Everyone else was in seclusion, so only Si Chen and Gray Gray were outside to receive Bai He.
Si Chen sat in the seat of honor and personally poured Bai He a cup of tea.
"Fellow Daoist Bai He, it has been a long time."
Bai He accepted the tea and smiled. "Fellow Daoist Si, when we parted in Floating Net Heaven, I never imagined you would have put down roots in the Forgotten River by the time we met again."
Si Chen nodded. "It's quiet here."
Bai He looked around, his gaze sweeping over the buildings outside the hall before finally settling on Gray Gray.
Gray Gray was crouched by the entrance, solemnly guarding the door, with an occasional flick of the tail.
Bai He suddenly smiled at the sight.
"Even Fellow Daoist Gray Gray has reached the Ninth Order."
Hearing this, Gray Gray raised that head even higher.
Of course. I'm the original welcoming envoy. What's the Ninth Order to this donkey?
Bai He withdrew his gaze, looked at Si Chen, and casually asked:
"Have you settled in well over these past ten years, Fellow Daoist Si?"
Si Chen nodded. "The Forgotten River may be small, but it suits me well."
Bai He nodded, fell silent for a while, and finally explained why he had come.
"Fellow Daoist Si, I actually came at someone's request."
Si Chen said nothing, waiting for him to continue.
Seeing his expression, Bai He simply went straight on.
"With an Immortal King suddenly rising to the pinnacle in the Forgotten River, those above were bound to ask about it."
He phrased it tactfully, but his meaning was clear-the higher-ups of the Immortal Realm had sent him to sound things out.
Si Chen nodded. "So you came to probe me, Fellow Daoist Bai He?"