Zhai Xingzi had been gone for several months without returning, which was within Xiao Hua's expectations. After all, the two had made their decision on the spur of the moment; whether they were searching for people or objects, neither task would be simple. Yet Xunkong Shangren and Zhang Daoran, whom Xiao Hua had previously sent messages to, had also failed to arrive, leaving Xiao Hua somewhat puzzled.
Xunkong Shangren was understandable. He was not in Jing Province and might have had some distance to travel. But Zhang Daoran was in Jing Province. With his flying speed, it was impossible for him not to appear after so long. Moreover, Xiao Hua calculated that there was still some time before the Bidding Convention Zhang Daoran was organizing. Zhang Daoran would not delay the journey to the forbidden array over matters concerning the Bidding Convention, would he?
Of course, as that thought arose, Xiao Hua's heart gave a thump, and a sense of foreboding crept in. He was not afraid that the two might harbor ulterior motives. After all, their characters had been tested in the Sun Moon Star Three Formations at the Yaotai Gathering, and Xiao Hua could trust them. What he feared was that news of his killing Kong Hongwu, the Star Lord Palace Hall Master, might have leaked without his knowledge.
The Star Lord Palace Hall Master had been slain—this was surely enough to throw Star Lord Palace into utter chaos. Xiao Hua also knew... such a matter would certainly reach the Immortal Palace. Yet he had pondered it for a long time and did not feel that he had left any traces. Especially since he had emerged from the Blazing Sun Great Formation gravely wounded, where would he have found the ability to ambush and kill a fifth-rank upper-stage