Wang Yu followed Ximen Mei into the hall and immediately spotted an old man in golden robes with striking, unusual features seated in its center. He was toying with two purple walnuts, while a golden toad as large as a calf lay beside him.
The giant toad gleamed gold all over, as though cast from pure gold, but its eyes were a crystalline emerald green, like a pair of gemstones.
This was the legendary third-tier spirit beast, Tian Chan!
After taking another couple of looks at the giant golden toad, Wang Yu followed Ximen Mei in bowing to the golden-robed elder.
"Mei'er greets Grandfather."
"This disciple greets the Patriarch."
The two spoke in unison.
"Rise. You are Wang Yu?" Heaven Toad Ancestor looked him over and asked mildly.
"Yes, Patriarch. This disciple is Wang Yu," Wang Yu replied respectfully.
"Mei'er has mentioned you to me several times. She said your considerable help in the secret realm was what allowed her to obtain the blood origin mushrooms." Only then did Heaven Toad Ancestor show a faint smile.
"This disciple merely contributed what little he could. Without Senior Sister Ximen's mastery of formations and her Talisman Treasure to conceal us, I doubt I could even have approached the secret realm's central region." Naturally, Wang Yu repeatedly downplayed his contribution.
"Grandfather, Junior Brother Wang is being modest. Without Junior Brother Wang Yu's help on this trip into the secret realm, I certainly couldn't have obtained the blood origin mushrooms alone. Besides, he once saved my life, and he has always admired and revered you. Why not simply take him as your disciple? I know you've been thinking of taking another personal disciple lately." Ximen Mei walked over to the golden-robed elder and spoke with a radiant smile.
"What nonsense are you talking? At