Zhong Yejing, standing behind Xiao Hua, saw it clearly and could not help growing anxious. Xiao Hua was simply too mysterious. It was not merely the divine abilities he displayed; even his actions in rescuing mortals made Zhong Yejing feel... Xiao Hua was absolutely no ordinary late Foundation Establishment cultivator!
Before long, Xiao Hua followed Zhong Peifu to the front of Zhongling Mountain Villa.
Before them stood a rather grand entrance, several times larger than what Xiao Hua had seen at the Cai Family of Luyang. Like the Cai Family's, it had a vermilion main gate. Above it hung a plaque with an enormous "Zhong" character, its form bizarre and unlike ordinary script, even somewhat resembling oracle bone inscriptions! On either side of the main gate were side entrances. Though they too were vermilion, they were much smaller.
At that moment, the left side entrance stood wide open, with several neatly dressed qi-refining disciples standing there.
"Fellow Daoist Xiao!" Zhong Peifu pointed at the main gate and said with a smile, "Our Zhong Family Head possesses Golden Core cultivation. Therefore, our Zhong Family's main gate is opened by the Family Head only when cultivators of Golden Core cultivation or above come to visit, and honored guests are led in through the main gate. Fellow Daoist Xiao... though you are a Thunder Control Sect disciple, you must still use this side entrance!"
"Mm, it is no matter!" Xiao Hua seemed exceptionally mild-tempered and paid no heed to such worldly formalities, merely nodding slightly.
"Please!" Zhong Peifu extended a hand in invitation, then personally led Xiao Hua through the side entrance.
"Welcome, Senior Xiao, to our Zhong Family!" The several qi-refining disciples bowed together, their ringing voices soaring into the clouds.
"Hehe." Xiao Hua nodded faintly.
"That was good!" Seeing no particular