"So that was it..." Xiao Hua suddenly understood; it had all been a coincidence. Naturally, he would not inspect Xue Xue's token. Turning to Zhuo, he said, "If that is the case, Master's Wife, then I truly must accompany Xue Xue on this trip!"
"Fine, then... Hongshen, go to Zhen Thunder Palace and ask leave for your senior brother!" Zhuo nodded and instructed Cui Hongshen.
"Yes, I'll go at once!" Cui Hongshen hurriedly rose.
"No need!" Xue Xue said with a smile. "There is no need to trouble Junior Brother Cui. I'll go with Xiao Lang to Zhen Thunder Palace. Once he has arranged his leave, I'll immediately leave the mountain with him!"
"This..." Cui Hongshen said bitterly, "Senior Sister Xue may not know this, but Senior Brother cannot leave Myriad Thunder Valley now!"
"Ah? Why???" Xue Xue was greatly surprised and utterly confused.
"The details... should be explained by Eldest Senior Brother," Cui Hongshen said, naturally unwilling to waste time. "I should head to Zhen Thunder Palace first!"
"Oh, all right!" With her back to Xiao Hua, Xue Xue turned toward Xiangyang. Yet she quietly sent several voice transmissions to Xun Shu, blinking at her.
Xun Shu was clearly stunned, but she instantly returned to normal.
Just as Cui Hongshen reached the entrance of the cave residence, Xun Shu frowned and said softly, "Junior Sister Xue, Master will be preaching at Pure Fragrance Pavilion the day after tomorrow. It would have been one thing if you had not emerged from seclusion, but since you have, must you not attend? You have not asked Master for leave, have you?"
"Oh dear, that's true!" Xue Xue looked caught off guard and said quietly, "I had originally planned to ask for leave at Xun Lei Palace before visiting Master. But when I