At a eunuch's loud announcement, Ning Fengzhi walked into the hall with a smile.
"Hahaha, I'm late. I hope you'll forgive me."
All three turned to look at him in unison. The moment Ning Fengzhi entered, he found three pairs of eyes fixed on him and froze in place.
"Ahem, what is it, you three...?"
Feeling awkward under their stares, Ning Fengzhi coughed twice and asked.
"Hahaha, Sect Master Ning, please sit. We've been waiting for some time."
Xue Ye was the only one suited to speak on this occasion. Noticing the strange atmosphere, he hurriedly laughed it off and invited Ning Fengzhi to take his seat.
Ning Fengzhi smiled faintly, nodded, and sat down beside Xue Qinghe.
Seeing this, Xue Qinghe stood and bowed slightly, his voice full of respect.
"Teacher."
"Sit, Qinghe. Sir, you're here too. What a pleasure."
Ning Fengzhi patted Xue Qinghe's shoulder. After sitting down with him, he also greeted Sunday with a smile.
"You're too kind, Sect Master Ning."
Sunday gave a mild reply and said nothing more. Today's leading man was Xue Ye, not him.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Xue Ye called out, then turned his gaze to Ning Fengzhi.
"Attendants, serve the food! Sect Master Ning, it's been several months since we last met. How is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect faring these days?"
At Xue Ye's question, Ning Fengzhi retained his gentle smile. Resting both hands on his cane, he shook his head.
"What else can we do? Uncle Jian and Uncle Gu were both badly injured and are still in seclusion, recovering. That leaves me, a mere man of letters, struggling alone to keep the sect afloat."
"Oh? The two Excellencies still haven't recovered? To think their injuries were so severe.
Qinghe, go to the treasury later and