After hearing this, Xiao Hua felt an inexplicable irritation. He knew perfectly well that Xiao Jian could not possibly call him Master. The Black Bear Spirit regarded himself as the black bear guarding Xiao Hua's cave abode, and thus addressed Xiao Hua as Master in the manner of a servant. But Xiao Jian came from noble birth and had once held the dignity of a sovereign. How could he possibly call Xiao Hua Master? Even if he said nothing, Xiao Hua would never make him address him in any particular way. Yet this kind of hypocritical affectation was precisely what Xiao Hua disliked. The Xiao Hua of old would certainly have smiled and asked Xiao Jian whether he would call him Master if Xiao Hua told him to. But Xiao Hua now disdained such probing. He merely replied blandly, "It is enough that you know! Go wait in the outer residence."
"Yes, Senior!" Xiao Jian was somewhat pleased with himself. He hurriedly turned his head and barked at Yuan Ya beside him, "Ya, quickly go summon the Black Bear Spirit. Senior Xiao has emerged from seclusion—why has he not rushed over to pay his respects?"
"Yes, Master!" Yuan Ya answered as usual and hurried off.
Xiao Jian then waited at the side for a while before carefully leaving and standing by the main hall.
Xiao Hua first put away the jade talisman of the Duotian Star Array. Then he took several medicinal pills and a few jade slips from his space before strolling out at leisure.
The great hall of the cave abode had now begun to take shape. Tables, chairs, and all other furnishings were complete. There were even some fresh green plants around the hall. Though Xiao Hua could not name them, such greenery was already a rare