A gentle breeze stirred, and warmth steamed through the air.
Clear sunlight filled the sky, a scene of radiant morning sunshine that could not help but lift the spirits.
At that moment, more than a dozen young men and women of the Hongguang Xiao Clan were riding together aboard a Flying Vessel aglow with precious light, chatting, laughing, drinking, and making merry in a lively gathering.
The blue-robed youth looked up into the sky, then suddenly smiled faintly, his expression inscrutable.
A tall man wearing an upright ceremonial crown could not help feeling puzzled. He looked him up and down several times and said:
"Xiao Liang, what is it? Has something happened?"
At these words, all the Xiao Clan men and women nearby turned to look.
One youth in a green silk robe, whose features closely resembled Xiao Liang's, even ran over and gently tugged at his sleeve, looking bewildered.
"Wait, I understand. It's because we're nearly at the Xiao Clan grounds, isn't it? Don't worry. Although Xuan Zheng True Person summoned us this time, he never mentioned your name."
The man in the upright ceremonial crown had already been a little drunk.
Now, however, he abruptly sobered considerably, softened his voice, and hastened to reassure him:
"It's all right. Just wait for us aboard the Flying Vessel. We've found a Firefly Mother Shell for Xuan Zheng True Person. It's precisely what he needs, so he's sure to reward us handsomely!
"With that reward, both your cultivation and your younger brother Xiao Jing's can advance another step. If your luck turns and a few more good opportunities like this come along, you might even arrange a fine marriage for Xiao Jing and secure him a legitimate daughter of some minor clan!"
This last teasing remark made everyone aboard the Flying