Sure enough, someone was waiting for him on the martial arts platform.
It was an old man, nearly seventy.
He wore a long beard and a clean Daoist robe, his expression solemn.
A scattering of Shushan disciples stood nearby, watching the excitement after their meal.
Most, however, were Shushan's retainers. The young man who had delivered the message to Li Ping'an was among them.
"He's here," someone nearby whispered.
Once Li Ping'an stepped onto the martial arts platform,
The old man stroked his beard, his brows deep-set, and said gravely, "I am Liu Yunwu of Wutai Nan.
"I joined Wutai Nan as a child and devoted myself wholeheartedly to cultivation, but my master and elder brothers passed away one after another.
"Wutai Nan fell into decline, and I had no choice but to join Shushan as a retainer.
"I hope you will forgive me for what happens today."
Li Ping'an nodded slightly and said softly, "I understand."
It was no lie. He truly understood this old man named Liu Yunwu.
He had probably come from some impoverished little mountain village and happened to enter an immortal sect under a master's tutelage.
He had thought it was his chance to seek immortality and the Dao.
Yet the truth was that Wutai Nan was merely a speck of dust among countless sects.
To obtain resources for cultivation, he could only set aside his status as the leader of a reputable, orthodox sect and join Shushan, becoming a retainer who worked for pay.
Now, for the shared interests of these retainers, he had to take on Li Ping'an.
Li Ping'an understood him.
But that did not mean Li Ping'an would yield because of it and give up those envy-inducing mission rewards.
A trace of self-mockery flashed through Liu Yunwu's eyes as he formed