Meanwhile, in a hall belonging to the First Army, a dozen or so cultivators sat whispering among themselves.
High Person Qianshan and the Medicine Venerable of Spring Returning sat at the head of the hall, one on either side, also conversing quietly.
"...Whoosh!" Spiritual light flashed at the entrance, and a figure walked in behind Elder Wang. Every cultivator's gaze immediately turned toward the newcomer.
"Disciple Li Xiaoya pays his respects to Uncle-Master Qianshan and Uncle-Master Medicine Venerable!" The person following Elder Wang was none other than Li Xiaoya, who had reached the First Army after dealing with the situation at the Angry Dragon River. He greeted High Person Qianshan and the Medicine Venerable of Spring Returning respectfully. Since the Medicine Venerable of Spring Returning had led the Spring Returning Church into the Heavenly Dao Sect, he naturally counted as Li Xiaoya's uncle-master now. Li Xiaoya then cupped his hands toward the others. "Greetings, senior brothers and sisters!"
Nearly all the First Army's elders were trusted followers of Elder Wang and Elder Ma. Some returned his greeting out of courtesy, while others simply looked disdainful...
"Hehe, Xiao Ya is here! Come sit up front," High Person Qianshan said, pointing to an empty seat ahead.
"What were you doing? Why did you take so long?" the Medicine Venerable of Spring Returning asked coldly once Li Xiaoya sat down.
"Uncle-master, something came up along the way, so I arrived late. Please forgive me," Li Xiaoya said humbly, momentarily taken aback.
"Oh? What happened?" High Person Qianshan promptly asked.
"Uh, this is what happened." After a moment's hesitation, Li Xiaoya described what had happened among the mortal populace. "At..."
"Hmm." After hearing Li Xiaoya's account, High Person Qianshan exchanged a grave look with the Medicine Venerable of Spring Returning. The latter's expression was