Outside True Abode Hall on Azure Sky Peak, the green pine stood unchanged, its boughs rising like linked mountains, undulating like fish and dragons.
Wang Qiyun waited outside the hall, gazing at the old pine, straight as a sword, with dragon-scaled bark and gnarled branches.
He always felt that perhaps it was because Patriarch Chongyang and his sect-master martial uncle often practiced swordsmanship beneath it that the pine had grown increasingly numinous.
The heavy bronze doors opened, and Xu Xuan stepped out. Seeing Wang Qiyun waiting outside, he nodded slightly. Naturally, he had summoned Qiyun to discuss important business.
"Greetings, Sect-Master Martial Uncle."
Seeing Xu Xuan finally appear, Wang Qiyun hurriedly bowed.
"No need for such formality."
Xu Xuan helped Wang Qiyun straighten up, smiling faintly as he regarded this broad, kindly-looking disciple.
"I called you here today because there are some matters I would like to arrange and discuss with you."
Wang Qiyun looked surprised and said anxiously:
"If these are important sect affairs, you should settle them with my father and Martial Aunt Si'an. This disciple would not dare overstep."
"What are you saying? Sooner or later, you young people will have to shoulder the sect's affairs. For now, you should observe more and learn more."
"Then I shall do as you say, Sect-Master Martial Uncle."
Wang Qiyun's respectful manner gave Xu Xuan a slight headache. This son of Senior Brother Xi Wei was good in every respect, except that he was somewhat too solemn.
"Now both you and Xiaowen have succeeded in reaching Qi Refining, and Gao Xia should break through before long."
"The situation is fairly stable at present. There are disputes, but they are only minor skirmishes. The sect is gradually getting on track, so we can recruit more outer disciples."
Xu Xuan had long