"Practice this mental discipline diligently, and you will be able to curb your murderous impulses."
At that moment, inside Cloud Retainer's Abode.
Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, and Cloud Retainer stood together.
"Thank you for your guidance, honored adepti and Master. I understand."
Shenhe bowed to the three adepti.
"Very well. Cloud Retainer, we shall take our leave, then. Let us gather again another time."
Mountain Shaper looked at Cloud Retainer.
He and Moon Carver had accepted Cloud Retainer's invitation for a small gathering, offering Shenhe a few pointers on her cultivation along the way.
"Of course. Forgive me for not seeing you off."
Cloud Retainer gave a slight nod.
Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver nodded as well. They were just about to leave when their gazes shifted slightly. They had sensed a familiar presence.
"Hmm? This presence..."
"Is it the Conqueror of Demons?"
"Uh... why is he here? Surely he hasn't discovered we gathered without inviting him and come knocking in a fit of anger?"
Cloud Retainer was somewhat surprised as well. The Conqueror of Demons was aloof and disliked dealing with others. The adepti had invited him to their drinking gatherings before.
But unless Rex Lapis was attending too, the Conqueror of Demons almost never came.
Over time, the adepti had reached an understanding: unless their lord was present, they would not invite the Conqueror of Demons to their gatherings.
Of course, that did not mean the Conqueror of Demons was unfeeling. He simply had no taste for food or drink, and liked lively crowds even less, which was why he declined to attend.
In private, the Conqueror of Demons was on good terms with the other adepti, and they all held him in great respect.
"Surely not. Though the Conqueror of Demons is solitary and aloof, he would