True Person Ji Yan and the others flushed red, the jade bottles in their hands like burning coals. Yet when he secretly glanced at Hao Yue Jushi's expression, True Person Ji Yan relaxed somewhat, knowing that the Heavenly Alliance was not much stronger than his own side. Old Man Gu Qiong accepted the jade bottle and respectfully bowed. "Since this junior has accepted Senior's pill and such heaven-defying ingenuity, this junior will surely take Senior's wishes as my own and pour out my heart and blood for the stability of Yilin Continent!"
But as he spoke, Old Man Gu Qiong's thoughts shifted, and he added, "Of course, since Senior has revealed himself, from now on both our Dao Alliance and the Heavenly Alliance will follow Senior's lead. This junior..."
"Hehe, this old man is an outsider to this realm, and the other fellow Daoists are as well! We will not remain on Yilin Continent for long, so there is no need for you to consider us!" Xiao Hua understood Old Man Gu Qiong's meaning and waved his hand with a smile. "Put away the pills. Consider them this old man's meeting gifts to you!"
"Yes, many thanks, Senior!" Everyone's hearts settled. With gratitude mingled with regret, they put away the Rejuvenation Pills.
"Senior..." True Person Ji Yan gathered his courage and asked tentatively, "Are you an cultivator from the Lost Land?"
"Haha, there truly are clever people among you!" Xiao Hua laughed loudly. "You have still learned this old man's origins! Come, sit down first, and let us talk..."
As he spoke, Xiao Hua pointed with a raised hand, and more than a dozen jade tables and meditation cushions appeared from thin air. Then, with a sweep of his robe, spirit fruits, spirit wine, and other items appeared as well.