(Second update)
"What happened to Master?" After leaving Heavenly Venerable Daoling's cave abode, everyone looked bewildered. Dongfang Yi voiced his confusion.
"Yes! I've followed Master for so many years, but this is the first time I've ever seen him like this!" Zhang Facai agreed.
"Could Master's injuries have flared up again?" Zhang Bingmei guessed. Suddenly, she turned to Li Xiaoya. "Right! Junior Brother Li, you were with Master when he was injured this time, weren't you? How did he get hurt?" Everyone turned an inquisitive gaze toward Li Xiaoya.
"Well..." Li Xiaoya hesitated, but then said with some self-reproach, "Actually, Master was injured because of me..."
"Ah, Junior Brother! Don't blame yourself!" Murong Qi suddenly interrupted him, then addressed the others. "Don't spread word of Master's injuries or pursue the matter! If something really is wrong, Master will tell us plainly!"
"Yes, Senior Brother!" Murong Qi truly deserved his position as their senior brother; he carried considerable prestige among the disciples. At his words, everyone nodded in agreement.
"Come back inside, all of you!" Suddenly, the doors to Heavenly Venerable Daoling's cave abode opened on their own, and his voice rang out through the air again.
"..." Everyone exchanged glances. They had only just left, yet he was calling them back in. There was something distinctly strange about this, but they did not delay and flew back inside.
When they entered the main hall, they saw Heavenly Venerable Daoling standing with his back to them. Everyone exchanged glances. An ominous premonition suddenly rose in Li Xiaoya's heart, and he hurried to step forward and ask what was wrong. Murong Qi spoke first, however. "Master! Is there anything your disciple can do to ease your burdens? I will do everything in my power!"
"!" Heavenly Venerable Daoling did not turn around.