Cangzhou.
The two striving to be snug little padded jackets were hard at work.
Li Yingling stood on the water, extending her divine sense into the great river. As she probed the water veins, she struck up a casual conversation:
"Junior Brother, wasn't running into Martial Uncle Lingyu this time a little too much of a coincidence?"
Li Xingtian was studying the surrounding terrain and drawing a Terrain Map when he suddenly heard his Eldest Senior Sister's slightly gossipy remark.
The intent behind those words was obvious. Li Yingling felt that their chance encounter in Cangzhou was very likely no chance encounter at all. Their master and Martial Uncle Xie had very likely coordinated behind the scenes.
Li Xingtian considered it briefly and decided he still would not gossip about their master behind her back. He said calmly:
"Not really. Since there's an opportunity here, it's only natural that it would draw people in."
Li Yingling looked at Second Junior Brother, her tone suspicious. "One trip to Central Province, and you've changed completely, Junior Brother. You never used to talk like this. How did you get so slick? Give me back my old Junior Brother."
Li Xingtian did not answer. Instead, his expression suddenly turned serious as he looked toward the eastern sky, spiritual power surging around him.
Li Yingling reacted swiftly as well, summoning her Spirit Sword into her hand and growing wary.
A moment later, having ascertained the situation, Li Xingtian reined in his aura.
A small figure came streaking toward them, accompanied by a familiar voice:
"Not bad! You two little youngsters could sense me."
Qinghe came flying over and stood upright atop the river, looking at the two approvingly as she spoke in praise:
"Although I've only learned the Heavenly Derivation Sect's Concealment to a middling