts Hall! Zhan Zhi's master!
He abruptly straightened and stood, astonishment