Inside Eight-Nine Prefecture.
He had been away for a long time, but the scenery remained unchanged.
The quiet courtyard stood empty.
Two men in black stood respectfully outside the main hall.
From a distance, he could already see Mr. Li, dressed in a casual Tang suit, standing calmly before a statue of a god inside the hall.
"Mr. Li."
Just as he always had, Little White Tiger stood respectfully at the doorway and bowed to the man.
"You're here."
Mr. Li smiled gently. "Thank you for making the long journey."
"It was no trouble."
This refined, courteous man was always like this, looking harmless while exuding danger at every turn.
Only after Mr. Li nodded did Little White Tiger enter the hall.
Old Ninth chewed gum, leaning against the doorway.
Xiao Yuan stood meekly at the doorway with her head lowered, looking every bit the demure woman.
The two, each harboring their own schemes, exchanged a seemingly casual glance.
Old Ninth drew his hand slightly sideways in a silencing gesture, and Xiao Yuan hurriedly shook her head.
A strange smile appeared on Mr. Li's lips. "Aren't you coming in, Xiao Jiu?"
"This is your home. I wouldn't dare sit wherever I pleased."
Old Ninth gave a sarcastic smile.
The two men in black frowned. Even a fool could hear that Old Ninth was taking a dig at Mr. Li.
Little White Tiger respected Mr. Li, but Old Ninth was different.
He acknowledged only Little White Tiger.
"Hehe, this is your home. I'm merely a visitor."
Mr. Li took no offense.
The two men, both mentor and friend to one another, sat down face-to-face.
"How did the trip to Kou Island go?"
With a tacit understanding, the two began chatting.
"Fortunately, everything went smoothly. Thank you for all your help, sir."