Indeed.
Luohu had not returned to his own sanctuary in the Void.
His trip to Vulture Peak had left him thoroughly satisfied, but what he wanted most was not to savor that pleasure alone. He wanted to see someone.
He descended straight onto Golden Ao Island.
He had also heard every word of the disciples' earlier discussions.
Their words held reverence, wariness, and a gradually growing recognition and admiration.
Ordinarily, given Luohu's temperament, those voices would only have made the corners of his mouth rise in smug satisfaction.
Yet now, surprisingly, there was not a trace of self-satisfaction on his face.
All demonic qi had receded from his sharply defined features, replaced by a solemnity he rarely displayed.
He walked without a word, merely nodding to the Jie Sect disciples who cupped their hands in greeting on either side. His gaze remained fixed ahead as he headed straight toward the cave abode deep within the island.
His composure and gravity made him seem an entirely different man from the swaggering, imperious Demon Ancestor at Vulture Peak just moments before.
Some of the more perceptive disciples noticed and could not help feeling secretly astonished.
Why had this Demon Ancestor... suddenly become so solemn?
Could he have some great matter to discuss with Senior Brother Changqing?
The disciples were puzzled, but none dared ask. They merely followed at a distance, their gazes filled with conflicting emotions.
A short while later.
Luohu arrived outside Gu Changqing's cave abode.
A faint fragrance of wine drifted out from within. Its rich, almost overbearing aroma washed over him even through the stone door.
Gu Changqing's trademark snores also drifted out intermittently, faint and utterly languid.
Clearly, the Wine Sword Immortal was sleeping off his drunkenness again.
Anyone else would most likely have had the sense to