The Imperial Family's encirclement was gradually tightening.
But it closed in later than He Pingsheng had expected.
A full month passed before three cultivators finally arrived in the deserted mountains.
Three streaks of sword light stopped in midair.
He Pingsheng, Qiao Huizhu, the girl, and the old man all looked up.
He Pingsheng dared not extend his divine sense, so naturally, he had no idea what cultivation realms the three had reached. But since they could fly using Sword Riding, they had to be at least in the Foundation Establishment Realm.
"How strange!"
One of the cultivators said, "These mountains are utterly deserted. Why are there mortals living here?"
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...
The three descended one after another.
Only once they landed did He Pingsheng get a clear look at them.
Two men and one woman.
Thud...
He Pingsheng was the first to drop to his knees. "I-Immortal Masters... I pay my respects!"
Then he abruptly turned to the other three and said, "Hurry up and kneel!"
Behind him, the old man, the girl, and Qiao Huizhu hastily knelt as well, even looking somewhat panic-stricken.
"What is your name?" The female cultivator drew the sword at her waist and walked straight toward He Pingsheng.
"Frightened," He Pingsheng sprang to his feet and ran.
The female cultivator immediately laughed. "Why are you running? I'm not going to kill you!"
"Come here. I have questions for you!"
"Y-yes, yes..." Wearing a timid expression, He Pingsheng cautiously approached her and said, "Lady... Immortal Master..."
Before he could finish, the woman said, "Call me Immortal Maiden!"
"Yes... Immortal Maiden!"
"Your Ladyship, please ask!"
The woman seemed amused again by his use of "Your Ladyship." "An ignorant country bumpkin!"
"Never mind. I'll ask you a few questions!"
"What is your name?"
He Pingsheng took a