In the Sound Transmission Talisman Elder Liu had sent, he first congratulated the fellow cultivator who had reached Core Formation in Lin Yun's cave abode and asked whether it was Xin Ruoyin. His words hinted at a desire to cooperate and draw her into his fold. Then he changed the subject, asking whether Lin Yun had emerged from seclusion. If he had, Elder Liu would pay him a visit.
Holding the Sound Transmission Talisman, Lin Yun thought for a moment before sending one back, inviting Elder Liu to his cave abode for a chat.
Early the next morning.
After absorbing a strand of Great Sun Purple Qi as usual, Lin Yun sensed a streak of deep-red flight light approaching his cave abode from afar. After a moment's thought, he lifted the restrictions on the entrance.
"He's certainly early," he murmured.
A short while later, the deep-red light landed before the entrance. The red glow faded, revealing Elder Liu.
Smiling, he cupped his hands outside the entrance and said, "Congratulations on emerging from seclusion, Fellow Daoist Lin. I imagine you gained quite a lot this time?"
Lin Yun greeted him with a smile and led him inside. "I did gain something from this seclusion, though it delayed my business with your alliance a little. Please forgive me, Fellow Daoist Liu."
After leading Elder Liu into the main hall and seating him, Lin Yun dismissed Xiao Mei once she had served the Spirit Tea, leaving only the two men in the hall.
Elder Liu took a sip, and his eyes lit up. "Excellent tea! You have wonderful taste, fellow Daoist. Could you spare me a few ounces?"
Lin Yun smiled and nodded, promising to give him half a catty when he left.
Elder Liu thanked him before finally turning to business. First,